Strategic reflections of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition on the future of the speciality in the period 2018-2022

RECALSEEN 2021. Resources and quality in the Endocrinology and Nutrition units of the National Health System of Spain

OBJECTIVES

RECALSEEN project aims to analyze the structure, activity, and outcomes of the departments of endocrinology and nutrition (S-U_EyN) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). Based on the results obtained, the challenges for the specialty are analyzed and proposals for improvement policies are made. In this paper 2021 survey data and activity data from the 2007-2019 from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) are presented.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive study of the S-U_EyN of acute general hospitals of the NHS in 2020. Data were obtained through: 1. an "ad hoc" survey answered by the S-U_EyN' consultants; and 2. analysing the acute general hospital discharges from S-U_EyN and discharges with endocrine-metabolic comorbidities registered in the minimum basis data set (MBDS) of the SNHS.

RESULTS

112 responses from S-U_EyN were obtained from a total of 154 general acute hospitals of the NHS (73%). The 2021 S-U_EyN sample includes 24 more centers than in 2017. 54% of the S-U_EyN were endocrinology departments. The median number of endocrinologists per S-U_EyN was 7. The estimated rate of endocrinologists was 2.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. S-U_EyN showed a high level of collaboration with primary care teams and other hospital units. Use of telemedicine by S-U_EyN experienced a high increase in 2020. Notable differences in resources and activity have been found between hospitals and Autonomous Communities. There was a wide margin for improvement in quality management.

CONCLUSIONS

RECALSEEN is a useful project for the analysis of S-U_EyN. The remarkable variability found in the indicators of structure, activity and management probably indicates a wide margin for improvement.

How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the training of Endocrinology and Nutrition Residents. Results of a survey by the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition

Introduction

Material and methods

Results

Conclusions

Health care activity at the endocrinology and nutrition outpatient clinics of Castilla-La Mancha (the AACENCAM study)

INTRODUCTION

This study was promoted by Sociedad Castellano Manchega de Endocrinología, Nutrición y Diabetes to ascertain the characteristics of patients seen at the outpatient clinics of endocrinology and nutrition of the Castilla-La Mancha Health Authority and the case mix of diagnoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of the activity of the endocrinology and nutrition outpatient clinics of public hospitals of Castile-La Mancha during 2018. All visits made on 10% of the working days were analyzed. Data collected comprised patient age and sex, whether a first or subsequent had been made, and whether this was face-to-face or not, and up to five diagnoses per visit.

RESULTS

A total of 10,709 visits with a subsequent/first visit ratio of 3.4 were analyzed. Patient age was 52.1?±?18.2 years, and 67.1% were women. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, primary hypothyroidism, thyroid nodular disease, and obesity/overweight were the most common conditions recorded as first diagnosis, accounting for more than half of the total number of visits. Type 1 diabetes mellitus and thyroid cancer were the diagnoses in which the subsequent/first visit ratio was greater. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and primary hypothyroidism accounted for almost half of the first visits.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide variety of conditions were seen, some of which are among the most prevalent in the general population, while others are not so prevalent, but are complex and difficult to manage by other specialties. Improved knowledge and analysis of the data should allow for the identification of opportunities for improvement and for the implementation of specific actions.

[How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the training of endocrinology and nutrition residents. Results of a survey by the spanish society of endocrinology and nutrition]

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 disease has become a priority for our healthcare system. The resident physicians training in endocrinology and nutrition (E&N residents) have been integrated into the COVID-19 teams. This study has been designed with the aim of analysing the educational, occupational and health impact on E&N residents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study via a web survey, aimed at E&N residents who are members of the SEEN, carried out in November 2020. The following data were analysed: demographic variables, number of beds in the training hospital, alteration of rotations, integration in COVID-19 teams, participation in telemedicine, scientific activity and impact on physical and emotional health.

RESULTS

87 responses were obtained (27% of all E&N residents), 67.8% women, 28.1 ± 1.8 years, 60% 4th year E&N residents. 84% participated in COVID-19 teams and 93% in the telemedicine consultations of their service. Most have had their rotations interrupted. 97.7% have participated in scientific meetings or virtual congresses and a third of them have collaborated in scientific work on COVID-19 in relation to endocrinology and nutrition. Overall, 75.8% think the pandemic has affected their mood a lot or quite a lot, and 73.8% think that the pandemic has negatively impacted their training.

CONCLUSIONS

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has compromised the training, work activity and health of E&N residents. They have been integrated both in COVID-19 teams and in the restructured activity of their departments. However, they have managed to continue their training in virtual format and have participated in scientific work.