Lists of potentially inappropriate medications for older people in primary care: a systematic review of health outcomes

This study is a systematic literature review of the association between lists of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in clinical practice and health outcomes of older adults followed up in primary health care. For this purpose, the PRISMA protocol was used to systematize the search for articles in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central, LIVIVO and LILACS databases, in addition to the gray literature. Studies with randomized clinical trials were selected, using explicit criteria (lists) for the identification and management of PIM in prescriptions of older patients in primary care. Of the 2,400 articles found, six were used for data extraction. The interventions resulted in significant reductions in the number of PIM and adverse drug events and, consequently, in potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) in polymedicated older adults. However, there were no significant effects of the interventions on negative clinical outcomes, such as emergency room visits, hospitalizations and death, or on improving the health status of the older adults. The use of PIM lists promotes adequate medication prescriptions for older adults in primary health care, but further studies are needed to determine the impact of reducing PIM on primary clinical outcomes.

Learning difficulties in school children: health and education professionals' perceptions

OBJECTIVES

to understand health and education professionals' perceptions regarding children's learning difficulties in public schools.

METHODS

qualitative research, of the participatory action type, linked to Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary. Forty-five professionals participated, through interviews and a Virtual Culture Circle. The analysis was developed through careful reading, reflection and interpretation of highlighted topics.

RESULTS

professionals discussed the (in)visibility of learning difficulties, strategies and resources in the educational sector and the search for solutions in the health sector. It was found that the production of complaints related to school learning is attributed predominantly as an individual problem of children or their family, exempting the educational institution from this process.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

greater investment in professional training and development policies is urgently needed to facilitate coordination between sectors, with a view to overcoming outdated pedagogical and health models.

[Effects of parliamentary amendments on municipal financing of primary health care in the Brazilian Unified National Health System]

This study aims to analyze the effects of the expansion of the federal transfer of parliamentary amendments for municipal financing of primary health care (PHC) in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS), from 2015 to 2020. A longitudinal study was conducted using secondary data on transfers of parliamentary amendments from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and expenditure of municipalities' own resources on public health actions and services and PHC. The effect of the transfer of parliamentary amendments on municipal financing was verified in a stratified way by population size of the municipalities, using generalized estimating equation models. The transfer of parliamentary amendments for PHC showed a large discrepancy in per capita values among municipalities of different population sizes. No correlation with municipal spending on public health actions and services was observed in municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants, and the association with spending on PHC (p < 0.050) was inverse in all municipalities. Therefore, the increase in the transfer of parliamentary amendments by the Brazilian Ministry of Health favored a reduction in the allocation of municipal revenues to PHC, which may have been directed to other spending purposes in the SUS. These changes seem to represent priorities established for municipal budget expenditure, which have repercussions on local conditions for guaranteeing stable funding for PHC in Brazil.

Primary Health Care nurses' role in treating Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To understand Primary Health Care nurses' role in treating Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction.

METHOD

Cross-sectional multi-methodological research, composed of quantitative and qualitative steps, independently and sequentially. Data collected remotely, through a questionnaire and focus group, analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke, respectively. The project was approved under Opinion 22691119.0.0000.0030.

RESULTS

A total of 145 nurses participated in the study in the quantitative step and 20 in the qualitative step, working in Primary Health Care in Brazil. Of the 93.1% nurses who reported having already cared for people with Urinary Tract Dysfunction, only 54.4% provided guidance, mainly for training the pelvic floor muscles.

CONCLUSION

Even though they have legal support and access to demand, nurses do not have the knowledge to offer conservative treatment for Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction. Despite this, they were motivated to do so as long as they received specific training.

Primary health care organization in municipalities of São Paulo, Brazil: a model of care aligned with the Brazilian Unified National Health System's guidelines

This study analyzes the main organization patterns used by primary health care (PHC) services in municipal networks and evaluates them according to indicators of local management-administration interface. Evaluative research analyzed 461 municipalities in São Paulo, Brazil, that participated in the Primary Care Services Quality Assessment Survey (QualiAB) in 2017/2018, classified according to the organizational arrangements composition of 2,472 PHC services. Eight indicators of local management and administration were selected to evaluate the identified patterns. Results indicate two groups of municipalities: homogeneous, with services presenting the same arrangement (43.6%); and heterogeneous, with different arrangements (56.4%). These were subdivided into seven patterns that ranged from homogeneous-traditional, homogeneous-Family Health Strategy, homogeneous-mixed, and different combinations in the heterogeneous group. All indicators showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001), especially the homogeneous-traditional group, which presented an organizational pattern far from the desired model of a comprehensive and problem-solving PHC. Those integrated with family health units (FHU) and basic health units with community health workers and/or family health teams (BHU/FHU) showed a pattern closer to a comprehensive model - with planning and evaluation actions committed to the local reality and qualification of care. Implementation of federal and state policies are essential for defining the PHC health care model adopted by municipalities.

Evidence of intrauterine device insertion by nurses in Primary Health Care: an integrative review

OBJECTIVES

to synthesize and analyze evidence on intrauterine device insertion by nurses in Primary Health Care.

METHODS

an integrative review, carried out in the BDENF, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases in June 2022, delimiting the period from 1960 to 2022.

RESULTS

141 articles were identified in the initial search, and 10 studies made up the final sample. Four (40%) were developed in the United States and one (10%) in Brazil, with publications from 1979 to 2021. The findings were grouped into three categories: Nurse training to insert an intrauterine device; Nurses' competency to insert an intrauterine device; and Women's access to intrauterine devices.

CONCLUSIONS

nurse theoretical and practical training is a prominent element, consolidated in the favorable outcomes of insertions performed by nurses and satisfaction among women, a practice that has expanded access to the contraceptive method in Primary Health Care.

ICNP® terminological subset for preventing falls in the elderly in primary care

OBJECTIVE

Build and validate a terminological subset of ICNP® for the prevention of falls in the elderly in the context of primary health care, in light of the Self-Care Deficit Theory.

METHOD

Methodological study developed in accordance with ICN recommendations and the Brazilian method for constructing terminological subsets, in two stages: 1) construction of ICNP® statements of nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions; 2) content validation of statements by specialist nurses.

RESULTS

A total of 182 diagnoses/outcomes and 321 nursing interventions were constructed, which were subjected to content validation by 28 experts, being validated with a Content Validity Index ≥ 0.80. After validation, the statements were organized according to self-care requirements and the majority of diagnoses/outcomes (51.6%) and interventions (52.7%) were classified under health deviation requirements.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to construct and validate a terminological subset of ICNP® with a predominance of statements related to health deviation requirements, standing out for being the first terminological subset for the prevention of falls in the elderly in the context of primary care.

[Quality of anthropometric data of children under 5 years in the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System, 2008-2020]

The planning, monitoring, and evaluation of food and nutrition actions depend on reliable estimates based on adequate anthropometric data. The study aimed to analyze the quality of anthropometric data of children aged under 5 years in the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) from 2008 to 2020. The sample comprised 23,453,620 children aged under 5 years. Initially, we evaluated the distribution of missing values and values outside the spectrum of the instrument, and calculated the digit preference index for weight and height. The nutritional indexes height for age (HAZ), weight for age (WAZ), and body mass index for age (BAZ) were calculated according to the World Health Organization 2006 child growth standards. Then, we identified the biologically implausible values (BIV) and calculated the standard deviation (SD) of the nutritional indexes. For each municipality, we calculated the mean and SD of HAZ and WAZ; and plotted the SD values as a function of the mean. In all Federative Units, the digit preference index reached a minimum value of 80 for height and 20 for weight. For the three nutritional indexes, there was a reduction in the frequency of BIV in the 2008-2020 period. Even after the exclusion of BIV, we identified high variability for the three nutritional indexes. The indicators evaluated showed low quality of measurement, especially in the North and Northeast regions. Our results indicate insufficient quality of anthropometric data in children aged under 5 years, and reinforce the need to invest in actions to improve the collection and recording of anthropometric information.

Nurses' perceptions about the patient safety climate in Primary Health Care

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the patient safety climate in Primary Health Care from the perspective of nurses working in the services.

METHOD

a quantitative and cross-sectional study conducted with 148 nurses from a municipality in the state of São Paulo. The Brazilian version of the Primary Care Safety Questionnaire Survey and personal, professional, and organizational performance variables (intention to stay at work, job satisfaction, care quality, and frequency of incidents) were used. Parametric and non-parametric comparison tests and Spearman's correlation coefficient were performed, considering a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

the safety climate was positive, varying from 4.52 to 5.33 and differing across districts for workload (p=0.0214) and leadership (p=0.0129). The safety climate professional variables and dimensions differed in relation to the frequency of incidents. Teamwork and safety and learning system were strongly correlated with job satisfaction and moderately with perceived care quality.

CONCLUSION

teamwork and safety and learning system stood out for their positive correlations with job satisfaction and care quality. A positive safety climate favors the involvement of Primary Care nurses to develop improvement plans aligned with the National Patient Safety Program.

BACKGROUND

(1) The safety climate is perceived differently across health districts. (2) There is a correlation between the climate dimensions and professional satisfaction. (3) Workload and leadership exert an influence on the safety climate perception. (4) There is a relationship between the safety climate and reporting of care-related incidents. (5) The safety climate is perceived differently among nurses regarding their role.

Educational action to monitor children's growth and development based on the theory of meaningful learning

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating the effect of an educational program on the knowledge of Primary Health Care nurses regarding the surveillance of growth and development during childcare appointments.

METHOD

A before-after intervention study with 30 nurses. The nurses' knowledge and practice assessment were done using a tool that had been developed and validated. The educational activity was carried out, linking child growth and development indicators with public policies for early childhood and nurses' practices. David Ausubel's Significant Learning Theory was used as a teaching-learning strategy. The same instrument was reapplied after one month. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis and the proportion test, Wilcoxon test and Item Response Theory with the Rasch model were applied.

RESULTS

The nurses checked more items right in the instrument after the intervention; there was an increase in the scores of correct answers and a decrease in the item response difficulty index in the knowledge and practice section, post-intervention.

CONCLUSION

The educational activity had a positive effect, affecting changes in nurses' knowledge and practice, which enabled childcare consultations to become more qualified.

Nursing care for the Warao people: an experience report based on transcultural theory

OBJECTIVE

To report on the experience of nurses from the Street Clinic in caring for the Indigenous Venezuelan population of the Warao ethnic group in Maceió/AL based on Madeleine Leininger's Transcultural Theory.

METODOLOGY

A descriptive study, of the experience report type, based on the care of the Warao Indigenous population in the light of Madeleine Leininger's Transcultural Theory, carried out during the year 2022.

RESULTS

Light technologies were used to form bonds and understand the cultural universe of the Warao people. The concepts of preservation, accommodation and cultural restructuring of care from Leininger's transcultural theory helped to elucidate the practice. Comprehensive care was offered in accordance with the programs recommended by the Ministry of Health, with transcultural care, including respect for refusal of care. The language barrier and health beliefs represented challenges in the context of singular care.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

The experience of nurses from the Street Clinic in caring for the Indigenous population favored significant social interaction and expanded the possibilities for achieving comprehensive health care. The application of Transcultural Theory proved to be an effective and congruent device for health care.

[Evaluation of the impact of the implementation of the new primary health care information system on records of patient care and home visits in Brazil]

The replacement of the Primary Care Information System (SIAB, 1998-2015), as of January 2016, by the new Health Information System for Primary Care (SISAB) determined new forms of collecting, processing, and using information, with a possible impact on the records of activities carried out in primary health care in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation impact of the new information system on records of physicians' and nurses' patient care and home visits of community health workers (CHW) in Brazil from 2007 to 2019. To this end, a Bayesian structural time-series model approach was used, based on a diffuse state-space regression. From 2016 to 2019, 463.47 million physician care, 210.61 million nursing care, and 1.28 billion CHW visits were recorded. Following the trend recorded before the implementation, 598.86 million, 430.46 million, and 1.5 billion physician and nursing appointments and CHW visits would be expected, respectively. In relative terms, there was a decrease of 25% in physician care, 51% in nursing care, and 15% in CHW visits when compared to the value expected by the Bayesian method. The negative impact on the records of patient care and home visits identified in this study, whether due to difficulties in adapting to the new system or a reduction in improper records, must be investigated so that the challenge of improving the primary care information system can be understood and overcome in a planned way.

Continuing education on child development in primary care: healthcare workers' perspectives

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the contributions of a continuing education with Primary Health Care professionals that promotes child development.

METHOD

A continuing education intervention, utilizing a qualitative approach, was conducted among healthcare workers at a Primary Health Care facility in a low-income neighborhood in the city of Recife. The intervention consisted of eight workshops conducted between July and October 2019, with the participation of fifteen healthcare workers. All data from the focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model as the theoretical framework.

RESULTS

Through the continuing education intervention, healthcare professionals were able to reflect on their work processes and personal lives and propose actions to improve child development.

CONCLUSION

The study findings highlight the significant impact of such interventions in changing perceptions and professional practices related to child development. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of continuing education interventions for promoting healthy child development in primary care settings.

[Cross-cultural adaptation and evidence of psychometric validity of the Family Health Scale for Brazilian Portuguese]

This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Family Health Scale into Brazilian Portuguese and analyze evidence of its psychometric validity. The 32 items on family health were cross-culturally adapted, using the content validity index to calculate semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual characteristics of the scale and its items. A pre-test to identify evidence of validity was applied to 40 families. At another time, the instrument was applied to 354 families in a Brazilian northeastern city. The index of agreement between the raters ranged from 0.84 for the scale items to 0.98 for the total scale, according to Kendall's coefficient. According to Cronbach's alpha, evidence of psychometric validity is adequate. Most families had a moderate degree of health, according to the scale. Therefore, the Brazilian version of the Family Health Scale showed conceptual, semantic, cultural, and operational equivalence with the original items, along with satisfactory psychometric properties for use among the Brazilian population with effectiveness and safety.

Simulation-based training in Leprosy: development and validation of a scenario for community health workers

OBJECTIVES

To build and validate a clinical simulation scenario designed to instruct community health workers (CHWs) in active leprosy case detection.

METHODS

Methodological study involving the development of a simulated clinical scenario and content validation by experts. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to determine the level of agreement among the judging commitee, and a descriptive analysis of their recommendations was performed.

RESULTS

A simulated scenario with a simulated participant was developed - a simulation characterized by low complexity, moderate physical/environmental fidelity, moderate to high psychological fidelity, and high conceptual fidelity, lasting 50 minutes and capable of training up to 10 CHWs simultaneously. The scenario was validated by 14 experts, with a CVI exceeding 80% for all components.

CONCLUSIONS

The validated clinical simulation possesses attributes that make it highly reproducible in various national health contexts, thereby contributing to the global "Towards Zero Leprosy" strategy.

Interprofessional collaboration in primary health care from the perspective of implementation science

The objective was to analyze the perceptions of primary health care (PHC) workers about interprofessional collaboration from the perspective of implementation science. This is a qualitative study that used in-depth interview as a data production technique. Interviews were conducted with 15 workers (three community health agents, one nursing assistant, three nurses, three managers, three physicians, and two nursing technicians) from basic health units in the Municipality of São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo State, Brazil. The interview plan was based on three domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Thematic content analysis was used. In the interprofessional collaboration characteristics domain, respondents highlighted the complexity, and its possible influence, as to the implementation and sustainability of this practice. In the inner setting domain, factors that influence interprofessional collaboration were identified, namely: how the time allocated to formal communication/team meetings is used; social interactions between professionals; and leadership characteristics, such as feedback, autonomy and participation in decisions. In the individuals characteristics domain, participants noted interprofessional collaboration geared to quality of care and the need for integration between knowledge centers. Thus, measures to enhance the quality of communication, collective team building and leadership can contribute to improve interprofessional collaboration in PHC and leverage its impacts on health care.

Educational technology on tuberculosis: construction shared with Primary Health Care nurses

OBJECTIVE

to develop, in a participatory way, an educational technology to assist nurses in the management of tuberculosis cases in Primary Health Care.

METHODS

methodological research with a qualitative approach. Data were collected between June and October 2022, in 25 Basic Health Units, with 41 nurses interviewed individually. Thematic content analysis was carried out to guide technology elaboration.

RESULTS

three empirical categories were organized, demonstrating the facilities and difficulties in tuberculosis management, the conceptions about educational technology as a facilitator of the teaching-learning process in Primary Health Care and participatory development of technology. Nurses were in favor of constructing an instructional guide technology, and made suggestions to encourage its creation and use in daily service routine.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the participatory process made it possible to create technology to assist nurses in the teaching-learning process in Primary Health Care about caring for people with tuberculosis.

Prenatal assessment of high-risk pregnancies in primary and specialized outpatient care: a mixed study

OBJECTIVES

to assess high-risk prenatal care and identify strategies for improving care.

METHODS

a mixed study of a prospective cohort, with 319 mothers in a public maternity hospital, from October 2016 to August 2017, using a semi-structured instrument and interview. Analysis was performed using the chi-square test (p≤0.05). The qualitative approach was carried out through interviews with guiding questions to 13 managers, at their workplace, between January and March 2020, analyzed under social phenomenology.

RESULTS

higher rates of inadequacy were identified for all criteria. However, when care was shared, there was a higher rate for performing tests (p=0.023), consultations (p=0.002), risk stratification (p=0.013) and emergency information (≤0.000). Weaknesses in the record evidenced impairment in communication and continuity of care.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

shared care is a strategy for improving care, however there is a need to strengthen effective referral and counter-referral to care continuity.

Occupational stress in primary care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the risk of exposure to occupational stress among primary healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and their perception regarding their experience.

METHOD

mixed-methods sequential explanatory study with 50 primary care professionals. Sociodemographic, clinical, and labor questionnaires, Job Stress Scale, and semi-structured interviews were used. Quantitative data were submitted to descriptive and analytical statistical analysis; qualitative data were submitted to Thematic Content Analysis.

RESULTS

66% of professionals were exposed to occupational stress. Doctors were associated with highly demanding work (p<0.001); nurses, nursing technicians, and dental professionals with active work (p<0.001); and dentists with lower psychological demand (p<0.001). Professionals with more than sixteen years of experience had better conditions to deal with stressful factors, compared to those with less than five years (p<0.03). Data integration showed implications of the pandemic in life, work, and interfaces with psychological symptoms.

CONCLUSION

professionals worked under high psychological demands and a high risk of exposure to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-control and high social support may contribute to reducing these risks, as well as professional training and experience.

Performance indicators of Primary Care of the Previne Brasil Program

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the scope of the performance indicators of the Previne Brasil Program of Primary Health Care.

METHOD

an observational, descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out using secondary data, referring to the years 2020 and 2021, in the five Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, South, Southeast and Midwest), available in the Primary Health Care Information System. Descriptive statistics, relative frequencies and measures of central tendency and semiparametric modeling were used considering a 5% confidence interval.

RESULTS

there was evidence of evolution in the rates of performance indicators in most Brazilian regions in 2021, compared to 2020, however, the North and Midwest regions had incipient or negative rates, compared to the Southeast region. Despite the evolution in the rates of the indicators, few States managed to reach the goals established by the Ministry of Health for the strategic actions of prenatal care and women's health; and no state achieved the goal in strategic action on chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

it is considered important to monitor the evolution of current indicators, envisioning their qualification so that they can evaluate primary health care and assistance, as well as guarantee the achievement of goals by ensuring funding for primary care actions.

Educational intervention in social skills for Primary Care nurses

OBJECTIVE

to assess an educational intervention on social skills for nurses who work in Primary Health Care.

METHOD

a qualitative research-intervention study, carried out in the municipalities covered by the 17th Health Regional of Paraná. It was developed in three interrelated stages: exploratory, where meetings were held with the managers to define the groups and logistics for running the course; intermediate, developed in meetings with different groups of nurses, addressing selected topics; assessment, in which the nurses developed a personal plan to improve their social skills.

RESULTS

participants were 57 nurses who acted as coordinators of Primary Care. They considered the educational intervention in social skills fundamental for positive changes in their professional performance.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the educational intervention in social skills was assessed as an important strategy to strengthen the development of nurses' managerial and care skills.

Expansion of Psychosocial Care Centers and their relationship with health and human rights

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the factors associated with the expansion of the number of Brazilian Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) considering aspects related to the general health scenario and the institutionalization of human rights.

METHODS

An analytical document-based study, developed between February 2020 and May 2022, whose secondary data on the 27 Brazilian capitals were collected on platforms in the public domain, based on the time series from 2015 to 2020. Indicators were listed based on health system infrastructure and quality of life. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation test and Student's t test were used.

RESULTS

The capitals that expanded the number of CAPS in the analyzed period were the ones that presented the greatest political-legal framework for the protection of human rights.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the greater the commitment of governments in favor of human rights, the greater the investment for CAPS expansion.

Quality of health care in Primary Care: perspective of people with Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES

to identify how people with diabetes assess the care offered by Primary Care teams.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study based on structured interviews with the application of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness instrument to people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Data were submitted to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

451 individuals participated in the study, more than half aged 60 years or older (64.0%); 63.9% had been diagnosed for more than five years; and 23.9% used insulin. The average score obtained was 2.5, which indicated little involvement in self-care and low support for the care of the chronic condition by the Family Health Strategy team, and was higher among women and people with a partner.

CONCLUSIONS

people with diabetes consider that they do not receive individualized treatment, with dialogue and discussion for setting goals, and that they are not prepared for self-managing their health condition.

Nursing Services in the First Level of Care in Colombia. Analysis of the Offer 2002-2020

OBJECTIVES

This work sought to characterize the primary care nursing consultation services reported in the official systemsof health services records in Colombia between 2002 and 2020.

METHODS

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Node geographic analysis and descriptive statistics were performed for quantitative data from the Special Registry of Health Providers and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

RESULTS

The study identified 6079 nursing services of which 72% are outpatient, 95.05% are assigned to institutions providing health services, 99.75% are of low complexity, and 48.22% of the offer was created in the last five years. The nodes with the highest increase in the offer of services are Caribbean (n = 909) and Pacific (n = 499), while Amazon (n = 48) showed the lowest offer in the last five years.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparity is evident in the availability of services by region and node, in addition to a low liberal exercise to provide nursing care.

Primary Healthcare of black immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To analyze how the healthcare of black immigrants was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Primary Healthcare.

METHOD

An exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out through semi-structured interviews with professionals who worked in 10 Health Units in the city of Curitiba, Brazil, from October 2020 to January 2021. Structural racism was the conceptual framework. The statements were submitted to content analysis after using the MAXQDA program as support.

RESULTS

A total of 21 professionals from the multidisciplinary team participated and three categories emerged from the analyzes: Healthcare for black immigrants in PHC during the Covid-19 pandemic; Limits and potentialities of PHC for healthcare for black immigrants; Structural racism in PHC practices aimed at black immigrants.

CONCLUSION

Action in the pandemic was guided by protocols that did not expand healthcare to vulnerable populations, including black immigrants. The main barrier was communication, as most black immigrants in the surveyed locations were Haitians. Structural racism was identified in professional practice.

Performance patterns of primary health care in the face of COVID-19 in Brazil: characteristics and contrasts

The adequate fight against pandemics requires effective coordination between primary health care (PHC) and health surveillance, guaranteed attention to acute and chronic demands, and a bond with the community dimension in the scope of basic health units (UBS, acronym in Portuguese). This study aims to contrast two extreme standards of PHC performance in the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil, comparing them with the profiles of the corresponding municipalities and characteristics of the organization of services. Based on the results of a cross-sectional national survey with a representative sample of UBSs, we created a synthetic index to evaluate how PHC performs against COVID-19 called CPI, composed of axes of health surveillance and social support (collective dimension) and of COVID-19 care and continuity of care (individual dimension). Of the 907 surveyed UBSs, 120 were selected, half of which had the highest indexes (complete standard) and the other half, the lowest ones (restricted standard). The municipalities of the UBSs with a complete standard are predominantly rural, have low Municipal Health Development Index (MHDI), high Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage, and stand out in the collective dimension, whereas the UBSs in urban municipalities with this same standard have high MHDI, low FHS coverage, and an emphasis on the individual dimension. In the restricted standard, we highlight community health workers' reduced work in the territory. In the Brazilian Northeast, UBSs with complete standard predominate, whereas, in its Southeast, UBSs with restricted standard predominate. The study poses questions that refer to the role and organization of PHC in the health care network under situations that require prompt response to health issues and indicates the greater potential capacity of the FHS program in such situations.

Community health workers perspective on the COVID-19 impact on primary health care in Northeastern Brazil

This article evaluates the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on the Family Health Strategy (FHS) team's work routines across a range of northeast Brazilian cities as perceived by community health workers (CHW). Data on COVID-19, CHW activities, and FHS teams were collected in 2021 by a structured questionnaire. A total of 1,935 CHWs from four state capitals (Fortaleza - Ceará State, João Pessoa - Paraíba State, Recife - Pernambuco State, Teresina - Piauí State) and four hinterland cities (Crato, Juazeiro do Norte, Barbalha, Sobral - Ceará State) participated in the study. Most CHWs were women (82.42%), with mean age 46.25±8.54 years. Many (39.92%) were infected with COVID-19, of which 70.78% believed they were infected in the workplace. A total of 77.82% defined their role as frontline in the fight against COVID-19, 16.07% reported receiving training for COVID-19, and 13.74% had access to sufficient protective equipment. Most (90.27%) believed their work routines were modified by the pandemic, either strengthening (41.46%) or weakening (44.41%) the team spirit. Home visits (60.55%), health promotion actions in schools (75.66%) and in specific community groups (93.96%), and other on-site community services (66.01%) showed a reduction in frequency. The sampled cities revealed a significant heterogeneity regarding responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly associated with a lack of coordination by the Federal Government. Regardless of context, the pandemic led to a reconfiguration of local health systems, workflows, and primary care protocols for FHS teams. The importance of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) and its potential for reorganization during crisis should be acknowledged while preserving the headway made thus far.

Professional burnout and patient safety culture in Primary Health Care

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the association between the risk of occupational exhaustion (burnout) and safety culture in Primary Health Care.

METHODS

ross-sectional study conducted in 18 Primary Health Care Units in the Northeast of Brazil. Three questionnaires were used: sociodemographic, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

seventy-eight healthcare workers participated, of which 64.1% presented a reduced risk of burnout; and 11.5%, a high risk (p=0.000). The following were identified as weakened dimensions of safety culture: Work pressure and pace; Owner, managing partners, leadership support; Overall ratings on quality; and Overall rating on patient safety.

CONCLUSIONS

an association was found between low risk of developing burnout syndrome and positive evaluation of safety culture.

Risk of depression during pregnancy in usual risk antenatal care

OBJECTIVE

to identify the risk of depression during pregnancy among pregnant women receiving routine prenatal care and the associated factors.

METHOD

a cross-sectional study, carried out with 201 pregnant women, in a routine prenatal clinic of a university maternity hospital. Data were collected using an electronic form containing a characterization instrument and the Escala de Risco de Depressão na Gravidez (Depression during Pregnancy Scale). The dependent variable was the risk of depression during pregnancy. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating the Odds Ratio and using the Chi-square and Fischer's Exact tests.

RESULTS

among the participants, 68.2% had a higher risk of depression during pregnancy. There was a statistically significant association between a higher risk of depression during pregnancy and occupation (p=0.04), that is, unemployment (OR=2.00) doubled the risk of depression.

CONCLUSION

the high prevalence of the risk of depression during pregnancy indicates the necessity of planning, prioritizing, and integrating mental health into prenatal health services, especially in the primary healthcare environment, by health managers and policymakers.

[Obesity and intersectionality: critical analysis of narratives within public health policies in Brazil (2004-2021)]

This study aimed to critically analyze the narrative of Brazilian public health policies in obesity care based on an intersectional approach. This is a qualitative exploratory, documentary, and analytical study based on the "What's the problem represented to be?" approach (WPR). This approach constitutes a methodological instrument for critical analysis of public policies based on six guiding questions. A total of ten documents were selected, published from 2004 to 2021 by the Brazilian government. The critical analysis resulted in three categories: (i) obesity causes and the dominant narrative: what problems are represented?; (ii) dominant narrative and health care: what are the effects for people with obesity?; (iii) obesity and intersectionality: where are silences? The consumption of food and sedentary lifestyle were the dominant narrative as causes of obesity. Intersectionality, mediated by the categories of gender/sex, race/skin-color, and social class, was identified as silenced in the narrative of public health policies, not being associated as linked causes of obesity, nor effectively included in the proposed actions of the policies. The silences found in the study highlight the need to include intersectionality in the elaboration and execution of public health policies and in the care of people with obesity. Considering the intersections of gender/sex, race/skin-color, and social class and their forms of oppression in the emergence and aggravation of obesity, critical analyses of simplistic narratives in public health policies are extremely relevant to problematize gaps affect the care of users with obesity.

Telenursing in mental health: effect on anxiety symptoms and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

(1) A remote intervention with a positive impact on reducing anxiety and alcohol use. (2) Nursing as a protagonist of preventive care in mental health (3) A low-cost intervention that covers several population groups. (4) Telenursing in mental health as a care strategy during COVID-19. to investigate the effect of a remote intervention on anxiety symptoms and alcohol use in users of the Primary Health Care service.

METHOD

a quasi-experimental study conducted with 1,270 participants who answered the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-6. Of these, 1,033 interviewees scored for moderate/severe anxiety symptoms (STAI-6 > 3) and moderate/severe risk alcohol use (AUDIT-C > 3), and received the interventions via telephone calls with follow-up periods lasting seven and 180 days. For data analysis, a mixed-effects regression model was used.

RESULTS

the effect of the intervention performed was positive in reducing anxiety symptoms between T0 and T1 (µ=1.6, p<0.001) and in reducing the alcohol use pattern between T1 and T3 (µ=1.57, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

the follow-up results suggest a positive effect of the intervention in reducing anxiety and the alcohol use pattern, which tends to be maintained over time. There is diverse evidence that the intervention proposed can be an alternative for preventive care in mental health, in situations where accessibility of the user or the professional is compromised.

Educational intervention performed by nurses for blood pressure control: a systematic review with meta-analysis

to assess the effect of an educational intervention performed by nurses for blood pressure control in people with arterial hypertension, when compared to usual care. a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, conducted in six databases. The studies included were those in which an educational intervention was performed by nurses on people with arterial hypertension. The risk of bias was assessed by means of the Risk of Bias Tool, the meta-analysis was performed in the Review Manager software and certainty of the evidence was calculated in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. a total of 1,692 studies were found, which were peer-reviewed, including eight of them in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was calculated for the "systolic blood pressure" and diastolic blood pressure" outcomes, in subgroups by time and by intervention performance type. For the in-person educational intervention, performed individually combined with a group activity, the effect estimate was -12.41 mmHg (95% Confidence Interval: from -16.91 to -7.91, p<0,00001) for systolic pressure and -5.40 mmHg (95% Confidence Interval: from -7.98 to -2.82, p<0,00001) for diastolic pressure, with high certainty of evidence. the educational intervention performed by nurses, individually and combined with a group activity, presents a statistically significant clinical effect. PROSPERO registration No.: CRD42021282707.

The pandemic changes daily life and ways of living: technosociality and user/families experiences

OBJECTIVES

understand the changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the daily lives of users of Primary Health Care and their families and its impact on self-care and health promotion.

METHODS

this is a holistic-qualitative multiple case study, based on the Comprehensive Sociology of Everyday Life, in which 61 users participated.

RESULTS

experiencing a new daily life in COVID-19 pandemic times, users express their feelings, adaptation to new habits and ways of living. Health technologies and virtual social networks stand out in helping with everyday tasks, in communicating with loved ones and health professionals, and in validating dubious information. Faith and spirituality arise in the face of uncertainty and suffering.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

it is imperative to pay close attention to the changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to offer care directed to the singular and collective needs.

Development and validation of an instrument for the evaluation of HIV care in Primary Health Care

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate an instrument to evaluate the decentralization process of care for People Living with HIV in Primary Health Care.

METHOD

Methodological study, developed in four stages: elaboration of the logical model based on the triad Structure-Process-Outcomes; development of the instrument; content validation by expert judges and technical reviewers; and semantic validation. Online questionnaires were used, and the Kappa index was used for analysis.

RESULTS

The instrument with 68 items and 8 factors was submitted to validation by expert judges who recommended the exclusion of 3 items and the alteration of 2 factors. In the validation by technical reviewers, 2 items were excluded and 6 factors were highlighted; the agreement index was ≥0.75. In the semantic validation, 87.3% of the judges answered "totally agree" for the items presented.

CONCLUSION

The instrument is validated for its content, has 63 items and has the potential to assess the care provided for people living with HIV in Primary Health Care.

Prevalence of characteristics associated with sarcopenia in elders: a cross-sectional study

Objectives:

to identify the prevalence and characteristics associated with sarcopenia in elders in Primary Health Care Units.

Methods:

cross-sectional study with 384 elders. To evaluate sarcopenia, we measured: strength and muscle mass, and physical performance. The elderly were classified as having: probable sarcopenia; sarcopenia; or severe sarcopenia. The chi-squared test and the multinomial logistic regression method were used.

Results:

the prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 25.52%; of sarcopenia, 11.98%; and of severe sarcopenia, 9.90%. Probable sarcopenia is 1.75 times more prevalent in men; osteoporosis is 2.16 times more prevalent in people with severe sarcopenia; polypharmacy is 1.57 times more likely in individuals with probable sarcopenia; and calf circumference below 31 cm is 2.24 times more likely in patients with sarcopenia and 2.19 times more likely in patients with severe sarcopenia.

Conclusions:

the highest prevalence was of probable sarcopenia, and the characteristics associated with sarcopenia were sex, osteoporosis, polypharmacy, overweight, obesity, and calf circumference.

Educational interventions in child development and health literacy assumptions: an integrative review

OBJECTIVES

to analyze scientific evidence in the literature that addresses educational interventions conducted by health professionals on early childhood development in a community context and to identify which health literacy assumptions are present during the implementation of interventions.

METHOD

an integrative review in PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. Of 300 studies found, we selected 11 for the sample.

RESULTS

health professionals are trained to implement interventions with parents/caregivers to promote child development in community settings. Parents are encouraged to develop an environment that is encouraging and conducive to the development of their children. The main dimensions of health literacy found were access and apply.

CONCLUSION

it confirms the importance of training health professionals, with skills and communicative skills to guide parents/caregivers to encourage the development of their children in their family environment with playful and interactive activities.

Elderly Mortality due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions and Primary Health Care Coverage in the Federal District

OBJECTIVES

To describe the mortality coefficients of elderly due to primary care sensitive conditions, from 2008 to 2018, and determine its association with the coverage of the Primary Health Care (Family Health Strategy and Basic Care models) in the Federal District.

METHODS

Ecological time series of mortality in Federal District elderly, from 2008 to 2018. The Poisson regression model was applied, considering as significant those with p<0.05, with a CI of 95%.

RESULTS

There were 70,503 deaths. There was a decrease in the risk of death of elders due to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Higher primary care coverage decreased the chance of death by sensitive conditions, both in Basic Care (OR: 0.994, CI: 0.990-0.998) and in the Family Health Strategy (OR: 0.997, CI: 0.995-0.999).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary Care coverage was associated with a lower chance of death of the elderly due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions, especially in Basic Care.

Nursing protocol in chronic kidney disease prevention in older adults in primary care

OBJECTIVES

to develop a protocol for Nursing Process operationalization in approaching older adults with vulnerability to chronic kidney disease in Primary Health Care, based on Neuman's stressors.

METHODS

a methodological study, carried out in two stages: 1) synthesis of evidence using an inductive strategy (mixed method study) and 2) protocol development to support the nursing process operationalization with older adults enrolled in a Basic Health Unit, using a deductive strategy (Neuman's stressor concepts, NANDA, NIC, and NOC taxonomies, Risner's line of reasoning, and cross-mapping), described according to A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Protocols.

RESULTS

102 older adults participated, and 17 diagnoses, 34 interventions and 26 nursing outcomes were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

the protocol developed is a technology that makes it possible to operationalize the Nursing Process, based on Neuman's stressors and on taxonomy, conceptual and care frameworks, guiding care and nursing records.

El sentido de coherencia y las habilidades para la vida como factores protectores en personas con prediabetes

OBJETIVO

analizar el sentido de coherencia y las habilidades para la vida y su relación con el cumplimiento del estilo de vida saludable.

MÉTODO

estudio observacional transversal en personas con prediabetes atendidas en atención primaria, quienes respondieron a un cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas y hábitos saludables y a los cuestionarios de sentido de coherencia y habilidades para la vida. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, bivariante y un modelo de regresión múltiple.

RESULTADOS

los y las participantes con mayor sentido de coherencia son quienes presentan mayores habilidades para la vida (Pearson = 0.470; p ⩽ 0.001) y mantienen un estilo de vida más saludable (B:1.24; p = 0.001). Una mayor puntuación de las habilidades de la vida se relaciona con un estilo de vida saludable (Pearson = 0.355, p < 0.001). El sentido de coherencia predice el estilo de vida saludable (BB = 0.21, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIÓN

las personas con prediabetes con un mayor sentido de coherencia y más habilidades para la vida realizan conductas más saludables con relación a la dieta, al ejercicio físico y al hábito tabáquico. Las personas con mayor sentido de coherencia tienen mayor probabilidad de seguir el estilo de vida saludable.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome and professional category: a cross-sectional study with Nursing professionals

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the association of Metabolic Syndrome and its components among Primary Health Care Nursing professionals in the state of Bahia, Brazil, according to professional category.

METHOD

a cross-sectional, population-based and multicenter study conducted with 1,125 Nursing professionals. The independent variable was the professional category, dichotomized into technical and higher education levels. The outcome was Metabolic Syndrome following criteria from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III based on anthropometric measurements and blood samples. The statistical analysis was performed by calculating the prevalence ratios and using Pearson's Chi-square test.

RESULTS

the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was higher in the technical level category (PR=1.64; CI=1.29 - 2.06; p≤0.01). When compared to Nurses, these professionals were older, had lower incomes, worked more on duty and performed less physical activity on a regular basis. Among the Nurses, the most prevalent component was altered cholesterol (40.5%) and among the Nursing Technicians/Assistants, it was abdominal obesity (47.3%).

CONCLUSION

the association between the Nursing category and Metabolic Syndrome was evident, with higher occurrence among technical level professionals.

Multiprofessional family health residency as a setting for education and interprofessional practices

OBJECTIVE

to know the experiences lived during the residency by graduates of a Multiprofessional Residency Program in Family Health that could contribute to the development of Interprofessional Education and/or Collaborative Practice.

METHOD

a qualitative study with residents who entered a Multiprofessional Residency Program of a Brazilian public university in 2017, a period in which the theme of interprofessionality was implemented in the activities of the residency. Data was collected using an electronic form built from the theoretical framework of interprofessional education. Content analysis was used to process the data.

RESULTS

nine residents participated, distributed among the professions of Physical Education, Nursing, Nutrition, Dentistry, Psychology and Social Work, five of whom were female and with a mean age of 28.4. Two categories emerged: the Residency as a setting for learning from the other, and the Residency as a setting for understanding the role of the other. Interprofessional education and practice provided opportunities for the development of collaborative skills, enhancing teamwork and interprofessional work.

CONCLUSION

the multiprofessional logic was evidenced in the resident's practice; and the gradual insertion of activities such as case discussions, shared services and inter-sectoral actions aligned with the theoretical-methodological framework of interprofessionality favored an approach to interprofessional work.

Knowledge about the intrauterine device and interest in using it among women users of primary care services

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the level of knowledge about the intrauterine device, the interest in using it and the relationship between these events among women in reproductive age.

METHOD

cross-sectional study conducted with 1858 women between 18 and 49 years old, attending Primary Health Care Facilities. Data were obtained in face-to-face interviews. The level of knowledge was evaluated by items with answers options "agree", "disagree" and "I don't know". Knowledge was categorized as below/equal and above the median. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression were used in Stata 14.2 (95% confidence level).

RESULTS

intrauterine device current use was not frequent (1.7%; n=32) and the level of knowledge was higher among women between 25 and 34 years old, white, living in Aracaju (Sergipe), who were more educated, and who were currently using or had already used the intrauterine device. Interest in using the intrauterine device (38.0%; n=634) was higher among younger women, single, more educated, had health insurance, no children and with higher level of knowledge about the intrauterine device.

CONCLUSION

the level of knowledge about the intrauterine device was associated with the interest in using it.

The role of social support in the psychological illness of women

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the relationship between perception of social support and emotional and physical symptoms associated with psychiatric conditions among women.

METHOD

a cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with a randomized random sample of 141 women attended at a Family Health Unit of the city of Ribeirão Preto/SP. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Social Support Questionnaire and the Self-Report Questionnaire were used.

RESULTS

there was no association between sociodemographic characteristics and mental disorder, but between aspects such as low income and schooling. The exercise of professions culturally considered as of low prestige gave rise to some reflections related to gender inequality. There was a significant difference in the satisfaction scores between the women who reported or not the symptoms of tiredness and sadness and the number of supporters among those who reported or not the symptom of fatigue. Spouses and children were the most mentioned supporters, and having mental disorder was significantly associated with having no friends in the support network.

CONCLUSION

issues related to gender equity and satisfaction with social support are important aspects of care. For the promotion of mental health, efforts must be made to make women feel more connected and supported by the supporters available in their social environment.

Availability and use of healthcare resources in prisons according to the transference model: a comparative study in Spain

OBJECTIVE

In most European countries, correctional healthcare provision is under strain or in the process of change regarding its management model and the implications that such modifications may entail for the improvement of inmates' health. This paper compares the functioning and the results of health management in a facility whose healthcare service is integrated within an autonomic health system and others which depend on the department of corrections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study where the study unit is the facility itself. From the data collected from the record of Monthly Health Statistics of Penitentiary Institutions we have constructed a series of indicators according to the recommendations of the National Health System.

RESULTS

The physician to nurse ratio per inmate is higher in the transferred facility. Only the transferred establishment has telemedicine resources. Attendance to primary health services is higher that in all non-transferred establishments, while the mean attendance to specialized consultation in the transferred facility doubles that of the remaining centers.

DISCUSSION

We have observed greater access to specialized care in the correctional facility managed by the community health system when compared to that of the facilities managed by Penitentiary Institutions. This statement is based on a series of effectivity indicators and results that have provided significantly improved outcome in the transferred facility.

[Would the Screening of Common Mental Disorders in Primary-Care Health Services Hyper-Frequent Patients Be Useful?]

Hyper-frequentation in health services is a problem for patients, their families and the institutions. This study is aimed at determining the frequency and characteristics of common mental disorders in hyper-frequent patients showing vague symptoms and signs at a primary healthcare service during the year 2007 in the city of Cali (Colombia).

METHODOLOGY

Cross sectional. The most frequent mental disorders in hyper-frequent patients were detected through a telephone interview which included several modules of the PRIME MD instrument.

RESULTS

In general, healthcare service hyper-frequenters are working women, 38,7-year old in average. Basically, the consultation is due to cephalalgia but they also exhibit a high prevalence of common mental disorders (somatization, depression and anxiety) not easily diagnosed by physicians in primary care. Expenses for additional health activities generated by these patients are attributed basically to medical consultation and required procedures.

CONCLUSION

Considering hyper-frequenters in health care services as a risk group in terms of common mental disorders involves screening as an efficient strategy to prevent abuse in service use and to improve satisfaction with the attention received.

Female breast symptoms in patients attended in the family medicine practice

BACKGROUND

there are few studies on breast symptoms (BS) in patients attended at primary care units in Mexico. The aim was to determine the frequency and types of BS overall and by age-group and establish which BS were related to diagnosis of breast cancer.

METHODS

data from all female patients with a breast-disease-related diagnosis, attended from 2006 to 2010, at the Family Medicine Unit 38, were collected. The frequencies of BS were determined by four age-groups (< 19, 20-49, 50-69, > 70 years) and likelihood ratios for breast cancer for each breast-related symptom patient, with a 95 % confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

the most frequent BS in the study population were lump/mass (71.7 %) and breast pain (67.7 %) of all breast complaints, and they were more noted in women age group of 20-49 years. Overall, 120 women had breast cancer diagnosed with a median age of 53.51 + 12.7 years. Breast lump/mass had positive likelihood ratios for breast cancer 4.53 (95 % CI = 2.51-8.17) and breast pain had increased negative LR = 1.08 (95 % CI = 1.05-1.11).

CONCLUSIONS

breast lump/mass was the predominant presenting complaint among females with breast symptoms in our primary care unit, and it was associated with elevated positive likelihood of breast cancer.

[Reliability of a questionnaire used in the long-term follow up of the opinion and perceptions of family medicine by medical students of the University of Zaragoza (Spain)]

AIM

Family medicine deals with certain aspects and perspectives that are often left behind in the training of other levels of care, thus the need for medical students to make contact with Primary Care is of increasing importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire of the UNIMEDIFAM group (FIS PI070975) for the long-term outcome of expectations and knowledge about family medicine.

DESIGN

Reliability of a questionnaire.

SETTING

University of Zaragoza.

PARTICIPANTS

371 students from the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th years.

METHOD

The internal consistency of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the stability using the test-retest.

RESULTS

On scale A of the questionnaire we found that three of 19 items were unstable, in 8 of 26 on scale B, and 3 of 38 items on scale C. The Cronbach's alpha value of scale A was 0.722, 0.861 on scale B, and 0,663 on scale C.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 scales are within the appropriate values, except scale C, which is very close. The findings of this validation process can serve as a reference that may be extrapolated to the UNIMEDIFAM national questionnaire.

Restless legs syndrome: literature review

Restless legs syndrome is a distressing condition, with negative effects on sleep and daytime activities that affect personal, family and occupational life. The overall impact of restless legs syndrome on quality of life is comparable to that of chronic and frustrating conditions such as depression and diabetes. Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment may increase patients' suffering in terms of uncertainty, overuse or misuse of care services and lack of trust. Presenting a synthesis of the main topics in the literature on restless legs syndrome facilitates for a better understanding and its management in primary care settings.

[Is streptococcal pharyngitis diagnosis possible?]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the validity of the Centor score (cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudate, fever, and absence of catarrh symptoms) in diagnosing streptococcal pharyngitis (gold standard: throat swab).

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SETTING

San Fernando 2 Health Centre, Madrid (outer urban area), Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

On hundred forty patients over 14 years old who had a "sore throat" as main symptom and attended clinic between 14 February and 12 May, 2005.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the probability quotients of the Centor score were determined. Pharyngeal throat culture was used as the reference method.

RESULTS

Thirty four patients had positive throat culture (24.3%; 95% CI, 17.6%-32.4%). Finding the 4 criteria in the Centor score had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 48.1% (95% CI, 30.7%-66.0%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 81.4% (95% CI, 73.3%-87.5%); although only fever (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.40-9.49) and tonsillar exudate (OR, 6.18; 95% CI, 2.08-18.35) were linked to streptococcal aetiology.

CONCLUSIONS

The high NPV and specificity of the clinical score makes the diagnosis of non-streptococcal pharyngitis very accurate. However, the PPV is low: a high Centor score (3 or 4 criteria) does not mean streptococcal pharyngitis with certainty. What approach to take with patients suspected of streptococcal pharyngitis is not yet resolved (microbiological test, early antibiotic, or postponed antibiotic).