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Romo-Miguel P, Ballesteros-Peña S. Ultrasound-guided puncture vs conventional technique for arterial blood gas analysis sampling in adults: A systematic review. Enferm Intensiva (Engl Ed) 2024:S2529-9840(23)00071-X. [PMID: 38453623 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfie.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
AIM To compare the efficacy of conventional puncture versus ultrasound-guided puncture for arterial blood gas sampling in adults. METHOD A search protocol was developed and applied to three databases (Medline, Cochrane, and Dialnet). Clinical trials published between January 2013 and January 2023, in Spanish or English, were considered. Outcomes in terms of first-attempt success, number of attempts until success, time taken, self-reported iatrogenic pain, and patient or professional experience were collected. The risk of bias for each included study was assessed. RESULTS Five randomized clinical trials were selected, with sample sizes ranging from 50 to 238 adult patients treated in emergency settings. Three out of four studies showed higher first-attempt success rates when using ultrasound, and 2 out of 4 studies reported a decrease in iatrogenic pain. Discrepant findings were observed among the studies in terms of time taken and the number of attempts required for success. CONCLUSIONS Although current evidence is limited and the findings are heterogeneous, ultrasound-guided arterial puncture may have advantages over conventional puncture in terms of first-attempt success and in reducing iatrogenic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Romo-Miguel
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Osakidetza, Hospital de Galdakao-Usansolo, Galdakao, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - S Ballesteros-Peña
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain; Dirección de Enfermería, Osakidetza, Hospital Santa Marina, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain.
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Fernández-Aedo I, Vallejo de la Hoz G. [Differences between Spain's autonomous communities in the availability of semi-automatic external defibrillators outside the healthcare setting]. J Healthc Qual Res 2023; 38:294-298. [PMID: 36906492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early defibrillation is one of the interventions that can most influence the prognosis of cardiac arrest. The objectives of this study were to determine the number of automatic external defibrillators outside the healthcare setting in each autonomous community in Spain and to compare the legislation of each autonomous community on the mandatory installation of defibrillators outside the healthcare setting. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between December 2021 and January 2022 by consulting official data in the 17 Spanish autonomous communities. RESULTS Complete data on the number of registered defibrillators were obtained from 15 autonomous communities. The number of defibrillators ranged from 35 to 126 per 100,000 inhabitants. At the global level, differences were observed between communities with mandatory defibrillator installation and those without (92.1 vs. 57.8 defibrillators/100,000 inhabitants). CONCLUSIONS There is heterogeneity in the provision of defibrillators outside the health care setting, which seems to be related to the diversity of legislation on the mandatory installation of defibrillators.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ballesteros-Peña
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, España; Osakidetza, Hospital Santa Marina, Bilbao, España; Universidad del País Vasco / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Bizkaia, España.
| | - I Fernández-Aedo
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, España; Universidad del País Vasco / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Bizkaia, España
| | - G Vallejo de la Hoz
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, España; Osakidetza. Organización Sanitaria Integrada de Barrualde-Galdakao, Galdakao, Bizkaia, España
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Fernández-Aedo I, Vallejo-De la Hoz G, Tønnesen J, Miguelez C. Identification of potentially irritating intravenous medications. Enferm Intensiva (Engl Ed) 2022; 33:132-140. [PMID: 35941074 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfie.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To identify commonly used intravenous drugs that may produce endothelial damage. METHODS An experimental research study was performed using a sample of 62 intravenous drugs commonly used in emergency care, pH and osmolarity were measured. Subsequently, based on these values, the theoretical capacity to cause irritation or endovascular damage was determined and classified as high, moderate, and low. RESULTS Samples from 19 drugs for fluid therapy, 21 antibiotics and 22 drugs for intravenous use were studied. Glucose solutions, sodium bicarbonate 1M and mannitol 10% showed a high capacity to cause venous irritation. Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, amiodarone, haloperidol, and labetalol solution presented a high capacity for irritation based on their acidic pH. The antibiotics, dexketoprofen, diazepam, digoxin, etomidate, phenytoin, levetiracetam and metamizole also showed high osmotic values in their reconstituted or undiluted presentations. Moreover, osmolarity of diazepam, digoxin and phenytoin remained high despite being diluted in 100 ml of saline. CONCLUSIONS Knowing the pH and osmolarity of intravenous drugs allows their capacity to cause endothelial damage to be assessed. The use of comprehensive tables based on the chemical properties of the drugs can be a useful tool to help prevent chemically-induced phlebitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ballesteros-Peña
- Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - I Fernández-Aedo
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - G Vallejo-De la Hoz
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Barrualde-Galdakao, Galdakao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - J Tønnesen
- Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - C Miguelez
- Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Vallejo-de la Hoz G, Fernández-Aedo I, Etayo-Sancho A, Berasaluze-Sanz L, Domínguez-García J. Rescuers' characteristics associated with the correct chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Enferm Intensiva (Engl Ed) 2022; 33:126-131. [PMID: 35934626 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfie.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM To analyse the caregivers' physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS An observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR = 3.03; 95% CI 1.2-7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI .87-.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI .89-.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil. CONCLUSIONS The caregiver's previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional's height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ballesteros-Peña
- Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain.
| | - G Vallejo-de la Hoz
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain; Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Barrualde-Galdakao, Galdakao, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - I Fernández-Aedo
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - A Etayo-Sancho
- Red de Transporte Sanitario Urgente de Bizkaia, Urduliz, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - L Berasaluze-Sanz
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain; Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Barrualde-Galdakao, Galdakao, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - J Domínguez-García
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain; Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Ezkerraldea-Enkarterri-Cruces, Barakaldo, izcaya, Spain
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Unanue-Arza S, Juaristi MN. [Unnecessary peripheral venous catheters in ambulatory emergency care]. An Sist Sanit Navar 2022; 45:e0998. [PMID: 35781469 PMCID: PMC10123453 DOI: 10.23938/assn.0998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of unnecessary peripheral venous catheter (PVC) cannulation in adult patients attended in Ambulatory Emergency Care, and to analyse potential associated factors. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital for two consecutive months. The proportion of canulated and unused PVC was calculated and related to patient variables. A PVC was cannulated in 701 patients. In 103 cases (14.7%; 95%CI: 12.1-17.3) the catheter was not used, and the patients were discharged directly home. Age over 64 was associated with a higher proportion of unsuitability (19.3% vs. 10.8%; p=0.002). There seems to be a certain proportion of catheters cannulated unnecessarily in Ambulatory Emergency Care, which would justify the implementation of good practice programmes in the assessment and selection of vascular accesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Unanue-Arza
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute. Barakaldo. España.
| | - M N Juaristi
- Osakidetza. Hospital de Basurto. Bilbao. España..
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Fernández-Aedo I, Vallejo-De la Hoz G, Tønnesen J, Miguelez C. Identificación de medicamentos intravenosos potencialmente irritantes. Enfermería Intensiva 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enfi.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Jiménez-Mercado ME. Epidemiological characteristics and factors associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended by bystanders before ambulance arrival. An Sist Sanit Navar 2021; 44:177-184. [PMID: 34142987 PMCID: PMC10019545 DOI: 10.23938/assn.0944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests based on whether patients received bystander resuscitation before ambulance arrival, and to describe the factors associated with resuscita-tion attempts by bystanders. METHODS A retrospective observational study was performed. Clinical data from cardiac arrest patients in the Basque Country (Spain) were collected over a period of five years. Epidemiological characteristics compared resuscitation started by bystanders with resuscitation carried out by ambulance caregivers. The relation between no resuscitation started by bystander and different exposure factors was explored by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS We analyzed 3,278 cardiac arrests. Of them, 61.9?% were not attended by bystanders and this was associated with the absence of instructions from Emergency Centre (OR: 6.25, 95%CI: 5.15-7.58, p?<?0.001), home location (OR: 2.94, 95%CI: 2.48-3.48, p?<?0.001), unwitnessed cardiac arrest (OR: 1.56, 95%CI 1.28-1.89, p?<?0.001), victims of 65 years or older (OR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.26-1.74, p?<?0.001) and suburban locations (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.04-1.62, p?=?0.023). CONCLUSION There are differences in cardiac arrests depending on whether they have been resuscitated by bystanders. These characteristics may influence the bystander's decision to initiate resuscitation maneuvers (or not) and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ballesteros-Peña
- Osakidetza. Organización Sanitaria Integrada Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao. España.
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Vallejo-de la Hoz G, Fernández-Aedo I, Etayo-Sancho A, Berasaluze-Sanz L, Domínguez-García J. Rescuers' characteristics associated with the correct chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Enferm Intensiva (Engl Ed) 2021; 33:S1130-2399(21)00082-1. [PMID: 34419348 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfi.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To analyse the caregivers' physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS An observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR: 3.03; CI 95%: 1.2-7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI: .87-.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI: .89-.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil. CONCLUSIONS The caregiver's previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional's height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ballesteros-Peña
- Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Vizcaya, España; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, España; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Vizcaya, España.
| | - G Vallejo-de la Hoz
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, España; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Vizcaya, España; Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Barrualde-Galdakao, Galdakao, Vizcaya, España
| | - I Fernández-Aedo
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, España; Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Vizcaya, España
| | - A Etayo-Sancho
- Red de Transporte Sanitario Urgente de Bizkaia, Urduliz, Vizcaya, España
| | - L Berasaluze-Sanz
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, España; Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Barrualde-Galdakao, Galdakao, Vizcaya, España
| | - J Domínguez-García
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, España; Osakidetza, Organización Sanitaria Integrada Ezkerraldea-Enkarterri-Cruces, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, España
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Tribis-Arrospe B, Ballesteros-Peña S, Abecia Inchaurregui LC, Egea-Santaolalla C, Guerra-Martin L, Álvarez Ruiz de Larrinaga A. Sleep quality and adaptation to shift-work among ambulance staff in the Basque Country. An Sist Sanit Navar 2020; 43:189-202. [PMID: 32814924 DOI: 10.23938/assn.0871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Tribis-Arrospe
- Departamento de Salud Pública. Universidad del País Vasco. Leioa (Bizkaia). España. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Biocruces Bizkaia. Barakaldo (Bizkaia). España..
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Fernández-Aedo I, Vallejo-De la Hoz G, Etayo-Sancho A, Alonso-Pinillos A. [Analysis of dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions to laypersons in an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest]. An Sist Sanit Navar 2020; 43:203-207. [PMID: 32814922 DOI: 10.23938/assn.0873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Randomized simulation trial to analyze dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions provided from the emergency call center in an out-of-hospital heart arrest assisted by lay persons. An analysis of the telephone instructions was performed using a 14-item checklist by two external researchers. Simulations lasted nine minutes. Twenty-one volunteers were enrolled. All of them started resuscitation maneuvers. Telephone instructions were verbalized in very heterogeneous ways. Half of the indicators exceeded 90% compliance. Frequently the recommendation of push hard and fast on the patient's chest was omitted and the dispatcher tended to mark a slower compression rate. The average time from the call to the start of the resuscitation was 3 min 33 s (SD: 1 min 7 s). The telephone instructions were verbalized in a very heterogeneous way. It is necessary to standardize and provide training in how to guide a dispatcher-assisted resuscitation.
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de la Fuente-Sancho I, Romeu-Bordas Ó, Fernández-Aedo I, Vallejo De la Hoz G, Ballesteros-Peña S. Contaminación microbiológica en humidificadores de sistemas de oxigenoterapia de alto y bajo flujo: una revisión sistemática. Med Intensiva 2019; 43:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ballesteros-Peña S, Fernández-Aedo I, Pérez-Urdiales I, García-Azpiazu Z, Unanue-Arza S. [Knowledge and attitudes of citizens in the Basque Country (Spain) towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillators]. Med Intensiva 2015; 40:75-83. [PMID: 26645945 DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the training, ability and attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automatic defibrillators among the population of the Basque Country (Spain). DESIGN A face-to-face survey. SCOPE Capital cities of the Basque Country. PARTICIPANTS A total of 605 people between 15-64 years of age were randomly selected. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST Information about the knowledge, perceptions and self-perceived ability to identify and assist cardiopulmonary arrest was requested. RESULTS A total of 56.4% of the responders were women, 61.8% were occupationally active, and 48.3% had higher education. Thirty-seven percent of the responders claimed to be trained in resuscitation techniques, but only 20.2% considered themselves able to apply such techniques. Public servants were almost 4 times more likely of being trained in defibrillation compared to the rest of workers (OR 3.7; P<.001), while people with elementary studies or no studies were almost 3 times more likely of not being trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in comparison with the rest (OR 2.7; P=.001). A total of 94.7% of the responders considered it "quite or very important" for the general population to be able to apply resuscitation, though 55% considered themselves unable to identify an eye witnessed cardiac arrest, and 40.3% would not recognize a public-access defibrillator. CONCLUSIONS Citizens of the Basque Country consider the early identification and treatment of cardiorespiratory arrest victims to be important, though their knowledge in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ballesteros-Peña
- Departamento de Enfermería I, Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Vizcaya, España; Servicio de Urgencias Generales, Hospital Universitario de Basurto, Bilbao, Vizcaya, España.
| | - I Fernández-Aedo
- Departamento de Enfermería I, Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Vizcaya, España
| | - I Pérez-Urdiales
- Departamento de Enfermería I, Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Vizcaya, España
| | - Z García-Azpiazu
- Departamento de Enfermería I, Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Vizcaya, España
| | - S Unanue-Arza
- Departamento de Enfermería I, Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Vizcaya, España
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Abstract
BACKGROUND To measure and evaluate the legibility of a sample of informative leaflets about common drugs. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, using a representative sample of package leaflets corresponding to the 30 most widely consumed drugs in Spain. The Flesch-Szigriszt Index was used as a measuring tool and the INFLESZ score to evaluate the legibility of leaflets of medicinal products. Documents with a Flesch-Szigriszt Index value ≥55 were considered legible. RESULTS The mean Flesch-Szigriszt Index value was 52.62 (standard deviation: 4.67). This score is classified as "a bit difficult" on the INFLESZ score. Only 10 of 30 leaflets obtained an acceptable level of legibility. The sections of the leaflets with higher grammatical complexity were "what it is and what it is used for" (indications), "before taking the medication" (contraindications) and "adverse effects". CONCLUSIONS The legibility of the package leaflets analyzed could be improved: grammatical structures are usually convoluted, and their comprehension by ordinary citizens belonging to the general public is difficult. The involvement of health care professionals in resolving doubts and giving information to users about the consumption of drugs may be essential for a correct treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ballesteros-Peña
- Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa 48940, Spain.
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