Care Setting In Brazil Research Articles

Physical therapy care to community-dwelling individuals with stroke in primary care setting in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO Após a alta hospitalar, recomenda-se que pacientes pós-AVC sejam acompanhados por um fisioterapeuta durante toda a recuperação. Apesar das recomendações clínicas, poucos estudos investigaram os cuidados fisioterapêuticos a indivíduos pós-AVC residindo na comunidade. O estudo objetivou descrever os cuidados fisioterapêuticos prestados a indivíduos que sofreram AVC residentes na comunidade em contexto de atenção primária e identificar as características clínico-funcionais e sociodemográficas que determinam a assistência de fisioterapia. Este é um estudo transversal exploratório. Foram incluídos pacientes pós-AVC, residentes na comunidade e que foram atendidos pela equipe multidisciplinar de quatro unidades de atenção primária à saúde de uma importante metrópole brasileira. Os prontuários foram analisados para identificar os cuidados prestados pelos fisioterapeutas. Os indivíduos que receberam e não receberam cuidados fisioterapêuticos foram comparados (α=0,05). Dos 100 indivíduos incluídos, 55% receberam assistência de profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar e 44% foram atendidos por fisioterapeutas. As abordagens de fisioterapia consistiram principalmente em instruções (89%) e avaliações (75%). Apenas 45% dos indivíduos que receberam cuidados fisioterapêuticos foram acompanhados, e aqueles que receberam esses cuidados apresentaram um número significativamente maior de eventos de AVC e níveis mais altos de incapacidade (p<0,001). Observou-se que muitas pessoas com diferentes níveis de incapacidade não receberam assistência fisioterapêutica. Além disso, o acompanhamento e os encaminhamentos não foram frequentes nas práticas fisioterapêuticas. Portanto, os cuidados fisioterapêuticos na atenção primária precisam ser ampliados para garantir que todos os indivíduos com algum nível de incapacidade recebam tratamento. Ademais, é preciso aumentar o número de indivíduos que recebem acompanhamento e incentivar o trabalho multidisciplinar entre fisioterapeutas e outros profissionais da área de saúde.

Family vulnerability scale: Evidence of content and internal structure validity.

Territory view based on families' vulnerability strata allows identifying different health needs that can guide healthcare at primary care scope. Despite the availability of tools designed to measure family vulnerability, there is still a need for substantial validity evidence, which limits the use of these tools in a country showing multiple socioeconomic and cultural realities, such as Brazil. The primary objective of this study is to develop and gather evidence on the validity of the Family Vulnerability Scale for Brazil, commonly referred to as EVFAM-BR (in Portuguese). Items were generated through exploratory qualitative study carried out by 123 health care professionals. The data collected supported the creation of 92 initial items, which were then evaluated by a panel of multi-regional and multi-disciplinary experts (n = 73) to calculate the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). This evaluation process resulted in a refined version of the scale, consisting of 38 items. Next, the scale was applied to 1,255 individuals to test the internal-structure validity by using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Dimensionality was evaluated using Robust Parallel Analysis, and the model underwent cross-validation to determine the final version of EVFAM-BR. This final version consists of 14 items that are categorized into four dimensions, accounting for an explained variance of 79.02%. All indicators were within adequate and satisfactory limits, without any cross-loading or Heywood Case issues. Reliability indices also reached adequate levels (α = 0.71; ω = 0.70; glb = 0.83 and ORION ranging from 0.80 to 0.93, between domains). The instrument scores underwent a normalization process, revealing three distinct vulnerability strata: low (0 to 4), moderate (5 to 6), and high (7 to 14). The scale exhibited satisfactory validity evidence, demonstrating consistency, reliability, and robustness. It resulted in a concise instrument that effectively measures and distinguishes levels of family vulnerability within the primary care setting in Brazil.

Correlation between Generic and Disease-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaires in Patients with Venous Ulcerations: A Cross-Sectional Study Carried out in a Primary Health Care Setting in Brazil.

Venous Ulcers (VU) are a serious health problem that affect the Quality of Life (QoL). They are evaluated by many different scales in the literature. We aimed to analyze the correlation between the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health QoL (SF-36) and Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ) scales. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a Brazilian center specializing in chronic VU of the Primary Health Care (PHC) provided to patients with active VU. The general QoL instrument SF-36 and the CCVUQ, specific for people with VU, were used. Spearman's Rho Test determined the correlation between the variables analyzed. Our sample had a total of 150 patients. We found a direct correlation between the domestic activities division (CCVUQ) aspect and the SF-36 Physical role functioning (strong), and Physical functioning (moderate) domains. The Social interaction division (CCVUQ) aspect presented moderate correlation with the domains of the SF-36 Physical role functioning and Physical functioning. The Vitality domain (SF-36) showed moderate correlation with the aspects of CCVUQ Cosmesis division and Emotional status division. The greatest forces of direct correlation were observed between the physical, functional and vitality aspects of SF-36 with those represented by domestic activities and social interaction in the CCVUQ.

Distal Symmetric and Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathies in Brazilian Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Followed in a Primary Health Care Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The paucity of epidemiological data regarding diabetes complications in Brazil motivated us to evaluate the prevalence rates of distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) and of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) followed in a primary care unit. A total of 551 individuals (59.3% women, 65 years old; diabetes duration of 10 years; HbA1c of 7.2%, medians) were included in this cross-sectional study. DSP was diagnosed by sum of the Neuropathy Symptoms Score (NSS) and Modified Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) and by the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament. CAN was diagnosed by cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests combined with spectral analysis of heart rate variability. The prevalence rates of DSP were 6.3% and 14.3%, as evaluated by the sum of NSS and NDS and by the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament, respectively. Those with DSP diagnosed by monofilament presented longer diabetes duration, worse glycemic control and a higher stature. The prevalence rates of incipient and definitive CAN were 12.5% and 10%, respectively. Individuals with definitive CAN presented a higher frequency of hypercholesterolemia and of arterial hypertension. The higher prevalence rate of DSP with the use of the monofilament suggests that it may be a more appropriate tool to diagnose DSP in the primary care setting in Brazil.

Impact of multidimensional interventions on quality of life and depression among older adults in a primary care setting in Brazil: a quasi-experimental study

Objective:To evaluate the impact of multidimensional interventions on quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms in Brazilian older adults living in the community.Methods:Longitudinal, quasi-experimental study of older adults receiving conventional primary health care (PHC). The interventions were designed in response to a first round of data collection and validated through pilot testing in groups of older adults from another community. The validated interventions were then applied to an intervention group (IG). To measure their effect, we used the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30).Results:The sample comprised 118 participants. IG participants exhibited significant improvement in several QoL domains (SF-36): mental health (p = 0.010), general health perceptions (p = 0.016), and physical functioning (p = 0.045). No such improvement occurred in controls (p > 0.050). The prevalence of depression (GDS-30) fell from 36.7 to 23.3% in the IG, despite no significant difference (p = 0.272). Controls also reported a reduction in depressive symptoms, but only from 44.8 to 41.4% (p = 0.112).Conclusions:This multidimensional intervention was associated with significant improvement in mental health, general health perceptions, and physical functioning in a sample of Brazilian older adults.Clinical trial registration:RBR-92dbtx

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and stroke risk assessment based on telemedicine screening tools in a primary healthcare setting

BackgroundWorldwide atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence varies between 0.1% and 4.0%, and has been increasing. Little is known about the prevalence of AF in Brazil. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of AF in several regions of Brazil using recordings of long-distance electrocardiogram (ECG) transmission. MethodsPatients from 125 outpatient general practitioner units covered by the telemedicine service of the Federal University of São Paulo were included. Only one ECG was considered per patient. A scripted telephone interview was also performed. We analyzed the data to project the prevalence of AF in the Brazilian population and estimate it for the year 2025. The overall AF prevalence was calculated based on ECGs from primary care units where patients went for routine visits. ResultsBased on 676,621 ECG exams from January 2009 through April 2016, the mean age (±SD) of patients was 51.38 (±19.05) years, with 57.5% being female. The 7-year period prevalence of AF was 2.2% (n = 14,968). The prevalence of AF countrywide was projected to be 1.5% in 2016 and 1.7% in 2025. In the subset of patients with AF who were interviewed (n = 301), 91 (30.2%) were not receiving any type of treatment for rate or rhythm control. Among patients interviewed, 189 (62.8%) were at high risk for stroke; only 28 (14.8%) were regular oral anticoagulant users. ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of screening for AF in the primary care setting in Brazil and identifies important gaps in the treatment of AF in this population.

MON-296 THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THERAPEUTIC GOALS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS AS A STRATEGY FOR PREVENTING DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY IN PRIMARY CARE SETTING

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the world, and diabetic nephropathy affects approximately 35% of patients with type 2 DM. Adherence to treatment and achievement of therapeutic goals is essential to prevent diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to assess the level of therapeutic goals achievement among type 2 DM patients followed in primary care setting in Brazil.

1306-P: Cost Effectiveness of Point-of-Care HbA1c in Primary Care Setting in Brazil

Background: Point-of-care (POC) devices allow to assess HbA1c results in a single visit and facilitates the physicians’ decision making for DM control. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of POC in comparison to standard laboratory (HPLC method) for HbA1c testing in Brazilian primary care. Methods: A Markov model was developed in a 10-year time horizon for the perspective of the public health system. Effectiveness was assessed by the rate of HbA1c control after 6-months follow-up. Data were obtained from an ongoing cohort. Controlled and uncontrolled subjects were included in transition states for negative outcomes (cardiovascular diseases and complications). Probabilities and costs of transition states were extracted from a literature review. Results: Estimated annual cost for patients monitored by HPLC was U.S. $4,884.92 (SD 629.46) for an effectiveness of 0.39. For those monitored by POC, cost and effectiveness were U.S. $5,960.64 (SD 2,514.00) and 0.91, respectively. The evolution of the net monetary benefit is presented in the chart below. Conclusions: HbA1c tested by POC appears to be cost-effective in comparison with laboratory testing to improve glycemic control and prevent DM-related cardiovascular diseases and complications. Disclosure D.S. Medeiros: None. L.S. Rosa: None. S. Mistro: None. C.N. Kochergin: None. D.A. Soares: None. K.O. Silva: None. J.A. Louzado: None. M.L. Cortes: None. V.M. Bezerra: None. W.W. Amorim: None. M.G. Oliveira: None. Funding Medtronic Foundation

Development and Evaluation of a Mobile Decision Support System for Hypertension Management in the Primary Care Setting in Brazil: Mixed-Methods Field Study on Usability, Feasibility, and Utility.

BackgroundDespite being an important cardiovascular risk factor, hypertension has low control levels worldwide. Computerized clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) might be effective in reducing blood pressure with a potential impact in reducing cardiovascular risk.ObjectiveThe goal of the research was to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and utility of a CDSS, TeleHAS (tele–hipertensão arterial sistêmica, or arterial hypertension system), in the care of patients with hypertension in the context of a primary care setting in a middle-income country.MethodsThe TeleHAS app consists of a platform integrating clinical and laboratory data on a particular patient, from which it performs cardiovascular risk calculation and provides evidence-based recommendations derived from Brazilian and international guidelines for the management of hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Ten family physicians from different primary care units in the city of Montes Claros, Brazil, were randomly selected to use the CDSS for the care of hypertensive patients for 6 months. After 3 and 6 months, the feasibility, usability, and utility of the CDSS in the routine care of the health team was evaluated through a standardized questionnaire and semistructured interviews.ResultsThroughout the study, clinicians registered 535 patients with hypertension, at an average of 1.24 consultations per patient. Women accounted for 80% (8/10) of participant doctors, median age was 31.5 years (interquartile range 27 to 59 years). As for feasibility, 100% of medical users claimed it was possible to use the app in the primary care setting, and for 80% (8/10) of them it was easy to incorporate its use into the daily routine and home visits. Nevertheless, 70% (7/10) of physicians claimed that the time taken to fill out the CDSS causes significant delays in service. Clinicians evaluated TeleHAS as good (8/10, 80% of users), with easy completion and friendly interface (10/10, 100%) and the potential to improve patients’ treatment (10/10, 100%). A total of 90% (9/10) of physicians had access to new knowledge about cardiovascular risk and hypertension through the app recommendations and found it useful to promote prevention and optimize treatment.ConclusionsIn this study, a CDSS developed to assist the management of patients with hypertension was feasible in the context of a primary health care setting in a middle-income country, with good user satisfaction and the potential to improve adherence to evidence-based practices.

Evaluation, intervention, and follow-up of patients with diabetes in a primary health care setting in Brazil: the importance of a specialized mobile consultancy.

BackgroundStudies show that educational interventions improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), reducing the occurrence of complications associated with the disease.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a mobile DM consultancy on clinical and laboratory parameters, disease knowledge, and quality of life in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) at a primary health care network in Brazil.MethodsRandomized clinical trial conducted in a city in southern Brazil with 52 patients with T2DM receiving care at a primary health care setting. The intervention lasted for 6 months and consisted of a follow-up with an endocrinologist (five meetings), treatment adjustment based on clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, and educational activities with conversation maps in DM. The statistical analysis included comparison and association tests, considering p values ≤0.05 as statistically significant.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 63.8 years. Most participants were female (63.5 %), had low educational level (59.6 %) and family history of T2DM (71.2 %), used only oral hypoglycemic agents to manage their DM (73.2 %), presented unfavorable anthropometric and laboratory parameters, a high or medium risk of complications (84.6 %), and inadequate glycemic control (67.3 %; with 71 % of the high-risk patients presenting a HbA1c level >9 %). Adjustment in pharmacological treatment was required in 63.5 % of the patients. After the intervention, we observed a significant 0.46 % decrease in mean HbA1c level (p = 0.0218), particularly among individuals with inadequate glycemic control (0.71 %; p = 0.0136). Additionally, there was an increase in disease knowledge scores and a significant decrease in mean body mass index, waist circumference, and disease impact scores.ConclusionThe intervention improved glycemic control and disease knowledge, reduced the values of body mass index and waist circumference, and the impact of the disease on patients’ lives. This indicates that care and educational measures improve the experience of the patients with DM and control of the disease.

Sponsored multicentric clinical research conducted in Brazil in the respiratory area - losses and gains

To evaluate the sponsored centers for clinical trial in the respiratory care setting in Brazil: profile; logistics and structure. Principal investigators (29) and subinvestigators (30) of 39 research centers completed the questionnaires that addressed personal identification and training of researchers, the centers' facilities and advantages and/or disadvantages of performing sponsored trials. 75.6% of the centers were located in southern and southeastern Brazil. Most principal investigators were men with a mean age of 53.4 years. The clinical trials in the respiratory care setting focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonar disease (COPD). 80% of the researchers cited delay of the Conep and Anvisa as a barrier to performing research. The advantages of participating in clinical trials were updating knowledge of the researcher and the team, and additional income for the team. The main disadvantages mentioned by the researchers included low financial compensation for the performed workload, and time availability. The median number of professionals per research center was six people, predominantly physicians. The number of research centers in the respiratory care setting in Brazil is still relatively small. The teams have good training for performing the clinical trials. Asthma and COPD are the most studied diseases in sponsored clinical trials. The main barrier is delay by the Conep and Anvisa. The factors that lead investigators to participate range from being updated along with the team, to site and staff financial issues; the main disadvantage is the low compensation for the required workload demand.

Risk factors for foot ulcers—A cross sectional survey from a primary care setting in Brazil

AimsTo identify the prevalence of higher risk of foot ulceration and associated factors among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) at primary health care services. MethodsIndividuals with DM, registered at primary health care services in a municipality in southern Brazil, were interviewed and underwent foot examinations. Their risk of ulceration was classified in accordance with the recommendations of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. Poisson bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. ResultsThe prevalence of higher risk of foot ulceration among the 337 interviewees was 27.9% (95% CI 23.1–32.9). The following factors were associated with this risk: having been diagnosed with DM for more than 10 years (Adjusted-PR 1.669; 95% CI 1.175–2.373; p=0.004); having had previous diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction (Adjusted-PR 1.873; 95% CI 1.330–2.638; p<0.001) and stroke (Adjusted-PR 1.684; 95% CI 1.089–2.604; p=0.019); presenting interdigital mycosis (Adjusted-PR 1.539; 95% CI 1.030–2.300; p=0.035) and calluses (Adjusted-PR 1.654; 95% CI 1.117–2.451; p=0.012). ConclusionsThe prevalence of higher risk of ulceration was high, which reinforces the importance of continued education for health care professionals in order to prevent complications in the feet of these patients.

Continuous electroencephalography in the medico-surgical intensive care setting in Brazil: initial experience after 4 months of implementation

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence, risk factors and impact on outcome of electrographic seizures (ESz), nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), and periodic epileptiform discharges (PEDs) in critically ill patients admitted to two mixed medico-surgical ICUs.

Long-Term Pharmacotherapy for Obesity in Elderly Patients

Obesity is a serious chronic disease and the prevalence of this condition is increasing among the elderly. Although the benefits of weight loss to improve control of associated diseases are well known in young adults, they are not in older patients. The use of anti-obesity drugs to promote weight loss is widespread in Brazil and other countries, and obesity specialists frequently prescribe medicines in doses and for durations previously unreported in the literature. Sibutramine, orlistat and amfepramone (diethylpropion) have been evaluated in clinical trials of more than 2 years' duration in adults, demonstrating safety and efficacy, but long-term studies in obesity treatment are absent for other drugs. The efficacy and safety of obesity pharmacotherapy among the elderly is unknown. To describe the experience of obesity pharmacotherapy in the elderly in a specialized obesity care setting in Brazil, with a focus on efficacy and safety. A retrospective evaluation was conducted on medical charts from an outpatient clinic of a specialized tertiary centre for the treatment of obesity. We included patients who had had at least one consultation between January and December 2007, were aged > or =60 years at the beginning of the treatment, had had at least 6 months of follow-up and had received a prescription of at least one potential weight-loss drug. Diagnoses reported on medical records were documented. Age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were recorded at admission, after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and at the last available visit. The medicines prescribed, together with the dose, duration of use, adverse effects and reasons for discontinuation, were documented. The group consisted of 44 women (86%) and 7 men (14%), with a mean +/- SD age of 65.2 +/- 4.5 years, weight of 95.3 +/- 12.5 kg and BMI of 38.5 +/- 4.3 kg/m2. The mean +/- SD time of follow-up was 39.3 +/- 26.4 months, and the mean weight loss was 6.65 kg (p < 0.01). After the first 6 months, the mean +/- SD weight loss was 5.7 +/- 3.8 kg (p < 0.0001). A smaller weight loss was seen between the 6th and 12th months, with no statistically significant change in weight thereafter. A weight loss of > or =5% was achieved by 64.71%, 63.64%, 62.16% and 69.70% in the 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th months, respectively, and a weight loss of > or =10% was achieved by 17.65%, 34.09%, 32.43% and 39.39% in the 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th months, respectively. The medicines prescribed were sibutramine, orlistat, fluoxetine, sertraline, topiramate, fenproporex, mazindol and amfepramone, alone or in combinations, concomitantly or sequentially. The reasons for discontinuation were lack of response (n = 13), loss of response (development of tolerance) [n = 11], lack of adherence (n = 14) and adverse effects (n = 14). One episode of atrial flutter occurred in a patient taking fenproporex. The weight-loss medications were generally well tolerated, and only transient adverse events were reported. Long-term pharmacotherapy for obesity was effective and well tolerated by this group of elderly patients.

General practitioners attitudes towards depression: a study in primary care setting in Brazil.

A self-report instrument comprising twenty visual analogue scale statements about attitudes towards depression was sent to all 110 general practitioners working in primary health care centres in the city of Campinas, Brazil. The statements of the Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ) cover three main areas: nature of depression, treatment preferences and professional reactions regarding depressed patients. Seventy-eight (71%) doctors returned the questionnaire. Forty-two percent of the doctors believe "it is difficult to differentiate whether patients are presenting with unhappiness or a clinical depressive disorder that needs treatment". Sixty-three percent believe that "antidepressants usually produce a satisfactory result in the treatment of depressed patients in general practice". However, most doctors would refer patients in need of anti-depressants (66%) or psychotherapy (60%) to a specialist. They also view the treatment of depression as "heavy going" (46%) and "unrewarding" (57%). These findings suggest a need for further education of general practitioners on the nature, diagnosis and management of depressive disorders.

Detection of psychiatric morbidity in the primary medical care setting in Brazil

The aims of this study were a) to assess the ability of primary care doctors to make accurate ratings of psychiatric disturbance and b) to evaluate the use of a case-finding questionnaire in the detection of psychiatric morbidity. The estudy took place in three primary care clinics in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, during a six-month survey. A time sample of consecutive adult attenders were asked to complete a case-finding questionnaire for psychiatric disorders (the Self Report Questionnaire - SRQ) and a subsample were selected for a semi-structured psychiatric interview (the Clinical Interview Schedule - CIS). At the end of the consultation the primary care doctors were asked to assess, in a standardized way, the presence or absence of psychiatric disorder; these assessments were then compared with that ratings obtained in the psychiatric interview. A considerable proportion of minor psychiatric morbidity remained undetected by the three primary care doctors: the hidden morbidity ranged from 22% to 79%. When these were compared to those of the case-finding questionnaire, they were consistently lower, indicating that the use of these instruments can enhance the recognition of psychiatric disorders in primary care settings. Four strategies for adopting the questionnaire are described, and some of the clinical consequences of its use are discussed.