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Objective: To compare the perception of the quality of ambulatory care in users of health services in 2012 and 2018, by indigenous and non-indigenous condition., Materials and Methods: With information from two population surveys (Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición [Ensanut] 2012 and Ensanut 100k) the quality of care was analyzed based on indicators of structure, process, health outcome and care satisfaction., Results: Between 2012 and 2018, the use of private health services increased; favorable opinion about the conditions of the site, and perception of short waiting times decreased among non-indigenous people. In public health services, the supply of medicines remained high, the laboratory and Rx tests in the same care unit and pharma- cology treatment explanation decreased, particularly among non-indigenous patients. Perception of health improvement and satisfaction of care was adequate., Conclusions: An ambulatory care model aimed to response needs and expectations of the most vulnerable population, mainly the indigenous population, is a priority., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflict of interests. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

Objective: To analyse the heart failure situation in a health area, as well quality criteria., Method: Cross-sectional observational study of patients diagnosed with heart failure by collecting data from their clinical history in the «Turriano» computer program. The variables analysed were, comorbidities, control of cardiovascular risk factors, treatments, number of chronic diseases, and admissions. The level of adherence to drugs in relation to heart failure by determining the ratio between the percentage of prescribed drugs and drugs withdrawn from pharmacy is also analysed using the Turriano prescription program. The study consisted of an improvement cycle or evaluative cycle, following the methodology proposed by Palmer to evaluate the quality of ambulatory care., Results: A total of 161 patients were included, with a mean age of 81.24 years, and 54.6% were women. Almost all of them (95%) had disease associated high blood pressure, including diabetes 42.2%, dyslipidaemia 8.9%, obesity 49.1%, and cancer 13.7% Some type of heart disease was diagnosed in 62.2% of patients with 29.2% ischaemic heart disease, 46.6% cardiac arrhythmias, and 20.5% valve diseases. More than 60% had between 4 and 6 concomitant diseases. An acceptable control is observed as regards the cardiovascular risk factors. Diuretic treatment was taken by 70%, with 32% and 35% taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. More than 20% have had 1-2 admissions in the last year, with cardiac decompensation being the main cause. There was 16% mortality., Conclusions: Patients with heart failure have a significant number of chronic concomitant diseases, although there is an acceptable cardiovascular risk factors control. There are quality criteria that can be improved., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis. All rights reserved.)

En: Eighty to 90% of patients attended in emergency departments are discharged to home. Emergency department physicians are therefore responsible for specifying how these patients are treated afterwards. An estimated 30% to 40% of emergency patients have diabetes mellitus that was often decompensated or poorly controlled prior to the emergency. It is therefore necessary to establish antidiabetic treatment protocols that contribute to adequate metabolic control for these patients in the interest of improving the short-term prognosis after discharge. The protocols should also maintain continuity of outpatient care from other specialists and contribute to improving the long-term prognosis. This consensus paper presents the consensus of experts from 3 medical associations whose members are directly involved with treating patients with diabetes. The aim of the paper is to facilitate the assessment of antidiabetic treatment when the patient is discharged from the emergency department and referred to outpatient care teams.

Objectives: The high resolution clinic (HRC) is an outpatient care process by which treatment and diagnosis are established, recorded, and completed in a single day. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which patients with medical conditions may benefit from a single consultation system., Material and Methods: A descriptive study of 795 first visit events, randomly selected as high-resolution consultations in cardiology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and chest diseases. A discussion is presented on the percentage of patients who benefited from HRC and the complementary tests performed., Results: A total of 559 (70%, 95% CI: 67-73%) of all first visits became HRCs, and 483 (61%, 95% CI: 57%-64%) required a diagnostic test that was reviewed on the same day. There were differences between medical consultations (86% in cardiology versus 44% in gastroenterology consultations, P<.001). Performing a test on the same day significantly increased the percentage of HRCs (49 versus 22%, P<.001). Ischaemic heart disease, dyspepsia, headache, and asthma were the conditions most commonly leading to HRC. The most common tests were cranial tomography, blood analysis, and ultrasound., Conclusions: Medical consultations may largely benefit from an HRC system, only requiring some organisational changes and no additional costs., (Copyright © 2016 SECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To establish inequalities in the continuity of outpatient care to displaced population diagnosed with depression., Methods: A cross-sectional study, based on clinical records, was performed during the period between June 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, on population diagnosed with depression and reduced to displaced population. The odds ratio was used to associate the type of population with the outpatient care control by professionals, adjusted by sex, age, affiliation and region., Results: The following information was obtained from 74 713 records: 3 149 related to displaced population and 71 564 to non-displaced population; non-displaced population had 24 % more ambulatory care (OR: 1.24 p<0.001; CI 1.10 to 1.39), and the advantage was greater when adjusting the information to data, based on affiliation to the health system. In the displaced population group, men had greater rates of outpatient care compared to women (OR:1.40 p<0.001 CI: 1.08 to 1.83). The disadvantage was also high for non-displaced women (OR:1.26 p<0.001 CI: 1.10 to 1.44). Although these results were obtained for outpatient care in mild and moderate depressive patients, severe depression was excluded; the first type of depression was diagnosed in 92 % of people., Discussion: The performance record showed inequalities in the continuity of outpatient care and, despite the improvement of quality, its coverage is still incomplete. During the first year of the unified plan for the Health System, apparently, the coverage has not achieved to avoid by itself differences in care of displaced population. Improvement of records and interoperability is necessary for designing health policies with an equitable approach.

Background: Quality of care and respect for the rights of users are critical to achieve positive health outcomes and respond appropriately to the expectations of people, particularly if they have mental illnesses., Aim: To carry out a baseline diagnosis of quality of care and respect for rights in public outpatient psychiatric services., Material and Methods: Quality of care and respect for patients'’ rights was assessed by a mental health professional and a trained psychiatric service user in 15 ambulatory psychiatric services. The WHO QualityRights instrument was used, reviewing documentation and making observations in each facility, as well as interviewing 146 patients, 148 health care workers and 64 relatives of patients., Results: A high level of achievement was accomplished in terms of discrimination-free health care, availability of psychotropic medications, lack of abuse or neglect and use of informed consents. A low level of achievement was found in terms of user support to cope with community living, access to education or work and participation in community activities, respect for user treatment preferences and preventive measures to avoid maltreatment and cruelty., Conclusions: Chile could improve the performance of psychiatry services having laws based on the “Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities” and standards of the World Health Organization, having national policies about quality of care and rights of users, reinforcing the community work of mental health care teams, reinforcing and informing users about their rights and promoting research on interventions to improve the respect of their rights.

Objective: To identify users' perception about ambulatory healthcare services quality and associated factors in Mexico., Materials and Methods: Analysis of the 2006 and 2012 National Surveys of Health and Nutrition that included users' perception of healthcare services and improvement in health status. A multivariate regression analysis allowed identifying the associated factors with the perception of improved health status., Results: Between 2006 and 2012, users' positive perception of healthcare services increased from 82 to 85%, and user report of improvement in health status increased from 79 to 81%. Health status improvement, explanations about the disease and treatment, being attended without appointment, freedom to choose the provider and short waiting time were associated with a perception of better quality of care., Conclusions: Users' perception about the quality of care in ambulatory healthcare settings has improved, yet it is still neccessary to strengthen organizational strategies to provide healthcare when needed and to improve fulfillment of users' expectations.

Objectives: To test patient's satisfaction after consultation in the outpatient area of the Urology Department in a public hospital using a structured interview., Methods: We used the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CAM) standard interview form modified to include three questions related to the implementation of a 'one-visit'policy and nurses' empowerment. Patients' opinions were gathered with respect to waiting times in the waiting room, facilities, and staff kindness and professionalism. Sample size was estimated in 386 patients. The effect of every predictive factor on the overall satisfaction was tested using the chi square test. To define the effect of every variable in presence of the rest of covariates a logistic regression model was used., Results: Participation reached 65.5%. Overall, 86.4% of the patients were satisfied. Irrespectively of the professional and personal style, the quality perception was homogeneous (p=ns). Multivariate analysis couldn't disclose any independent predictive variable. Only the perception in the item 'overall time available for the consultation' approached statistical significance (p=0.08), with patients scoring high in this variable getting the highest overall satisfaction scores., Conclusions: There was no personal or professional style particularly related with patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, there is a slight trend towards a higher satisfaction when patients feel enough time has been spent in their consultation. The new organizational resources (one-visit clinic and nurses' empowerment) are both welcome but are not clearly related to patient satisfaction.

Objectives: To determine the changes in the levels of dissatisfaction of the external users of the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, in Lima, Peru., Materials and Methods: Observational study based on a software to evaluate surveys completed by health care users (Software de Evaluación de Encuestas de Usuarios en Salud - SEEUS). The population consisted of every person accompanying external users to outpatient visits, inpatient visits or emergency treatment in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. To calculate the sample size, last year's proportion of users dissatisfied with each service was used, with an estimated error of 5% at a 95% confidence level., Results: A sample of 2051 people was obtained, which revealed a decreasing trend in the levels of dissatisfaction with outpatient visits, and an increased dissatisfaction in the medical capabilities dimension for hospitalization and emergency services. In addition, a dissatisfaction index lower than 0.20 was registered in the medical capabilities dimension for outpatient visits. In contrast, the highest dissatisfaction indexes were registered in the hygiene dimension for 2009 (0.25) and 2010 (0.25), and in the others dimension for emergency services in 2009 (0.25)., Conclusions: The dimensions showing an increase in the dissatisfaction index were tangible aspects, hygiene and others for hospitalization and emergency services. On the other hand, the medical capabilities dimension for outpatient visits showed a decrease in the level of dissatisfaction over the evaluated period.

Background: Two years ago there were alterations to outpatient A and E departments in Navarre; in particular, a rural A and E service (Servicio de Urgencias Rural- SUR) was set up, which coexists geographically with the normal A and E service. The aim of this study is to determine the opinion of experts on problems and recommendations for improvements that affect outpatient A and E services., Methodology: A Delphi study was carried out with the participation of 37 experts (doctors and nurses). Three successive rounds of questionnaires were completed using email. The final questionnaire identified degree of agreement with the group's ideas, and the 15 most relevant problems and recommendations were identified; those ideas that were selected achieved at least 50% agreement and their priority was above 25%. We grouped the ideas using a hierarchic cluster analysis., Results: Four cluster problems were identified; the most outstanding amongst them being "the population uses A and E for banal pathologies, just like any other consultation" with a score of 297 points. Outstanding amongst the recommendations, with 3 identified clusters, were the "need to design a strategic plan for A and E care with resources appropriate to the needs" (310 priority points) and "sending clear messages to the population on the correct use of A and E" (192 priority points)., Conclusion: The Delphi method identifies problems and improvement areas through consensus.

Background: The influence of the information received by patients on their satisfaction is of great importance since, amongst other aspects, it can improve patients' adherence to treatment and contribute to improving their state of health. The study aimed to determine, on the basis of satisfaction questionnaires, the percentage of variability in patients' perception of the information received concerning way of life and medicines, attributed to the following levels: patient, clinical unit and specialisation. It also aimed to identify the variables that influence the results., Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted with 6,922 patients treated in outpatient units in the Navarre Health Service in the year 2005 (rate of reply, 92.4%). An evaluation was made of whether the patients had received medical prescription and information on way of life and, where affirmative, their evaluation of the quality of this information. Ninety-four outpatient clinics and 34 medical specialisations were analysed. A hierarchical statistical analysis at three levels was made., Results: In the items studied, the variability explained by clinical unit and medical specialisation oscillated between 0 and 12.6%, and explained by the patient between 87.4 and 99.3%., Conclusions: Variability was detected in the behaviour of the different clinical units in relation to medical prescription and information provided on way of life. However, the greater part of the variability was localised at the "patient" level.

Background: The level of satisfaction of patients with the services provided by public hospitals is becoming an important issue for health authorities., Aim: To analyze an enquiry applied to patients, about the level of satisfaction with the service provided by a public regional hospital in Chile., Material and Methods: An enquiry was applied to 150 ambulatory (76% women) and 50 hospitalized patients (56% women). It included 28 questions about management aspects of health care and 20 questions about client satisfaction. Data was analyzed using factorial analysis and multiple regressions., Results: The manners of hospital personnel were the factor with the highest impact on the perception of patients about global quality of services. Attention timing was the most influential aspect on global satisfaction., Conclusions: There results confirm those from abroad and can orient an adequate management of public hospital.

Objective: To measure efficiency in the use of resources for the care lists of four primary care centres (PCC), by using ambulatory care Groups (ACGs)., Design: Retrospective, observational study., Setting: Four PC teams., Participants: All patients attended during 2003., Measurements: Dependent variables (costs per patient, between medical lists [family medicine, paediatrics] and PCCs) and case load variables. The model of costs for each patient was set by differentiating the semi-fixed and variable costs. The efficiency index (EI) was set as the quotient between the observed real cost and the expected cost on the basis of ACG distribution, by indirect standardization. The study population was 62,311 patients seen, with an average of 4.8+/-3.2 episodes/patient/year., Main Results: The total health care cost reached 24,135,236.62 euro, of which 65.2% was for prescription, 28.9% for semi-fixed costs, and 2.9% for cost of specialist referrals. The average total cost per patient/year was 387.34 euro+/-145.87 euro (average relative weight). The EI for each centre was: 0.93 (95% CI, 0.85-1.01), 0.97 (95% CI, 0.89-1.05), 1.04 (95% CI, 0.96-1.12), and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.97-1.13), P < .0001. In addition, differences between the medical lists (rank, 0.63-1.56) and between the paediatrics lists (rank, 0.73-1.26) were found (P = .005)., Conclusions: The ACGs enabled us to estimate the efficiency of our PCCs and care lists. Efficiency cannot be isolated from other dimensions of the quality of health care delivery. Study of the EI improved our understanding of the profile of professionals and health centres.

Introduction: In order to ensure a high-quality medical attention, and due to the limited material resources, the medical audit has become an important tool in modern medical management. The field of third-level outpatient consultation has to support the first and the second levels, which is the reason why the management must follow the specific indicators that reflect the development and the efficiency of this process. In this context the objective of this work is to report the behaviour of the indicators of efficacy in the outpatient clinic of a third-level pediatric hospital., Material and Methods: The statistic records presented by the Medical-Operative System of Information from 2000 to 2005 were reviewed and the data of the total of medical examinations (in general and in every shift) were taken out., Results: The total number of medical examinations shows a decrease in the period, but with a larger number of first-time examinations. Some shifts in particular are affected in the indicators by the complexity of the disease., Conclusions: The indicators of discharge/ first-time and subsequent/first-time show a tendency to the fulfillment of the norm. The linked factors that modify an indicator must be considered when analysing it.

Aims: To describe our experience in the ambulatory treatment of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in a second-level hospital with the implementation of an example of process management within the different services involved in attending such conditions., Patients and Methods: The following aspects of the process--mission, limits, flowchart, eligibility criteria and performance indicators (process, sentinel and effectiveness)--were defined by multidisciplinary consensus (Emergency, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Neurology and Radiology departments). This process was implemented from April 2002 to May 2004, and monthly assessments were carried out to check for problems and to introduce corrective measures. After ending the process, patients with TIA were admitted as inpatients for a hospital study., Results: Definition of the process: medical care (diagnosis and treatment) of TIA patients who are eligible for a complete outpatient study within seven days. Patients evaluated: 254. Indicator 1 (percentage of suitable referrals): 2002: 53%, 2003: 75%, 2004: 73%. Indicator 2 (percentage of complete studies in less than one week): 2002: 35%, 2003: 57%, 2004: 50%; hospitalised: 90%. Indicator 3 (infarcts during the study): 2002: 4.3%, 2003: 0%, 2004: 0%; hospitalised: 0%. Indicator 4 (percentage of adjustments made to treatment): 2002: 39%, 2003: 31%, 2004: 62%; hospitalised: 72%. Mean delay before visit: in February 2002: 90 days, in April 2002: 7.67 days and in April 2003: 5.37. Problems detected: delays in referrals, failure to fit hospitalisation criteria, delays in carrying out examinations not included in the protocol, unsuitable indicator design. Steps taken: redefinition of indicators, modification of the referral system, adjustments made to the circuits involved in carrying out tests, review of hospitalisation criteria., Conclusions: Process management is an ideal tool for achieving ongoing improvements in clinical praxis. Early monitoring makes it possible to detect problems and to implement corrective measures. In our area, the study of TIA must be performed in a hospital inpatient regimen in order to comply with the guidelines for clinical practice.

Objective: To know the satisfaction degree manifested by outpatients presenting in the hospital pharmacy department pharmaceutical care clinic, and to identify organizational improvement items., Method: A survey with 8 close-ended questions and 1 open-ended question was designed where patients recorded their suggestions or comments on the service provided. A sample size of 591 surveys was estimated, which allowed to estimate parameters of interest with a 95% confidence interval and a +/- 5% accuracy, adjusting by a 40% potential losses percentage., Results: Overall response rate was 70%; 23.6% of patients considered that finding the PD was difficult or very difficult. Waiting time was normal for 51.8%, but long or excessive for 18.4% of patients. Fifty-six percent of individuals considered the information received useful or very useful, and 81.1% considered that staff friendliness was good or very good. Care timetable was inadequate for 18.1%; 47.7% pointed out that the attending pharmacist did not identify him or herself. Overall satisfaction extent was 7.51 (of 10). A plan for improvement activities was designed and implemented regarding: care timetable, pharmacy department signaling, and general information on clinic matters., Conclusions: The survey allowed to identify organizational weaknesses. Overall score was very satisfactory, yet improvable. Future surveys are required for result comparisons and continual improvement assessment.

Objective: To assess quality of care by an Outpatient Pharmaceutical Care Unit (OPCU) from patient satisfaction regarding the unit s premises and activities., Method: A transversal study performed at the OPCU using a patient survey. Patient opinions were obtained regarding structural aspects, pharmaceutical care, patient information, overall satisfaction, and preference for care in the OPCU or pharmacy office. The response variable was the presumed choice for the OPCU or traditional pharmacy office. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent effect of variables., Results: In all, 256 surveys were administered, of which 195 were assessable. Response rate was 76%. Responses with highest scores included communication and interaction with professionals (4.8 points on average) and care received (4.5 points). Worst assessments included OPCU s timetable (3.8 points) and location (3.9 points); 98.4% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with care received, and only 18.4% would switch to the pharmacy office if allowed to. The multivariate analysis suggested that variables associated with the pharmacy office choice included a negative rating of OPCU s location (OR 9.8, CI 1.3-76.8) and a negative rating of information delivered (OR 4.1, CI 1.7-9.8); p < 0.05., Conclusions: Information received and OPCU s location had the greatest impact on patient satisfaction. Patient remarks and suggestions were very useful to identify areas of improvement, and to introduce modification suiting their views.

Background: Several studies have found a high percentage of inadequate admissions to Internal Medicine Departments. In order to try to alleviate this situation, the Immediate Care Clinics of the Internal Medicine Department (ICCIMD) was created, to study those patients who are suspected of having a serious disease, and whose physical condition allows them to undergo an out-patient study the day after having visited the Emergency Department. The tests requested will take precedence over the rest of the consultations., Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study, through the review of the clinical records of the patients who came to the ICCIMD during the first two years., Results: Our service admitted 726 people in the ACCIMD, 52.2 % males, average age of 54.12 years old. A total of 18.6 % of the patients required hospital admission; this admission being carried out at the first medical examination in 66.7% of the cases. In most cases, it can be related with shortening a study that would have lasted longer. In spite of this, we consider that 1.4 daily admissions have been avoided. Mean time devoted to this study was about 33.20 days, much greater than that expected, because of the high prevalence of non-specific disease and hospital organization deficit. It was decided to study 76.6% of the patients sent, their diagnosis being achieved in 63.3% of the total number of patients. Nevertheless, the ICCIMD was inadequate, as hospital admission was required or the patient was sent to other specialities in the 27.3% of the cases., Conclusions: We think that the ACCIMD can be useful to improve efficiency of Internal Medicine Department, although, to do so, the significant problems found must be solved.

Objective: To present and discuss findings on the responsiveness of the Mexican health system., Material and Methods: The data source was the 2002-2003 National Performance Assessment Survey. A descriptive analysis was performed and results were adjusted for user's expectations using vignette information. Final results were disaggregated by sex, provider, age, and education level., Results: Responsiveness scores given by women and senior individuals were higher than those provided by men and young adults. Major differences were observed when provider comparisons were made. In ambulatory care, the Ministry of Health and private providers were better rated than major social security institutions. For in-patient care, private providers were better rated than public health institutions., Conclusions: Responsiveness of the Mexican health system requires improvements in certain areas in order to meet one of the basic goals of all health systems.

Background and Objective: To analyze the applicability of an out-patient Quick and Early Diagnostic Unit (QEDU) to evaluate patients with a potential life-threatening disorder on an out-patient basis., Patients and Method: We analyzed prospectively all patients attended in the unit for five years (1997-2001). We compared patients with lung cancer and colorectal cancer admitted to hospital for conventional study versus patients studied at the unit., Results: We attended 2,748 patients in total Main reasons for consultation were abdominal pain, asthenia-anorexia, neurologic symptoms, anemia and palpable tumors. The most frequent diagnostic category corresponded to gastroenterological diseases and neoplastic diseases. The mean interval (standard error) for the first visit was 4.9 (3.4) days and for diagnosis it was 5.7 (6.5) days. Some 95% patients displayed a high degree of satisfaction by the questionnaire. In patients with cancer of the colon studied at the QEDU, we observed a reduction in the average interval for diagnosis which was highly significant (p = 0.03). The overall costs of final diagnosis were also lower for the QEDU model., Conclusions: The QEDU unit represents an alternative to in hospital admission for diagnostic workouts, which is fully feasible in our setting. It can result in the same efficacy and a higher efficiency than hospital admission.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a widely used technique in the treatment of gallstone disease. Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (OLC) is a cost/effective and safe procedure in selected patients., Aim: A pilot program of OLC was conducted in a Chilean Public Hospital to evaluate the feasibility and results, including and patients' satisfaction using OLC., Patients and Methods: Patients were eligible for OLC if they were less than 60 years old, had low anesthestetitc risk (ASA I-II), normal liver function tests and an abdominal ultrasound showing gallstones or gallbladder polyps with a normal common bile duct., Results: We performed OLC in 357 patients aged 36 +/- 10 years, 90% female. Intraoperative complications were observed in 4 (1.1%) patients (uncontrolled bleeding in two and minor biliary tree injuries in two, both requiring conversion to the open technique). Four other patients required conversion due to anatomic reasons (overall conversion rate: 2.2%). Ninety two percent of patients were discharged within 6 hours of the operation. Eight (2.2%) were readmitted because of a mild acute pancreatitis (n=1), biliary leakage (n=1), persistent pain (n=2), vomiting (n=2), and retained stones (n=2). Two (0.6%) patients were re-operated. There was no mortality. Ninety-four percent of 277 patients (77.6%), who answered a Satisfaction Survey, evaluated OLC procedure with a high degree of satisfaction., Conclusion: OLC is a safe and feasible procedure in selected gallstone patients. The procedure has good outcomes and a high degree of patient satisfaction. A wide use of OLC should reduce both direct and indirect costs of surgical treatment of gallstone disease.

Background: In the frame of the European study on quality assurance in consultation liaison psychiatry and psychosomatics (supported by the BIOMED 1 program), the clinical <> of consultation-liaison psychiatry units pertaining to six Spanish general hospitals is analyzed., Patients and Method: A sample of 3. 608 consecutive patients referred to the consultation-liaison psychiatry units of five public general hospitals (Clínico of Zaragoza, Clínico of Barcelona, General of Alicante, Ramón y Cajal of Madrid, Princesa of Madrid) and one private gynecological hospital (Dexeus of Barcelona) was studied. The data were recorded with a standardized instrument (CL-BDoK-P), validated in a previous study., Results: Consult request took place 10.6 days (on average) after the patients admission (<>), half the requests were urgent, and psychiatric consultants examined the patients 1.9 days (on average) after the request (<>). The most frequent reasons for referral were current psychiatric symptoms (50.3%), unexplained physical symptoms (15.2%), substance abuse (9.2%), psychiatric history (8.5%), suicide risk (6%) and coping with illness (5.8%). The main referral services were internal medicine (17.5%), traumatology (7.5%) and general surgery (7.3%). An important clinical activity is documented in patients frequently considered to be <>, with broad spectrum diagnostic and interventions processes and both in-hospital and out-patient follow-up. However, some problems were also detected in the clinical <>., Conclusions: The results outline the clinical importance of Spanish consultation-liaison psychiatry in the general hospital, but the possibility of improving its efficiency through the implementation of integrative models, organizational changes and modern models of <> is also emphasized.

Background: The handling of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGH) usually includes the hospitalization of all patients, regardless of severity and prognosis. The aim of this paper is to assess the security of the outpatient control of some UGH, after their assessment in the hospital emergency room., Patients and Methods: Prospective cohort of 533 patients who attended over 1994 and 1995 hospital emergency room for an episode of UGH not linked to portal hypertension. After clinical and endoscopical assessment in the emergency department, 422 cases (79%) were admitted and 111 (21%) discharged for outpatient care. An analysis is presented of the characteristics of both groups, their clinical outcomes and a multivariate analysis to assess the factors associated with the decision to admit the patient., Results: Outpatients were young, with less comorbidity and better haemodynamic status than hospitalized patients. Most of outpatient cases UGH was due to gastroduodenitis, oesophagitis and Mallory-Weiss syndrome, as opposed to the greater importance of peptic ulcer in those admitted. All outpatients presented clean lesions or haematic remains. 25 (5.9%) hospitalized patients presented rebleeding, vs. only 1 (0.9%) outpatient (p < 0.05). When more severity cases were excluded from hospital group, the differences were not significant. All cases with active bleeding, severe haemodynamic repercussion or without endoscopy were admitted. For the remainder, the decision to admit was associated with the presence of bleeding stigmata, haemodynamic repercussion, some causes of hemorrhage, older age, and urea levels., Conclusions: Although the scarce sample do not permit definitive conclusions, results guide towards that a substantial part of UGH not linked to portal hypertension may be monitored without hospitalizing the patient, thereby minimizing care costs and increasing the productive capacity of the hospital, without increasing risks for the patient.

Introduction: Studies of the use of resources is a method recommended for the determination of health care requirements in order to improve planning for this., Objective: To analyze outpatient neurological care in the Autonomous Region of Valencia (CR)., Patients and Methods: A transverse multicentric study was done in different Neurology Clinics in the CV. For three days, chosen randomly, forms were filled in., Results: Twenty neurologists participated. Analysis was done of 954 consultations. In 30% of these cases the neurologist was satisfied and in 30% he was not. Consultation took 9.5% more time than anticipated. Urgent unscheduled consultations made up 8.6%. Women made up 52% and were of an average age of 52 years. Delay was 29 days. Primary care services referred 42% of the patients. The commonest diagnoses were: cerebral infarct, migraine and parkinsonism. The conditions referred from Primary Care Services were similar to those from non-neurological specialists. First visits took 17.6 minutes and following visits 11.7 minutes. The most usual 'destination' was follow-up (75.2%), followed by AP (24%)., Conclusions: Neurological care in the Neurology Clinics of the CV is easily accessible and of good quality. However, it is overloaded by the large demand, due to ambiguity of the health care system available. The different degrees of professional satisfaction felt by neurologists are probably due to the quality of health care available to patients depending on where they live and the type of centre they attend.

The Dengue epidemic in Venezuela has increase dramatically during the last years. There is a rise in the number of cases as well as in the severity of the disease. The fact that it circulates more than one serotype of the virus (1, 2 and 4), from the four described turn us into a hyperendemic region. The symptoms produce in the patient as a consequence of the infection with the Dengue virus, varies from a mild fever to the severe Dengue Shock. Here, the characteristics and classification of the different clinical manifestation are presented as well as the basic procedures in the management of the patient in every case.

A descriptive and retrospective scrutiny dealing with 2,638 emergency cases admitted at "Virgen de la Salud" Hospital, Toledo, during 1993. Analysis of a series of parameters as age, sex, hour, day of the week, month, kind of pathology, emergency ward in charge of the exigency and so on, and correlation of these items. Assessment of the gravity of each urgent case and motive of admission. Our results are confronted with those given by other authors.

Unlabelled: Diabetes Mellitus is a health problem of grave importance. It is of fundamental concern that the patient assumes the principle responsibility for his treatment under the direction of a health care team, particularly nursing personnel. Presented here is a comparative study of recorded clinical histories from two primary care centers (Ambulatory/Health Care Center) of patients with diagnoses of NIDDM. The histories were chosen by simple random sample. The calculations of the sample were performed by the EPIINFO computer program with the following results: AMBULATORY: Population size: 683; 95% Level of Confidence;, Sample Size: 246 histories. HEALTH CARE CENTER: Population size: 224; 95% Level of Confidence; Calculated, Sample Size: 141 histories. The design is based on R. Heather Palmer's cycle of guaranteed quality, as well as the classification of Donabedian and the consensus of the nursing teams from the two centers regarding criteria of quality. Thus, a comparison was made between what was recorded and what should have been done. The obtained results point out a significant difference between the Ambulatory Clinic and the Health Care Center. Of major interest is the difference in the HbA1 levels (19.1 Health Care Center/0.4 Ambulatory) as well as the self evaluation notebooks (33% Health Care Center/0.8% Ambulatory).