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Objective: To analyze trends in urinary tract infection hospitalization (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis and non-specified UTI) among patients over 65 years in Spain from 2000-2015. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using the Spanish Hospitalization Minimum Data Set (CMBD), with codifications by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). We collected data on sex, age, type of discharge, main diagnosis, comorbid diagnosis, length of stay, and global cost. All the hospitalizations were grouped by age into three categories: 65-74 years old, 75-84 years old, and 85 years old and above. In the descriptive statistical analysis, crude rates were defined as hospitalizations per 1,000 inhabitants aged ≥65. To identify trends over time, we performed a Joinpoint regression. Results: From 2000-2015, we found 387,010 hospitalizations coded as UTIs (54,427 pyelonephritis, 15,869 prostatitis, 2643 cystitis and 314,071 non-specified UTI). The crude rate of hospitalization for UTIs between 2000 and 2015 ranged from 2.09 in 2000 to 4.33 in 2015 Rates of hospitalization were higher in men than in women, except with pyelonephritis. By age group, higher rates were observed in patients aged 85 years or older, barring prostatitis-related hospitalizations. Joinpoint analyses showed an average annual percentage increase (AAPC) in incidence rates of 4.9% (95% CI 3.2;6.1) in UTI hospitalizations. We observed two joinpoints, in 2010 and 2013, that found trends of 5.5% between 2000 and 2010 (95% CI 4.7;6.4), 1.5% between 2010 and 2013 (95% CI -6.0;9.6) and 6.8% between 2013 and 2015 (95% CI -0.3;14.4). Conclusions: The urinary infection-related hospitalization rate in Spain doubled during the period 2000-2015. The highest hospitalization rates occurred in men, in the ≥85 years old age group, and in non-specified UTIs. There were increases in all types of urinary tract infection, with non-specified UTIs having the greatest growth. Understanding these changing trends can be useful for health planning. This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the project “PI19/01700”, as part of the Plan Estatal de I+D+I 2017-2020 co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) “A way of shaping Europe”. In addition, the principal investigator JRS received support to increase his research activities and to publish this manuscript from the 2020 funding program of the Fundación de Investigación e Innovación Biosanitaria en Atención Primaria (FIIBAP), Community of Madrid. Sí

BackgroundThe steady rise in multimorbidity entails serious consequences for our populations, challenges healthcare systems, and calls for specific clinical approaches of proven effectiveness. The MULTIPAP Study comprises three sequential projects (MULTIPAP and MULTIPAP Plus RCTs, and the MULTIPAP Cohort). Results of MULTIPAP RCT are presented.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a complex, patient-centred intervention in young-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy.MethodPragmatic cluster-randomised clinical trial in a primary healthcare setting. GPs were randomly allocated to either conventional care or the MULTIPAP intervention based on the Ariadne Principles with two components: GPs e-training (that is, eMULTIPAP addresses specific, key concepts on multimorbidity, polypharmacy and shared decision-making) and GP–patient-centred interview. Young-old patients aged 65–74 years with multimorbidity and polypharmacy were included. Main outcome: difference in the Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) after 6-month follow-up between groups. Secondary outcomes: MAI, quality of life, patient perception, health services use, treatment adherence and cost-effectiveness after 12-month follow-up.Results117 GPs from 38 Spanish primary health care recruited 593 patients randomly assigned to the intervention/control groups. Difference in MAI scores between groups in the intention-to-treat analysis after 6 months’ follow-up: −2.42 (−4.27 to −0.59), P = 0.009 (adjusted difference in mean MAI score −1.81(−3.35 to −0.27), P = 0.021). Secondary outcomes: not significant, including quality of life (adjusted difference in mean EQ-5D-5L (VAS) 2.94 (−1.39 to 7.28), P = 0.183, EQ-5D-5L (index) −0.006(−0.034 to 0.022), P = 0.689).ConclusionThe intervention significantly improved medication appropriateness. The observed quality of life improvement was not significant. GPs e-training in multimorbidity has shown to be feasible and well accepted by the professionals. Future studies may test whether this format facilitates implementation.

Addictive behaviors are not limited to drugs use, but also include certain daily behaviors that can cause gratification. Their progression to more severe pathological patterns entails grave consequences for the individual, including multiple psychopathological manifestations. The early detection of this type of behavior is of concern to primary health care. Therefore, in order to detect risk at early stages, reliable and valid tools for daily practice are essential. The MULTICAGE CAD-4 questionnaire is a screening tool for simultaneously detecting addictive behaviors. This study includes a new scale for the detection of smartphone abuse. The objective is to evaluate the adequacy of its psychometric properties. A sample of 2,074 subjects that were recruited from primary care centers ofMadrid(Spain) completed the MULTICAGE CAD-4 questionnaire. A confirmatory factor analysis, using unweighted least squares method, was performed. The test showed good internal consistency both at item and scale levels. The questionnaire structure was consistent with theoretical expectations. The MULTICAGE CAD-4, including the new smartphone scale, is a robust, reliable tool with a valid structure for assessing the presence of dysfunctional or potentially addictive behaviors, and especially useful in primary health care services.

Objective There is limited information on health service use or patient-reported outcomes when comparing the effectiveness of laparoscopic with that of open surgery. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic with that of open surgery up to 2 years after intervention in patients with colon cancer. Methods Prospective cohort study of patients with colon cancer who underwent surgery (laparoscopic or open surgery) between June 2010 and December 2012, at 22 hospitals. Main outcomes of the study were mortality, complications, reoperation, readmission, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), as measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Duke-UNC, EuroQol-5D, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Q30 and Q29 at baseline, and 30 days and 1 and 2 years after surgery. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression and generalized linear models were used in analyses after adjusting for specific propensity scores developed for each outcome and time point. Results In the multivariable analysis, the complication rates up to 30 days (infectious, surgical, and medical) and 1 year (surgical), and readmission rate at 30 days and at 2 years were higher among patients who underwent open surgery than among those who underwent laparoscopic surgery. There were no differences between the two surgical approaches in all other parameters assessed and in changes of all PROMs. Conclusions Though in most outcomes both surgical approaches provide similar results up to 2 years after intervention, still the rates of some complications and readmission, mainly up to 30 days, are higher in open surgery. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02488161 .

The World Health Organization leads a global strategy to promote the initiation and maintenance of breast-feeding. Existing literature shows that education and supportive interventions, both for breast-feeding mothers as well as for healthcare professionals, can increase the proportion of women that use exclusive breast-feeding, however, more evidence is needed on the effectiveness of group interventions. This study involves a community-based cluster randomised trial conducted at Primary Healthcare Centres in the Community of Madrid (Spain). The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational group intervention performed by primary healthcare professionals in increasing the proportion of mother-infant pairs using exclusive breastfeeding at six months compared to routine practice. The number of patients required will be 432 (216 in each arm). All mother-infant pairs using exclusive breastfeeding that seek care or information at healthcare centres will be included, as long as the infant is not older than four weeks, and the mother has used exclusive breastfeeding in the last 24 h and who gives consent to participate. The main response variable is mother-infant pairs using exclusive breast-feeding at six months. Main effectiveness will be analysed by comparing the proportion of mother-infant pairs using exclusive breast-feeding at six months between the intervention group and the control group. All statistical tests will be performed with intention-to-treat. The estimation will be adjusted using an explanatory logistic regression model. A survival analysis will be used to compare the two groups using the log-rank test to assess the effect of the intervention on the duration of breastfeeding. The control of potential confounding variables will be performed through the construction of Cox regression models. We must implement strategies with scientific evidence to improve the percentage of exclusive breast-feeding at six months in our environment as established by the WHO. Group education is an instrument used by professionals in Primary Care that favours the acquisition of skills and modification of already-acquired behaviour, all making it a potential method of choice to improve rates of exclusive breast-feeding in this period. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under code number NCT01869920 (Date of registration: June 3, 2013).

Inequalities in diabetes prevalence among immigrants from Andean countries remain unknown. Andean populations are one of the largest groups of immigrants in Madrid city. We examined the association between country of birth and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence in Andean immigrant population relative to Spanish-natives; and whether this association varied by age, sex and length of residence. We analyzed 1,258,931 electronic medical records from Spanish native and Andean immigrant adults aged 40–75 years of Madrid city. We used logistic regression and test interaction terms to address our aims. Andean immigrants showed 1.13 (95% CI 1.10–1.17) greater adjusted odds for T2DM than Spanish natives. This association was positive in Ecuadorians and Bolivians but protective in Peruvians and Colombians. There was heterogeneity of this association according to age and sex. Relative to Spanish natives, odds of T2DM in Andeans of all ages and women were higher but lower in men. Andean adults showed greater odds of T2DM compared with Spanish native adults in Madrid, with variation observed by age and sex. These findings emphasize the need for studying immigrant populations in a disaggregated manner to implement specific clinical and preventive approaches.

PURPOSE: Uncertainty exists regarding the best way to communicate cardiovascular risk (CVR) to patients, and it is unclear whether the comprehension and perception of CVR varies according to the format used. The aim of the present work was to determine whether a strategy designed for communicating CVR information to patients with poorly controlled high blood pressure (HBP), but with no background of cardiovascular disease, was more effective than usual care in the control of blood pressure (BP) over the course of a year. METHODS: A pragmatic, two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed. Consecutive patients aged 40-65 years, all diagnosed with HBP in the last 12 months, and all of whom showed poor control of their condition (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg), were recruited at 22 primary healthcare centres. Eleven centres were randomly assigned to the usual care arm, and 11 to the informative intervention arm (Educore arm). At the start of the study, the Educore arm subjects were shown the "low risk SCORE table", along with impacting images and information pamphlets encouraging the maintenance of good cardiovascular health. The main outcome variable measured was the control of HBP; the secondary outcome variables were SCORE table score, total plasma cholesterol concentration, use of tobacco, adherence to prescribed treatment, and quality of life. RESULTS: The study participants were 411 patients (185 in the Educore arm and 226 in the usual care arm). Multilevel logistic regression showed that, at 12 months, the Educore intervention achieved better control of HBP (OR = 1.57; 1.02 to 2.41). No statistically significant differences were seen between the two arms at 12 months with respect to the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to usual care, the Educore intervention was associated with better control of HBP after adjusting for age, baseline SBP and plasma cholesterol, at 12 months. This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation via the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subprograma de Proyectos de Investigación en Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias y Servicios de Salud (PI 09/90354), and the Fundación de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica en Atención Primaria (FIIBAP). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript Sí

Objetivo Analizar el papel de las unidades docentes (UD) de atención familiar y comunitaria como agentes facilitadores de la implementación de guías de práctica clínica (GPC) y los factores asociados a un mayor esfuerzo en esta tarea. Material y métodos Diseño: estudio descriptivo transversal con enfoque analítico. Participantes UD en España (n = 94). Mediciones principales Variables recogidas mediante encuesta autocumplimentada en 5 dominios: características de las UD, actividad formativa dirigida a la práctica clínica basada en pruebas, importancia atribuida a esta actividad, responsabilidad sobre implementación de GPC y percepción sobre barreras y facilitadores para su uso. Análisis descriptivo y multivariante siendo la variable dependiente el esfuerzo percibido de las UD para implementar GPC. Resultados Respondieron 45 UD (47,9%). El 42,2% (IC 95%: 27,8-56,6) de sus responsables ha dirigido proyectos de investigación y el 31,1% (IC 95%:17,6- 44,6) ha participado en elaborar GPC. Organizaban una media de 51 horas (DE 47,2) de formación en práctica clínica basada en pruebas. El 97,7% (IC 95%:93,3-100) consideraba fundamental que los residentes conozcan y apliquen GPC y el 93,3% (IC 95%: 86,0-100) consideran los tutores responsables de implementarlas. Se relacionaron con un mayor esfuerzo de las UD la participación del responsable en GPC (coef.: 0,58; IC 95%: 0,00-1,16), la importancia dada a que los residentes las conozcan (coef.: 0,89; IC 95%: 0,24-1,54) y que estas parezcan aplicables (coef.: 0,35; IC 95%: –0,01-0,70). Conclusiones Las UD reconocen la importancia de las GPC y consideran a los tutores responsables de su implementación. El esfuerzo de las UD para implementar GPC se relacionó con la experiencia previa de los responsables, la percepción de aplicabilidad y de necesidad de los residentes.

Background: Several studies on the epidemiology of autoimmune diseases performed within the past several decades revealed a prevalence of Sjogren Syndrome (SS) between 0.3% and 4.83% (1). More recent studies revealed a lower prevalence between 31/100,000 to 49/100,000 (2 3). The exact prevalence of SS is unknown due to the heterogeneity of the populations and geographic areas studied, the utilization of different diagnostic tests or the lack of a unique classification criteria for the disease. Also, the disease may have an insidious onset and a variable course with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, so the diagnosis may be delayed or SS patients may be missed and misclassified as other rheumatic disease. Besides, SS can occur alone (primary SS) or in association with other specific systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (secondary SS). Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of SS in the Community of Madrid (CM) and to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of these patients. Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study in the CM, Spain. The information source for SS cases was the Registry of rare diseases in the CM (SIERMA). A descriptive analysis of the main sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of SS cases was performed. Prevalence per 10,000 inhabitants in people with 18 years of age and over, stratified by sex and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for 2015. The denominator was the people registered at the Population Register in the middle of the period (July 2015). Results: There were 4,778 cases of SS in SIERMA and 389 (8,1%) of them were already dead. 4434 (92.8%) were women. The median age was 64,7 years (15,4), and the maximum age was 103 years. The disease was most frequent in the sixth decade with 1079 cases (22,6%), in the seventh decade with 1120 cases (23,4%) and in the eighth decade with 935 cases (19,6). 3116 cases (65.2%) were classified as primary SS (pSS) and 1662 (34.8%) as secondary SS (sSS). Among the sSS the main rheumatological conditions associated were rheumatoid arthritis (58%), lupus (24,5%), systemic Sclerosis (10,5%); mixed connective tissue (4%), inflammatory muscle disease (2%) and vasculitis (1%). The prevalence of SS in adults (≥ 18 years of age) was 8.4/10,000 with a 95% CI: 8.2 – 8.7 (14.9% in women and 0,8% in men). The prevalence of pSS was 5.5/10,000 (CI 5,3 – 5,7) and for sSS was 2.8/10,000 (95%CI: 2.7-3). Conclusion: SS mainly affects females during the sixth, seventh and eight decades of life, and shows a female:male ratio of 9:1. Two out of three cases of SS identified were classified as pSS. The main rheumatological conditions associated were rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The estimated prevalence of SS in the Community of Madrid population is lower than the observed in previous studies whereas the prevalence of pSS is similar than the observed in current studies. References: [1] Toms M, Logar D, Grmek M, Perkovic T, Kveder T. Prevalence of Sjogren’s syndrome in Slovenia. Rheumatology. 1999;38:164–70. [2] Sardu C, Cocco E, Mereu A, Massa R, Cuccu A, Marrosu MG, et al. Population Based Study of 12 Autoimmune Diseases in Sardinia, Italy: Prevalence and Comorbidity. Ashour HM, editor. PLoS One [Internet]. 2012 Mar 2;7(3):e32487. Available from: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0032487 [3] Prevalencia de las enfermedades raras: Datos bibliograficos », Informes Periodicos de Orphanet, Serie Enfermedades Raras, Enero 2019, Numero 1 : Listado por orden alfabetico de enfermedades o grupo de enfermedades http://www.orpha.net/orphacom/cahiers/docs/ES/Prevalencia_de_las_enfermedades_raras_por_orden_alfabetico.pdf Disclosure of Interests: None declared

Objective: To describe associated factors with the presence of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) diagnosed by the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 (PG-13) questionnaire between 6 and 18 months after the loss of a loved one.Method: Cross-sectional study. Adults chosen from a sample coming from primary-care services, hospices, and a home care team, all of them in Madrid. Variables from the deceased and the bereaved were collected: demographic, socioeconomic, psychiatric records, medical visits, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), social perceived support and PGD diagnosed by PG-13 and Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with PGD.Results: Prevalence of PGD was 7.023%. PGD was associated with female gender joblessness, low family incomes, a younger deceased, an illness not suitable for palliative care, anxiety or depression records before and after the loss, psychiatrist support, the use of psychotropic medication, increasing visits to emergency and primary care services, GAD, MDD, low social perceived support and the diagnosis of PGD using the TRIG. Multivariate linear regression showed that PGD was associated with psychiatrist support, MDD and an income under 2000 euros. Conclusions: Just a few of these risk factors can be modified by us (psychiatrist support, treatment of anxiety or depression) but by knowing them we will be able to have an early diagnosis and refer them to the appropriate resources like specific grief therapy as soon as possible. Objetivo: Describir factores asociados a la presencia de Duelo Prolongado (DP) medido con el cuestionario Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 (PG-13) en pacientes que han perdido a un ser querido entre 6 y 18 meses.Método: Estudio transversal. Dolientes mayores de edad procedentes de atención primaria, hospitales de cuidados paliativos y un equipo de soporte a la atención domiciliaria paliativa en Madrid. Se recogieron variables del fallecido y del doliente: sociodemográficas, socioeconómicas, antecedentes psiquiátricos, utilización de recursos sanitarios, Trastorno por Ansiedad Generalizada (TAG), apoyo social, percibido y duelo prolongado con PG-13 y el Inventario Texas Revisado de Duelo (ITRD). Se calcularon medidas de tendencia central y distribución de frecuencias, se calculo asociación entre variables con c2 y t-student, se ajustó modelo multivariante.Resultados: La prevalencia de DP fue de 7,023%. La presencia de DP se asoció significativamente con ser mujer, no tener trabajo, ingresos familiares bajos, fallecido más joven, enfermedad no susceptible de recibir cuidados paliativos, historia de ansiedad y/o depresión antes y después de la pérdida, haber consultado a un psiquiatra, haber tomado psicofármacos, una mayor frecuentación de los servicios de urgencias, medicina y enfermería de atención primaria, con TAG, EDM, apoyo social percibido bajo y DP según los criterios del ITRD. En el análisis multivariante se asoció con haber visitado al psiquiatra, EDM y con ingresos mensuales inferiores a 2.000 euros.Conclusiones: Podemos modificar pocos de estos factores, pero conocerlos e identificar con prontitud a estos pacientes nos permitirá derivarlos a tratamientos apropiados como terapia específica de duelo.

Multimorbidity (MM) is a widespread problem and it poses unsolved issues like the healthcare professionals' training. A training curriculum has been proposed, but it has not been sufficiently explored in a clinical context. The eMULTIPAP course is part of the MULTIPAP complex intervention, applied through a pragmatic controlled, cluster randomized clinical trial to general practitioners (GP) and his/her patients with MM with 12 months follow-up. The eMULTIPAP course is based on problem-based learning, constructivism and Ariadne principles. It has been assessed according to the Kirkpatrick model and has shown knowledge improvement and high applicability of learning with more motivation to consider MM in the clinical practice. It has also improved the Medication Appropriateness Index at 6-months and at 12- months. We conclude that the eMULTIPAP course generates significant changes in GP's learning, enhancing clinical practice in multimorbidity scenarios.

Chronic patients suffer a greater number of health problems and have greater needs for assistance and care. The objective was to describe the use of health services in Primary Care in patients with chronic conditions according to risk level by adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) and analyze the associated factors.Cross-sectional study. We included patients ≥18 years-old identified as chronic by the stratification tool according to AMG in a basic health area in the Community of Madrid with an assigned population of 18,107 inhabitants. Sociodemographic, clinical-care and use of services variables were collected and were classified according to the "behavioral" model in predisposing, need or facilitators factors. Univariate, bivariate and multiple linear regression adjusted with robust estimators was performed.9,443 chronic patients (52.1% of the population in the selected zone) were identified, mean age of 57.8 (SD=18.7); 62.1% women. According to their risk level 4.7% were high risk, 18.7% medium risk and 76.6% low risk. The mean number of contacts per year was 14.1 (SD=15.2); 34.4 (SD=27.9) in high risk; 21.8 (SD=17.2) in medium risk and 10.1 (SD=10.2) in low risk. 7.5 (SD=7.1) contacts were with the doctor and 12.9 (SD=12.9) were face-to-face. The factors associated with higher use of services were high risk (Coefficient B[CB]=12.6; IC95%=11-14.2), immobilization (CB=8.8; IC95%=7.3-10.4), polypharmacy (CB=6; IC95%=5-8.6), female sex (CB=1; IC95%=0.4-1.5), number of chronic diseases (CB=1; IC95%=0.8-1.2) and age (CB=0.03; IC95%=0.01-0.05).The health services utilization in Primary Care in chronic patients is high and increased according with the risk level by AMG. The contact with the doctor is superior to nurse and the most frequent type is face-to-face. The greater utilization of services responds to predisposing factors (female sex and age) and above all to need factors (high risk, immobility, multimorbidity and polypharmacy).Los pacientes crónicos sufren mayor número de problemas de salud y tienen mayores necesidades de asistencia y cuidados. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la utilización de servicios de salud de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los grupos de morbilidad ajustados (GMA), así como analizar los factores asociados.Se realizó un estudio transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥ 18 años identificados como crónicos por el estratificador GMA en una zona básica de salud de la Comunidad de Madrid, con una población adscrita de 18.107 habitantes. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, clínico-asistenciales y de utilización de servicios, y se clasificaron según el modelo “conductual” en “factores predisponentes”, “factores de necesidad” o “factores facilitadores”. Se empleó un análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariante, ajustando un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple con estimadores robustos.Se incluyeron 9.443 pacientes crónicos (el 52,1% de la población de la zona seleccionada), con una edad media de 57,8 años (Desviación estándar [DE]=18,7), siendo mujeres el 62,1%. El 4,7% eran pacientes de alto riesgo, el 18,7% de medio riesgo y el 76,6% presentaba bajo riesgo. La media de contactos/año fue de 14,1 (DE=15,2). 34,4 (DE=27,9) en alto riesgo, 21,8 (DE=17,2) en riesgo medio y 10,1 (DE=10,2) en bajo riesgo. De estos contactos, 7,5 (DE=7,1) fueron con médico y 12,9 (DE=12,9) presenciales. Los factores asociados a mayor utilización fueron el riesgo alto (Coeficiente B [CB]=12,6; IC95%=11,1-14,2), el estar inmovilizado (CB=8,8; IC95%=7,3-10,4), la polimedicación (CB=6; IC95%=5,1-6,9), el ser mujer (CB=1; IC95%=0,4-1,5), el número de enfermedades crónicas (CB=1; IC95%=0,8-1,2) y la edad (CB=0,03; IC95%=0,01-0,05).La utilización de servicios de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos es elevada y aumenta según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los GMA. El contacto con el médico es superior frente al de la enfermería, y el tipo más frecuente es presencial. La mayor utilización responde a factores predisponentes (ser mujer y la edad) y, sobre todo, de necesidad clínica (alto riesgo, multimorbilidad, polimedicación e inmovilidad).

[ES] Objetivos Los objetivos de este estudio son describir la frecuencia de exposición y la actitud de los médicos internos residentes (MIR) de la Comunidad de Madrid (CM) con la industria farmacéutica (IF), y analizar la asociación con la especialidad, el entorno profesional y la formación recibida. Métodos Estudio descriptivo mediante encuesta electrónica durante mayo y junio de 2015 a los MIR de la CM. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas y de relación con la IF en cuatro bloques: frecuencia de interacción, actitudes y percepciones, entorno y marco regulatorio, y habilidades adquiridas; con los dos primeros se elaboró un índice sintético de relación con la IF (ISIF). Análisis bivariado y multivariado de regresión logística. Resultados Respondieron 350 residentes (28% de medicina familiar y comunitaria [MFyC]), 57% de especialidades hospitalarias y 15% de otras). El 98% refirió haber tenido relación con la IF. El 20% creía que influye en su prescripción y el 48% en los demás médicos. El 96% no había recibido información de su colegio profesional, el 80% desconocía si había normas en su sociedad científica y el 50% no sabía si las había en su institución. El 65% consideró necesaria más formación. Los residentes de especialidades hospitalarias presentaron más probabilidad de presentar un ISIF igual o superior al percentil 75 que los de MFyC (odds ratio [OR]: 3,96; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,88-8,35). Formarse en entornos informales se asoció a un ISIF menor o igual al percentil 25 (OR: 2,83; IC95%: 1,32-6,07). Conclusiones Los MIR de la CM tienen un alto nivel de contacto con la IF y creen que su influencia es limitada. Los residentes de especialidades hospitalarias presentan mayor contacto. Las regulaciones son poco conocidas por los residentes, que consideran que es necesaria más formación. [EN] To assess the frequency of exposure and attitudes to the pharmaceutical industry (PI) of residents in the Region of Madrid (RM), Spain, and to analyse the association with specialty, professional environment and training. Cross-sectional electronic survey in May and June 2015 of all medical residents in RM. We collected sociodemographic variables and those of interaction with the PI in four blocks: frequency of interactions, attitudes and perceptions, environment and regulatory framework, and skills; with the first two blocks we created a Synthetic PI Interaction Index (SPIII). Bivariate and multivariate analysis of logistic regression. 350 resident's responses (28% family and community medicine [FCM], 57% hospital, 15% others). Ninety-eight percent reported interacting with the PI. Twenty percent believed their prescribing was influenced by the PI and 48% believed it was influenced by other doctors. Sixty-five precent considered more training necessary. Ninety-six percent had received no information from their college of physicians, 80% did not know the regulations in their medical society and 50% were unaware of those of their institution. Hospital specialty residents showed more likelihood of SPIII ≥ percentile 75 than those of FCM (odds ratio [OR]: 3.96; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.88-8.35). Training in informal settings was associated with SPIII ≤ percentile 25 (OR: 2.83; 95%CI: 1.32-6.07). The medical residents in RM had a high level of interaction with the PI and believed its influence low. Hospital specialty residents showed more interaction with the PI. Regulations were not well known by residents and they consideredmore training necessary. Sí

Addictive behaviors are not limited to drugs use, but also include certain daily behaviors that can cause gratification. Their progression to more severe pathological patterns entails grave consequences for the individual, including multiple psychopathological manifestations. The early detection of this type of behavior is of concern to primary health care. Therefore, in order to detect risk at early stages, reliable and valid tools for daily practice are essential. The MULTICAGE CAD-4 questionnaire is a screening tool for simultaneously detecting addictive behaviors. This study includes a new scale for the detection of smartphone abuse. The objective is to evaluate the adequacy of its psychometric properties. A sample of 2,074 subjects that were recruited from primary care centers of Madrid (Spain) completed the MULTICAGE CAD-4 questionnaire. A confirmatory factor analysis, using unweighted least squares method, was performed. The test showed good internal consistency both at item and scale levels. The questionnaire structure was consistent with theoretical expectations. The MULTICAGE CAD-4, including the new smartphone scale, is a robust, reliable tool with a valid structure for assessing the presence of dysfunctional or potentially addictive behaviors, and especially useful in primary health care services.

Objetivos: Describir las características de los pacientes crónicos según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los grupos de morbilidad ajustados (GMA). Analizar los factores asociados al nivel de riesgo alto y estudiar el efecto de cada uno de ellos. Dise˜no: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal con enfoque analítico. Emplazamiento: Atención Primaria (AP). Servicio Madrile˜no de Salud. Participantes: Población de 18.107 pacientes estratificados por los GMA integrados en la historia clínica electrónica de AP de la Comunidad de Madrid. Mediciones principales: Variables sociodemográficas, clínico-asistenciales y de uso de servicios. Se realizó análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariante. Resultados: De los 18.107 pacientes se identificaron 9.866 (54,4%) pacientes crónicos, 444 (4,5%) estratificados como de alto riesgo, 1.784 (18,1%) como de medio riesgo y 7.638 (77,4%) como de bajo riesgo. Los de alto riesgo, comparados con medio y bajo riesgo, tenían una edad media mayor (77,8 [12,9]; 72,1 [12,9]; 50,6 [19,4]), menor porcentaje de mujeres (52,3%, 65%, 61,1%), mayor número de enfermedades crónicas (6,7 [2,4]; 4,3 [1,5]; 1,9 [1,1]), polimedicación (79,1%, 43,3%, 6,2%) y contactos con AP (33,9 [28]; 21,4 [17,3]; 7,9 [9,9]) (p < 0,01). En el multivariante el nivel de riesgo alto se relacionó de manera independiente con la edad > 65 (OR = 1,43; IC 95% = 1,03-1,99), sexo masculino (OR = 3,46; IC 95% = 2,64-4,52), inmovilidad (OR = 6,33; IC 95% = 4,40-9,11), número de enfermedades crónicas (OR = 2,60; IC 95% = 2,41-2,81) (p < 0,01) y número de contactos con AP > 7 (OR = 1,95; IC 95% = 1,36-2,80). Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de la población fue clasificada por los GMA como crónica, y se estratificó en 3 niveles de riesgo que presentaban diferencias en sexo, edad, deterioro funcional, necesidad de cuidados, morbilidad, complejidad, polifarmacia y contactos con AP. La edad > 65, el sexo masculino, la inmovilidad, el número de enfermedades crónicas y los contactos con AP > 7 fueron los factores asociados al alto riesgo., Aims: To describe the characteristics of patients with chronic conditions according to their risk levels assigned by the adjusted morbidity groups (AMG). To analyse the factors associated with a high risk level and to study their effect. Design: Observational cross-sectional study with an analytical focus. Location: Primary care (PC), Madrid Health Service. Participants: Population of 18,107 patients stratified by their risk levels with the AMG in the computerised clinical records of Madrid PC. Main measurements: The variables studied were: socio-demographic, clinical-nursing care and use of services. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: Of the 18,107 patients, 9,866(54.4%) were identified as chronic patients, with 444 (4.5%) stratified as high risk, 1784 (18,1%) as medium risk, and 7,638 (77.4%) as low risk. The high risk patients, compared with medium and low risk, had an older mean age [77.8 (SD = 12.9), 72.1 (SD = 12.9), 50.6 (SD = 19.4)], lower percentage of women (52.3%, 65%, 61.1%), a higher number of chronic diseases [6.7 (SD = 2.4), 4.3 (SD = 1.5), 1.9 (SD = 1.1)], polymedication (79.1%, 43.3%, 6.2%), and contact with PC [33.9 (28), 21.4 (17.3), 7.9 (9.9)] (P 65 [1.43 (1.03-1.99), male gender (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.64-4.52), immobility (OR = 6.33, 95% CI = 4.40-9.11), number of chronic conditions (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 2.41-2.81), and PC contact > 7 times (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.36- 2.80)] (P < .01). Conclusions: More than half of the population is classified by the AMG as a chronic, and it is stratified into 3 risk levels that show differences in gender, age, functional impairment, need for care, morbidity, complexity, and use of Primary Care services. Age > 65, male gender, immobility, number of chronic conditions, and contact with PC > 7 times were the factors associated with high risk.

We studied the association between neighborhood social and economic change and type 2 diabetes incidence in the city of Madrid (Spain). We followed 199,621 individuals living in 393 census tracts for diabetes incidence for 6 years using electronic health records, starting in 2009. We measured neighborhood social and economic change from 2005 to 2009 using a finite mixture model with 16 indicators that resulted in four types of neighborhood change. Adjusted results showed an association between neighborhood change and diabetes incidence: compared to those living in Aging/Stable areas, people living in Declining SES, New Housing and Improving SES areas have an 8% (HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99), 9% (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.01) and 11% (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.98) decrease in diabetes incidence. This evidence can help guide policies for diabetes prevention by focusing efforts on specific urban areas.

Objective: To assess the burden of several determinants on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and to study its heterogeneity among the different Spanish regions. Method: Cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey (2012), and HRQOL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (utility and visual analogue scale –VAS– scores). Demographic variables, physical health condition, social variables, mental health status, and lifestyle were also analysed. Tobit regression models were employed to study the relationships between expressed HRQOL and personal characteristics. Results: A total of 20,979 surveys were obtained. Of them, 62.4% expressed a utility score of 1, corresponding to perfect health (95%CI: 61.8%–63.2%), and 54.2% showed VAS scores ≥80 (95%CI: 53.5%–54.9%). HRQOL was mainly described as a function of age, chronic limitation in daily activities, and mental health status. Belonging to a higher-class strata and physical activity were related to better self-perceived HRQOL. Ageing worsened perceived HRQOL, but did not influence its determinants, and differences in HRQOL by regions were also not significant after model adjustment. Conclusion: HRQOL perception in the Spanish population varied slightly depending on the measure used (utilities index or VAS). Age, chronic limitations in daily life, and mental health status best explained the variability in perception, and no meaningful differences in HRQOL perception among regions were found after adjustment. Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la carga de ciertos determinantes de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y su heterogeneidad entre diferentes regiones españolas. Métodos: Estudio transversal. Utilizando datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (2012), se midió la CVRS con el cuestionario EQ5D-5L (utilidad y escala visual analógica [EVA]). Se analizaron variables demográficas, estado de salud, variables sociales, salud mental y estilos de vida, utilizando modelos Tobit. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20.979 encuestas. El 62,4% de los sujetos expresó una utilidad de 1, perfecta salud (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 61,8% -63,2%), y el 54,2% mostró puntuaciones en la EVA ≥80 (IC95%: 53,5%-54,9%). La CVRS se vio modificada fundamentalmente por la edad, la limitación crónica en las actividades diarias y el estado de salud mental. La clase social alta y la actividad física aparecían relacionadas con una mejor CVRS. La edad empeoró la percepción de la CVRS, pero no se asoció con un cambio en la influencia de sus determinantes. Después de ajustar los modelos, no había diferencias en la CVRS en las diferentes regiones. Conclusión: La percepción de la CVRS en la población española varió dependiendo de la medida utilizada (utilidades o EVA). La edad, las limitaciones crónicas en la vida diaria y el estado de salud mental explicaban fundamentalmente las diferencias en la CVRS, y las diferencias entre regiones se explicaron principalmente por diferentes características poblacionales. Keywords: Quality of life, Health status, Population characteristics, Public health, Palabras clave: Calidad de vida, Estado de salud, Características poblacionales, Salud pública

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To assess the frequency of exposure and attitudes to the pharmaceutical industry (PI) of residents in the Region of Madrid (RM), Spain, and to analyse the association with specialty, professional environment and training.Cross-sectional electronic survey in May and June 2015 of all medical residents in RM. We collected sociodemographic variables and those of interaction with the PI in four blocks: frequency of interactions, attitudes and perceptions, environment and regulatory framework, and skills; with the first two blocks we created a Synthetic PI Interaction Index (SPIII). Bivariate and multivariate analysis of logistic regression.350 resident's responses (28% family and community medicine [FCM], 57% hospital, 15% others). Ninety-eight percent reported interacting with the PI. Twenty percent believed their prescribing was influenced by the PI and 48% believed it was influenced by other doctors. Sixty-five precent considered more training necessary. Ninety-six percent had received no information from their college of physicians, 80% did not know the regulations in their medical society and 50% were unaware of those of their institution. Hospital specialty residents showed more likelihood of SPIII ≥ percentile 75 than those of FCM (odds ratio [OR]: 3.96; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.88-8.35). Training in informal settings was associated with SPIII ≤ percentile 25 (OR: 2.83; 95%CI: 1.32-6.07).The medical residents in RM had a high level of interaction with the PI and believed its influence low. Hospital specialty residents showed more interaction with the PI. Regulations were not well known by residents and they consideredmore training necessary.

La multimorbilidad, definida como la presencia de dos o más enfermedades crónicas en un mismo individuo, conlleva consecuencias negativas para la persona e importantes retos para los sistemas sanitarios. En atención primaria, donde recae esencialmente la atención de este grupo de pacientes, la consulta es más compleja que la de un paciente con una única enfermedad debido, entre otros, al hecho de tener que manejar mayor cantidad de información clínica, disponer de poca evidencia científica para abordar la multimorbilidad, y tener que coordinar la labor de múltiples profesionales para garantizar la continuidad asistencial. Además, para poder implementar correctamente los planes de tratamiento en estos pacientes es necesario un proceso de toma de decisiones compartida médico-paciente. Entre las distintas herramientas disponibles para apoyar dicho proceso, recientemente se ha desarrollado una dirigida específicamente a pacientes con multimorbilidad en atención primaria y que se describe en el presente artículo: los principios Ariadne. Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in one same individual, has negative consequences for people suffering from it and it poses a real challenge for health systems. In primary care, where most of these patients are attended, the clinical management of multimorbidity can be a complex task due, among others, to the high volume of clinical information that needs to be handled, the scarce scientific evidence available to approach multimorbidity, and the need for coordination among multiple health providers to guarantee continuity of care. Moreover, the adequate implementation of the care plan in these patients requires a process of shared decision making between patient and physician. One of the available tools to support this process, which is specifically directed to patients with multimorbidity in primary care, is described in the present article: the Ariadne principles.

Magnitud del problema Es dificil definir los conceptos de embarazos no deseados y no planificados. Investigaciones cualitativas concluyen que su definicion varia sustancialmente de unas mujeres a otras y tiene una correlacion importante con la situacion social, las influencias culturales y con la actitud de sus parejas hacia el embarazo1. Los embarazos no deseados afectan a mujeres de todas las edades y condicion social, son mas frecuentes en las edades extremas de la vida fertil y en situaciones de menor nivel socioeconomico y educativo. Se han asociado con un mayor riesgo de cuidados inadecuados prenatales y de complicaciones posteriores tanto para la madre como para el hijo (mas acusadas en las adolescentes que presentan una mayor vulnerabilidad psicologica, uniones mas inestables y en muchos casos una finalizacion prematura de su formacion escolar)2,3. Cuando existen relaciones y no se utiliza ningun metodo anticonceptivo, la probabilidad de embarazo es del 85% en un ano. En Espana, en la decada de los noventa, se ha producido una disminucion de las tasas de fecundidad, pero la tasa de embarazos no ha disminuido en igual medida, aumentando el aborto en todas las edades excepto a los 35-39 anos, donde se mantiene estable. La tasa de interrupciones voluntarias del embarazo (IVE) en 1987 fue de 16.766, alcanzando en 1996 un maximo de 51.002 (5,7 IVE por cada 100 nacidos vivos)4. La falta o el uso inadecuado de metodos anticonceptivos son la principal causa de embarazos no deseados, disminuyendo las tasas en aquellos paises donde los servicios de planificacion familiar son mas accesibles. La persistencia de conceptos erroneos sobre la eficacia, los beneficios y los efectos adversos de los metodos anticonceptivos, perpetuan en muchos casos ideas equivocadas que son un obstaculo para un uso correcto. Un 45% de las mujeres en edad reproductiva de todo el mundo utiliza algun metodo anticonceptivo con variaciones geograficas importantes, desde un 69% en Asia Oriental a un 11% en Africa. En Europa el porcentaje de uso de metodos anticonceptivos eficaces es de un 70%. La esterilizacion femenina y el DIU son los metodos mas usados en los paises subdesarrollados, mientras que los anticonceptivos orales y los preservativos lo son en los paises desarrollados. De los 400 millones de mujeres en edad reproductiva, unos 60 millones (15%) utilizan anticonceptivos orales. En el caso espanol el cambio en las pautas anticonceptivas ha tenido lugar en las dos ultimas decadas. La proporcion de mujeres de 18-49 anos que usaba metodos anticonceptivos ha pasado de un 64,88% en 1985 a un 80,10% en 1995, destacando que el uso de un metodo eficaz paso del 67% al 77,8%. El preservativo es el metodo mas utilizado, seguido de los anticonceptivos orales y del DIU5. Abordar este problema de salud obliga a pasar de una vision reducionista, cuyo objetivo es limitar la fertilidad, a una vision mucho mas amplia que abarque el impacto de la pobreza, valore los riesgos individuales, apoye la igualdad entre los sexos y examine las interacciones entre todos estos conceptos considerando la anticoncepcion solo como un componente mas de la salud reproductiva6.

Introduccion y objetivos El retraso diagnostico de la hipertension arterial puede favorecer un control deficiente y el incremento del riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo es estimar el retraso diagnostico de la hipertension en lo diabeticos tipo 2 y la probabilidad de que se los diagnostique en un plazo adecuado (primeros 6 meses) y analizar las caracteristicas de pacientes y medicos asociadas al retraso diagnostico. Metodos Cohorte dinamica retrospectiva, con 7 anos de seguimiento en atencion primaria, de 8.074 adultos diabeticos a los que se incluyo en el momento de cumplir criterios diagnosticos de hipertension arterial considerando dos umbrales: 140/90 y 130/80 mmHg. Se estimo el tiempo transcurrido desde el cumplimiento de dichos criterios hasta el registro del diagnostico la evolucion temporal de la probabilidad de que no se diagnosticara mediante analisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier y las variables asociadas al diagnostico adecuado mediante regresion logistica. Resultados El retraso diagnostico medio fue 8,9 ± 15,4 meses para pacientes que acudieron con presion arterial ? 140/90 mmHg frente a los 15,2 ± 19,6 meses de aquellos con presion < 140/90 mmHg (p < 0,001). Las principales variables asociadas al diagnostico adecuado fueron presion arterial inicial ? 140/90 mmHg (odds ratio = 2,77; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 2,44-3,15), no tener infarto agudo de miocardio previo (odds ratio = 2,23; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,67-2,99), obesidad (odds ratio = 1,70; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,44-1,99), no sufrir depresion (odds ratio = 1,63; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,27-2,08), ser mujer (odds ratio = 1,29; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,14-1,46), tener mas edad o tratamiento antidiabetico mas intensivo. La edad del medico mostro relacion inversa y su estabilidad laboral, relacion directa. Conclusiones El retraso diagnostico medio de la hipertension en diabeticos fue > 6 meses y vario segun el umbral diagnostico utilizado. Los pacientes con presion arterial inicial ? 140/90 mmHg presentaron mayor probabilidad de diagnostico adecuado.

Heart failure (HF) is an important public health problem due to its increasing prevalence, and the decompensation associated with hospital admission represents an increased risk of death. The objective of this study was to compare several methods to model the variable hospitalizations and to determine the effect of factors associated with hospital admissions in incident cases of HF.Study of a retrospective cohort of patients with information extracted from electronic medical records of PC was performed. Patients 24 year and older with at least 1 visit to PC in 2006 were included. Registered hospital admissions of HF incident cases between 2006 and 2010 or until death were analyzed and comparison of Poisson, Negative Binomial (NB), zero-inflated and Hurdle regression models were conducted to identify factors associated con hospitalizations.3,061 patients were identified in a cohort of 227,984. Regarding the factors associated with hospitalizations and according to the zero inflated NB regression model, patients who presented valvular disease (OR=2.01; CI95% 1.22-3.30), or were being treated with antithrombotics (OR=3.45; CI95%: 1.61-7.42) or diuretics (OR=2.28; CI95% 1.13-4.58) had a lower likelihood of hospitalization. Factors associated with a higher rate of hospital admissions were having valvular disease (IRR=1.37; CI95% 1.03-1.81) or diabetes (IRR=1.38; 1.07-1.78), and being treated with calcium antagonists (IRR=1.35; CI95% 1.05- 1.73) or ACE inhibitors (IRR=1.43; CI95% 1.06- 1.92). Having being referred to a cardiologist had a protective effect (IRR=0.86; CI95% 0.76- 0.97).The regression model that obtained the best adjustment was the zero inflated NB. According to this model, the factors associated with an increase in hospital admissions were valvulopathies, diabetes and treatment with calcium antagonists.La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es un importante problema de salud pública debido a su creciente prevalencia y la descompensación que conlleva un ingreso hospitalario representa un aumento del riesgo de muerte. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar varios métodos para modelizar la variable hospitalizaciones y determinar el efecto de los factores asociados con los ingresos hospitalarios en casos incidentes de IC.Se realizó un estudio de cohortes restrospectivo con información extraída de la historia clínica electrónica de Atención Primaria (AP). Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 24 años que habían realizado al menos 1 consulta en AP durante el año 2006. Se analizaron las hospitalizaciones registradas de casos incidentes de IC entre 2006 y 2010 o hasta su fallecimiento y se compararon modelos de regresión de Poisson, Binomial Negativa (BN), inflados con ceros y de Hurdle para identificar factores asociados a las hospitalizaciones.Se identificó a 3.061 personas con IC en una cohorte de 227.984 pacientes. Respecto a los factores asociados con las hospitalizaciones y según el modelo de regresión BN inflado con ceros, los pacientes con valvulopatías (OR=2,01; IC95%: 1,22-3,30) o en tratamiento con antitrombóticos (OR=3,45; IC95%: 1,61-7,42) o diuréticos (OR=2,28; IC95%:1,13-4,58) tuvieron mayor probabilidad de hospitalización. Los factores asociados a una mayor tasa de ingresos fueron tener valvulopatías (IRR=1,37; IC95%: 1,03-1,81) o diabetes mellitus (IRR=1,38, 1,07-1,78) y estar en tratamiento con calcioantagonistas (IRR=1,35; IC95%: 1,05-1,73) o IECAS (IRR=1,43; IC95%:1,06-1,92). Haber tenido derivaciones a cardiología tuvo efecto protector (IRR=0,86; IC95%: 0,76-0,97).El modelo de regresión que tiene mejor ajuste es el BN inflado con ceros. Según este modelo los factores asociados con un incremento en los ingresos hospitalarios son las valvulopatías, la diabetes mellitus y el tratamiento con calcioantagonistas.

The characterization of the risk-taking attitude of individuals may be useful for planning health care interventions. It has been attempted to study expressions of risk-taking attitude and evaluate characteristics of a standard lottery game in a population that seeks health care to elicit these attitudes.Multicentric cross-sectional study. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, quality of life (EuroQol-5D), and health risk behaviors were collected from 662 users of 23 health centers selected by random sampling. Risk-taking attitude was evaluated by means of a self-evaluation scale and two lottery games, (L1 and L2; L2 included the possibility of economic losses). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) explicative models were used to evaluate the variability of risk-taking attitude.Nineteen percent out of interviewed people (CI95%: 15.6-22.6%) expressed a high risk appetite, but only 10.0% (CI95% 7.0 to 13.0) were classified as risk-seeking by L2. It was found association between increased risk appetite and having a better perception of health status (0.110, CI95%: 0,007-0,212) or a higher income (0.010, CI95%: 0.017- 0.123) or smoking status (0.059, CI95%: 0.004- 0.114). Being Spanish was associated with lower risk appetite (-0.105, CI95%: -0.005 --0.205), as being over 65 (-0.031, CI95%:- 0.061- -0.001) or a woman (-0.038, CI95%:-0.064- -0.012). The intraclass correlation coefficient for self-evaluation scale was 0.511 (95% CI: 0.372 to 0.629), 0.571 (95% CI: 0.441 to 0.678) for L1 and 0.349 (95% CI: 0.186-0.493) to L2.People who seek health care express certain inclination to risk, but this feature is attenuated when methodologies involving losses are used. Risk appetite seems greater in young people, males, people with better health, or more income, and in immigrants. Lottery games such as the proposed ones are a simple and useful tool to estimate individuals' inclination to risk.La caracterización de la actitud ante el riesgo puede ser útil en la planificación de las intervenciones sanitarias. El objetivo fue estudiar la actitud ante el riesgo de una población que demanda cuidados de salud y evaluar la capacidad de un juego de loterías para evidenciar dicha actitud.Estudio multicéntrico transversal. Se recogieron características demográficas, socioeconómicas, de calidad de vida y conductas de riesgo en salud de 662 personas usuarias de 23 centros de salud seleccionadas mediante muestreo aleatorio. La actitud ante el riesgo se evaluó mediante una escala subjetiva y mediante dos juegos de azar (L1 y L2; L2 incluía la posibilidad de pérdidas económicas). Se realizaron modelos explicativos para valorar la variabilidad de la propensión al riesgo utilizando Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE).El 19,1% (IC95%:15,6-22,6%) de los sujetos expresaron una propensión al riesgo alta, el 10,0% (IC95%:7,0-13,0) fueron clasificados como propensos al riesgo con L2. Se encontró asociación entre una mayor propensión al riesgo y tener mejor percepción del estado de salud (0,110; IC95%:0,007- 0,212) o mayor renta (0,010; IC95%: 0,017- 0,123) o ser fumador (0,059; IC95%: 0,004-0,114). Ser español se relacionaba con menor propensión al riesgo (-0,105; IC95%: -0,205- -0,005), al igual que ser mayor de 65 años (-0,031; IC95%:-0,061- -0,001) o ser mujer (-0,038, IC95%:-0,064- -0,012). El coeficiente de correlación intraclase para la escala subjetiva fue 0,511 (IC95%:0,372-0,629), 0,571 (IC95%:0,441-0,678) para L1 y 0,349 (IC95%:0,186-0,493) para L2.Las personas que demandan cuidados de salud presentan con frecuencia propensión al riesgo, la cual se atenúa cuando se caracteriza mediante metodologías que implican pérdidas. La propensión al riesgo parece mayor en personas jóvenes, varones, con mejor estado de salud, con mayor renta y en inmigrantes.

ObjectiveTo study the association between neighbourhood socioeconomic status and diabetes prevalence, incidence, and control in the entire population of northeastern Madrid, Spain.SettingElectronic health records of the primary-care system in four districts of Madrid (Spain).Participants269 942 people aged 40 or older, followed from 2013 to 2014.ExposureNeighbourhoodsocioeconomic status (NSES), measured using a composite index of seven indicators from four domains of education, wealth, occupation and living conditions.Primary outcome measuresDiagnosis of diabetes based on ICPC-2 codes and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c %).ResultsIn regression analyses adjusted by age and sex and compared with individuals living in low NSES neighbourhoods, men living in medium and high NSES neighbourhoods had 10% (95% CI: 6% to 15%) and 29% (95% CI: 25% to 32%) lower prevalence of diabetes, while women had 27% (95% CI: 23% to 30%) and 50% (95% CI: 47% to 52%) lower prevalence of diabetes. Moreover, the hazard of diabetes in men living in medium and high NSES neighbourhoods was 13% (95% CI: 1% to 23%) and 20% (95% CI: 9% to 29%) lower, while the hazard of diabetes in women living in medium and high NSES neighbourhoods was 17% (95% CI: 3% to 29%) and 31% (95% CI: 20% to 41%) lower. Individuals living in medium and high SES neighbourhoods had 8% (95% CI: 2% to 15%) and 15% (95% CI: 9% to 21%) lower prevalence of lack of diabetes control, and a decrease in average HbA1c % of 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.10) and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.15).ConclusionsDiabetes prevalence, incidence and lack of control increased with decreasing NSES in a southern European city. Future studies should provide mechanistic insights and targets for intervention to address this health inequity.

ResumenObjetivoDescribir la satisfacción del paciente con la relación con su médico de familia mediante la utilización del Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire versión de 9 preguntas (PDRQ-9) y reevaluar las propiedades psicométricas de éste.DiseñoEstudio transversal.EmplazamientoSeis centros de Atención Primaria (AP) en la Comunidad de Madrid, España.ParticipantesCuatrocientos cincuenta y un pacientes aleatorizadamente seleccionados que acababan de acudir a una consulta de Medicina de Familia.MedicionesEntrevista en la que se recogen características sociodemográficas del sujeto, su necesidad en salud, la accesibilidad al servicio y la situación socioeconómica. Se recogen las contestaciones a los 9 ítems del PDRQ-9 y se construye un índice sintético de satisfacción; se explican las diferencias en la satisfacción con un modelo multivariante.ResultadosLa media de la satisfacción fue de 4,41 (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 4,33–4,48) en una escala de uno (menor satisfacción) a 5 (mayor satisfacción) con una mediana de 4,78 (rango intercuartil: 4,00–5,00). Cuatro de cada 10 sujetos expresaban la máxima satisfacción posible (efecto techo). Un único factor explicaba el 75,3% de la variancia, con un valor alfa de Cronbach de 0,952. La edad (OR: 1,03, IC del 95%: 1,02–1,05) y el vivir en zonas rurales (OR: 1,44, IC del 95%: 0,94–2,20) se asociaban con una satisfacción mayor.ConclusionesLos usuarios de AP están bastante satisfechos con la relación con su médico, especialmente los de más edad y los que viven en ámbitos rurales. El PDRQ-9 tiene una elevada consistencia interna, pero presenta problemas de discriminación en la parte alta de la escala.AbstractObjectiveTo describe patient satisfaction of their relationship with the family physician, using the PDRQ-9 questionnaire and assess its psychometric properties.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSix Primary Care Health centres in the Community of Madrid, Spain.ParticipantsFour hundred and fifty one patients randomly selected from those who had just visited their family physician.InterventionsInterviews were carried out to collect demographic characteristics, health needs, the accessibility to the service, and the socioeconomic situation of the subjects.MeasurementsThe PDRQ-9 responses were collected and a synthetic satisfaction index was constructed. A multivariable model was designed to explain differences in satisfaction.ResultsThe mean satisfaction index was 4.41 (95% CI: 4.33–4.48) on a scale of 1 (the worst) to 5 (the best satisfaction possible), with a median of 4.78 (interquartile range 4.00–5.00). Four of every 10 subjects expressed the maximum possible satisfaction (“ceiling effect”). A single factor explained 75.3% of the variance, with a Cronbach α value of 0.952. Age (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05) and living in rural areas (OR 1.44, 95% CI: 0.94–2.20) were associated with above average satisfaction.ConclusionsPrimary care users feel their relationship with their family physicians are very satisfactory, particularly in those who are older and who live in rural areas. The PDRQ-9 questionnaire shows a high internal consistency, but it is not good enough to discriminate in the upper part of the scale.

ObjetivoConocer la capacidad evaluadora del cuestionario CVP-35 para valorar la calidad de vida profesional.DiseñoEstudio prospectivo y observacional.EmplazamientoUn área de atención primaria de la Comunidad de Madrid.ParticipantesParticiparon 149 trabajadores sanitarios con algún signo de «desgaste profesional» medido con el Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).MedicionesSe cumplimentaron el MBI, el cuestionario de Salud General de Goldberg (GHQ-28) y el CVP-35 al inicio y al año de seguimiento. Se evaluaron el cambio de la CVP y de sus componentes, el apoyo directivo (CVP-AD), la carga de trabajo (CVP-CT) y la motivación intrínseca (CVP-MI) en los sujetos con variaciones en la puntuación del MBI o del GHQ-28 superiores a 0,5 desviaciones estándar (DE) de la distribución basal.ResultadosLas variaciones en el CVP-35 y sus dominios se correlacionan débilmente con los cambios en el MBI y GHQ-28 (r < 0,500), pero concuerdan con el modelo conceptual. En los individuos con variaciones significativas en el GHQ-28, se aprecian unos cambios medios en la CVP y sus dominios comprendidos entre 0,18 y 0,55 puntos. En aquellos casos con variaciones significativas en los dominios del MBI, la CVP presentó variaciones medias absolutas entre 0,23 y 0,45 puntos, CVP-AD entre 0,30 y 0,67, CVP-CT entre 0,01 y 0,55 y CVP-MI entre 0,22 y 0,83 puntos.ConclusionesEl CVP-35 es un instrumento sensible al cambio desde el punto de vista poblacional. Pueden considerarse relevantes cambios del orden de 0,5 puntos en la percepción de la CVP o en sus componentes.ObjectiveTo establish the CVP-35 evaluative properties to measure the professional quality of life (PQL).DesignProspective, observational study.SettingA primary care area in the Community of Madrid, Spain.ParticipantsA total of 149 sanitary workers with some burnout sign measured by Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) participated.MeasurementsThey fulfilled MBI, Goldberg Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and CVP-35 questionnaires at the beginning and after a year of follow-up, in which 73 subjects took part in activities for coping stress. It was assessed the change of PQL and their domains managerial support (PQL-MS), work load (PQL-WL), intrinsic motivation (PQL-IM) for the subjects with variations at the MBI, or GHQ-28 punctuation greater than 0.5 SD of the initial distribution.ResultsVariations in CVP-35 and their domains correlate weakly with changes in MBI and GHQ-28 (r

Introduction: The strategy of care for patients with chronic diseases in the Community of Madrid is specified in a strategic framework model representing the set of elements that the community will develop in the coming years. In order to implement the strategy, nine execution lines are already working in parallel with their respective projects and milestones. The last but not the least execution line comprises the continuous evaluation of impact indicators related to chronicity. Madrid's Health Service has already developed and implemented a balance scorecard for primary care professionals that offer homogeneous and agreed indicators which are critical for sharing information among the various levels of decision making in the organization, facilitate coordination and tracking of targets. This dashboard is accessible to all professionals through an application called e-SOAP (Tracking Objectives Primary Care) which is accessed through the organization intranet. In order to evaluate the overall impact of the strategy there was a need to primary select a set of indicators from the ones already included in our dashboard that could let us monitor the evolution in terms of health impact of the strategy implementation measured through a triple vision: health outcomes, service utilization and satisfaction and quality of life of patients and caregivers. International Journal of Integrated Care – Volume 15, 27 May – URN:NBN:NL:UI:10-1-116978 – http://www.ijic.org/ 15th International Conference on Integrated Care, Edinburgh, UK, March 25-27, 2015 2 Short description of practice change implemented: A multidisciplinary team was established to work on the identification and prioritization of the measures that should be closely monitored as well as on the development of a strategic roadmap according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Triple Aim. A set of 68 indicators were selected from the 534 indicators already included in the balance scorecard because of their relation to chronicity and because they could perfectly fit in one of the three main dimensions of the IHI Triple Aim: population health (44 measures), experience of care (16 measures) and per capita cost (8 measures). Aim and theory of change: The aim of the project was to develop a minimum set of indicators for evaluation and tracking the care of patients with chronic diseases, agreed with professionals, using the dimensions of the IHI Triple Aim. Targeted population and stakeholders: The target population comprises the population attached to the primary care centres, a total of 6,381,027 patients. All health professionals and managers belonging to the General Directorate of Primary Health Care as well as other departments of the Ministry of Health that generate information to feed the corporate database and / or may require this information for decision making have access to eSOAP. 9,455 professionals are nowadays active users and 7,448 consulted the application during the last year at least once. Timeline: The duration proposed for this project is three years. Highlights: Since March 2014, when the Strategy started its dissemination, the number of reports generated by health professionals related to chronicity measures were the greatest among the overall set of reports: 45,865 reports on disease burden and behavioral and physiological factors measurements; 16,845 reports on effectiveness and individualized nurse care plans at the patient level and 10,760 reports on intermediate health results and security of patient as aggregated data. Many of the measures related to chronicity have improved during the past year such as: promotion of healthy habits in childhood, early detection of problems in childhood, influenza vaccination, adult vaccination, promoting healthy lifestyles in adults, attention to adults with obesity, ischemic heart disease, asthma, consumption of cigarettes, alcohol abuse, prevention for the elderly, immobilized patient domiciliary care, palliative care, nurse care plans for patients over 65 years, fragile patients and immobilized patients, nurse care plans for patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertensive and diabetic patient control, hypercholesterolemia in ischemic heart disease patients, antiplatelet therapy and statins in patients with ischemic heart disease and adequacy of treatment in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Comments on sustainability: There are currently 15 sources or data sources that feed information to the database being the patient electronic medical record one of the main sources. Comments on transferability: Sharing our experience will contribute to systematizing assessment models and promote the development of accessible dashboards to all professionals to foster the management and improvement of the results of their interventions specially focusing on chronic patients. Discussions: Analyze and monitor the magnitude and trends of inequalities in health and its social determinants, by adapting information systems available and disaggregating by geographical area in order to plan interventions to reduce them. Lessons learned: Health innovation includes not only technological innovation but also organizational innovation and innovation in services, and should be understood as a process of continuous improvement of responsiveness to the needs of the public and professionals.

Sí

[ES] Objetivo Describir la supervivencia de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) con seguimiento en atención primaria (AP) y analizar el efecto del sexo, edad, factores clínicos, de utilización de servicios y nivel de renta, en la supervivencia. Diseño Estudio observacional longitudinal de una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes a partir de la historia clínica electrónica. Emplazamiento Área 7 de AP de la Comunidad de Madrid. Participantes Pacientes mayores de 24 años con una consulta en AP en el año 2006. Mediciones principales Casos incidentes de IC desde 2006 a 2010 o hasta su fallecimiento. Análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier y de regresión multivariante de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados Se identificaron 3.061 pacientes en una cohorte de 227.984. Su supervivencia fue del 65% a los 5 años. Fallecieron 519 pacientes con una supervivencia media de 49 meses. Los factores asociados a mayor riesgo de mortalidad fueron la edad (HR = 1,04; 1,03-1,05) y tener diagnóstico de cardiopatía isquémica (HR = 1,45; 1,15-1,78) o de diabetes (HR = 1,52; 1,17-1,95). Los factores con un efecto protector fueron ser mujer (HR = 0,72; 0,59-0,86), no pensionista (HR = 0,43; 0,23-0,84), haber recibido la vacunación de la gripe anualmente (HR = 0,01; 0,00-0,06), tener prescritos hipolipidemiantes (HR = 0,78; 0,61-0,99) o IECA (HR = 0,73; 0,60-0,88), así como que se le hubieran solicitado analíticas (HR = 0,98; 0,95-1), radiografías (HR = 0,81; 0,74-0,88) y electrocardiogramas (HR = 0,90; 0,81-0,99) en AP. Conclusiones Los datos de los pacientes con IC seguidos en AP indican que su supervivencia es mejor que la obtenida en otros países, apoyando el argumento de la mejor evolución de la IC en los países mediterráneos. [EN] To describe survival of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) followed up in primary care (PC) and analyse the effect of sex, age, clinical and health services factors, and income levels on survival. Longitudinal observational study of a retrospective cohort of patients with information extracted from electronic medical records. PC Area 7 of the Community of Madrid. Patients 24 year and older with at least one visit to PC in 2006. Incident cases of HF followed up from 2006 to 2010 or until death. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard multivariate regression. A total of 3,061 cases were identified in a cohort of 227,984 patients. The survival rate was 65% at 5 years, with 519 patients dying with a median survival of 49 months. Factors associated with increased risk of mortality were, age (HR=1.04, 1.03-1.05), and having a diagnosis of ischemic heart disease (HR=1.45, 1.15- 1.78), or diabetes (HR=1.52, 1.17-1.95). Factors with a significant protective effect were: female sex (HR=0.72, 0.59-0.86), non-pensioner (HR=0.43, 0.23-0.84), having received the influenza vaccine annually (HR=0.01, 0.00-0.06), prescribed lipid-lowering drugs (HR=0.78, 0.61-0.99) or ACE inhibitors (HR=0.73, 0.60-0.88), and blood tests having been requested (HR=0.97, 0.95-1.00), X-rays (HR=0.81, 0.74-0.88), or electrocardiograms (HR=0.90, 0.81-0.99) in PC. Data from patients with HF followed up in PC indicate that their survival is better than that obtained in other countries, supporting the argument of a better evolution of HF in Mediterranean countries. Este trabajo se ha realizado con la financiación de la RETIC RD12/0001, y de los proyectos del FIS PI 06/1122 y PI09/1362. Sí

Rationale and objectives Economic theory classifies an intervention as socially beneficial if the total Willingness to Pay (WTP) of those who gain exceeds the total Willingness to accept (WTA) of those who are harmed. This paper examines the differences in health system users’ valuation of a health care service in primary care setting based on the WTP and WTA perspectives, discussing the impact of personal and service variables, including risk attitudes, on these disparities. Method Six hundred and sixty two subjects who asked for care in health centres in the Region of Madrid (Spain) were interviewed, using the contingent valuation method to estimate WTP and WTA. Patient sociodemographic characteristics, health needs, satisfaction with the service and risk attitude and behaviour under risk (measured by self-reported scales and lottery games respectively) were collected. Generalised Linear Models were used to estimate the association between the explanatory variables and the WTA/WTP ratio. Results We obtained the WTA/WTP ratio for 570 subjects (mean 1.66 CI 95%: 1.53–1.79; median 1, interquartile range 1–2). People with higher education or in high social groups expressed WTA values closest to WTP. The opposite occurred in patients with the greatest health needs or who were born abroad. Self-reported expression of risk aversion appeared also related to increases in the WTA/WTP ratio. Satisfaction with the service evaluated was the most influential factor in the WTA/WTP ratio. Conclusion Health need, difficulty in obtaining substitutes and satisfaction with the service could serve for profiling people averse to loss for health care services in primary care setting. Self-reported expression of risk aversion could also be related to increases in the WTA/WTP ratio. This would mean that these characteristics should be taken into account both in the design and implementation of new healthcare interventions, as in the making decision for disinvestment.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often have a significant impairment in their health status, which is an independent predictor of health services use. To describe the self-rated health status and the prevalence of health services use among COPD Spanish patients; to identify which factors are independently associated with a worse health status and a higher use of health services; and to study the time trends in the health status and prevalence of use of health services (2006–2012). Observational study: We analyzed data from the Spanish National Health Surveys conducted in 2006 and 2012. We included responses from adults aged 40 years or over. Subjects described their health status as very good, good, fair, poor, or very poor, which was dichotomized into very good/good or fair/poor/very poor self-perceived health status. We identified 2,321 COPD patients. The percentage of patients with health status fair, poor, or very poor was 76.8 % in 2006 and 74.8 % in 2012 (p > 0.05). Regarding the health resources use, we observed a significant decrease in the number of visits to primary care over time in women (67.8 vs. 57.2 %, p

In patients with type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of hypertension is higher than in non-diabetic subjects. Despite the high cardiovascular risk involving hypertension in these patients, its prevalence and control are not well known. The aims of this study were: to estimate the hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in Spanish adults with type 2 diabetes attended in Primary Care; and to analyse its time trend from 2003 to 2009. A serial cross-sectional study from 2003 to 2009 was performed in 21 Primary Care Centres in Madrid. The study population comprised all patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes in their computerised medical history. Overall annual prevalence during the period 2003–2009 was calculated from and according to sex and age groups. Linear trend tests, regression lines and coefficients of determination were used. In 2003 89.78% (CI 87.92–91.64) of patients with type 2 diabetes suffered hypertension and 94.76% (CI: 92.85–96.67) in 2009. This percentage was greater for women and for patients over 65 years old. 30% of patients suffered previously undiagnosed hypertension in 2003 and 23.1% in 2009. 97% of diagnosed patients received pharmacological treatment and 28.79% reached the blood pressure objective in 2009. The average number of antihypertensive drugs taken was 2.72 in 2003 and 3.27 in 2009. Only 5.2% of patients with type 2 diabetes show blood pressure levels below 130/80 mmHg. Although significant improvements have been achieved in the diagnosis and control of hypertension in people with type 2 diabetes, these continue to remain far from optimum.

BACKGROUND: This paper examines the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) expressed by people who attended the healthcare system as well as the association of attitude towards risk and other personal characteristics with their response. METHODS: Health-state preferences, measured by EuroQol (EQ-5D-3L), were combined with WTP for recovering a perfect health state. WTP was assessed using close-ended, iterative bidding, contingent valuation method. Data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as usage of health services by the subjects were collected. The attitude towards risk was evaluated by collecting risky behaviors data, by the subject's self-evaluation, and through lottery games. RESULTS: Six hundred and sixty two subjects participated and 449 stated a utility inferior to 1. WTP/QALY ratios varied significantly when payments with personal money (mean €10,119; median €673) or through taxes (mean €28,187; median €915) were suggested. Family income, area income, higher education level, greater use of healthcare services, and the number of co-inhabitants were associated with greater WTP/QALY ratios. Age and female gender were associated with lower WTP/QALY ratios. Risk inclination was independently associated with a greater WTP/QALY when "out of pocket" payments were suggested. Clear discrepancies were demonstrated between linearity and neutrality towards risk assumptions and experimental results. CONCLUSIONS: WTP/QALY ratios vary noticeably based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the subject, but also on their attitude towards risk. Knowing the expression of preferences by patients from this outcome measurement can be of interest for health service planning. The field work of this study has been financed by the funds for research projects in the field of Primary Care health outcomes, established by order 472/2010 of the Consejería de Sanidad (Community of Madrid, Spain), on September 16, 2010. Sí

Background: Identifying the economic value assigned by users to a particular health service is of principal interest in planning the service. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of economic value of nursing consultation in primary care (PC) by its users. Methods and Results: Economic study using contingent valuation methodology. A total of 662 users of nursing consultation from 23 health centers were included. Data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health needs, pattern of usage, and satisfaction with provided service were compiled. The validity of the response was evaluated by an explanatory mixed-effects multilevel model in order to assess the factors associated with the response according to the welfare theory. Response reliability was also evaluated. Subjects included in the study indicated an average Willingness to Pay (WTP) of €14.4 (CI 95%: €13.2–15.5; median €10) and an average Willingness to Accept [Compensation] (WTA) of €20.9 (CI 95%: €19.6–22.2; median €20). Average area income, personal income, consultation duration, home visit, and education level correlated with greater WTP. Women and older subjects showed lower WTP. Fixed parameters explained 8.41% of the residual variability, and response clustering in different health centers explained 4–6% of the total variability. The influence of income on WTP was different in each center. The responses for WTP and WTA in a subgroup of subjects were consistent when reassessed after 2 weeks (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.952 and 0.893, respectively). Conclusions: The economic value of nursing services provided within PC in a public health system is clearly perceived by its user. The perception of this value is influenced by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the subjects and their environment, and by the unique characteristics of the evaluated service. The method of contingent valuation is useful for making explicit this perception of value of health services.

Delayed diagnosis of hypertension may result in inadequate blood pressure control and increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to estimate the delay in hypertension diagnosis in patients with type 2 diabetes and the likelihood of a diagnosis within a suitable period (first 6 months), and to analyze the patient and physician characteristics associated with delayed diagnosis.Retrospective dynamic cohort study, with a 7-year follow-up in primary care, of 8074 adult patients with diabetes who met the diagnostic criteria for hypertension. Two thresholds were considered: 140/90mmHg and 130/80mmHg. The time elapsed between meeting these criteria and recording the diagnosis was estimated; the time course of the likelihood of a missed diagnosis and the variables associated with correct diagnosis were assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and logistic regression analysis, respectively.The mean diagnostic delay was 8.9 (15.4) months in patients with blood pressure≥140/90mmHg compared to 15.2 (19.6) months for those with140/90mmHg (P.001). The main variables associated with correct diagnosis were baseline blood pressure≥140/90mmHg (odds ratio=2.77; 95% confidence interval, 2.44-3.15), no history of acute myocardial infarction (odds ratio=2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.67-2.99), obesity (odds ratio=1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-1.99), absence of depression (odds ratio=1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.08), female sex (odds ratio=1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.46), older age, and taking more intensive antidiabetic therapy. There was an inverse relationship with the age of physicians and a direct relationship with their professional stability.The mean diagnostic delay in hypertension among diabetic patients was greater than 6 months and varied according to the diagnostic threshold used. Patients with baseline blood pressure≥140/90mmHg were more likely to receive a timely diagnosis.

Background The oral administration of vitamin B12 offers a potentially simpler and cheaper alternative to parenteral administration, but its effectiveness has not been definitively demonstrated. The following protocol was designed to compare the effectiveness of orally and intramuscularly administered vitamin B12 in the treatment of patients ≥65 years of age with vitamin B12 deficiency. Methods/design The proposed study involves a controlled, randomised, multicentre, parallel, non-inferiority clinical trial lasting one year, involving 23 primary healthcare centres in the Madrid region (Spain), and patients ≥65 years of age. The minimum number of patients required for the study was calculated as 320 (160 in each arm). Bearing in mind an estimated 8-10% prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among the population of this age group, an initial sample of 3556 patients will need to be recruited. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms. In the intramuscular treatment arm, vitamin B12 will be administered as follows: 1 mg on alternate days in weeks 1 and 2, 1 mg/week in weeks 3–8,and 1 mg/month in weeks 9–52. In the oral arm, the vitamin will be administered as: 1 mg/day in weeks 1–8 and 1 mg/week in weeks 9–52. The main outcome variable to be monitored in both treatment arms is the normalisation of the serum vitamin B12 concentration at weeks 8, 26 and 52; the secondary outcome variables include the serum concentration of vitamin B12 (in pg/ml), adherence to treatment, quality of life (EuroQoL-5D questionnaire), patient 3satisfaction and patient preferences. All statistical tests will be performed with intention to treat and per protocol. Logistic regression with random effects will be used to adjust for prognostic factors. Confounding factors or factors that might alter the effect recorded will be taken into account in analyses. Discussion The results of this study should help establish, taking quality of life into account, whether the oral administration of vitamin B12 is an effective alternative to its intramuscular administration. If this administration route is effective, it should provide a cheaper means of treating vitamin B12 deficiency while inducing fewer adverse effects. Having such an alternative would also allow patient preferences to be taken into consideration at the time of prescribing treatment. Trial registration This trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT 01476007, and under EUDRACT number 2010-024129-20.

Background Anxiety is a common mental health problem seen in primary care. However, its management in clinical practice varies greatly. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have the potential to reduce variations and improve the care received by patients by promoting interventions of proven benefit. However, uptake and adherence to their recommendations can be low. Method/design This study involves a community based on cluster randomized trial in primary healthcare centres in the Madrid Region (Spain). The project aims to determine whether the use of implementation strategy (including training session, information, opinion leader, reminders, audit, and feed-back) of CPG for patients with anxiety disorders in primary care is more effective than usual diffusion. The number of patients required is 296 (148 in each arm), all older than 18 years and diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and panic attacks by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV). They are chosen by consecutive sampling. The main outcome variable is the change in two or more points into Goldberg anxiety scale at six and twelve months. Secondary outcome variables include quality of life (EuroQol 5D), and degree of compliance with the CPG recommendations on treatment, information, and referrals to mental health services. Main effectiveness will be analyzed by comparing the patients percentage improvement on the Goldberg scale between the intervention group and the control group. Logistic regression with random effects will be used to adjust for prognostic factors. Confounding factors or factors that might alter the effect recorded will be taken into account in this analysis. Discussion There is a need to identify effective implementation strategies for CPG for the management of anxiety disorders present in primary care. Ensuring the appropriate uptake of guideline recommendations can reduce clinical variation and improve the care patients receive. Trial registration ISRCTN: ISRCTN83365316

Background The identification of the attribution of economic value that users of a health system assign to a health service could be useful in planning these services. The method of contingent valuation can provide information about the user's perception of value in monetary terms, and therefore comparable between services of a very different nature. This study attempts to extract the economic value that the subject, user of primary care nursing services in a public health system, attributes to this service by the method of contingent valuation, based on the perspectives of Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Willingness to Accept [Compensation] (WTA). Methods/Design This is an economic study with a transversal design. The contingent valuation method will be used to estimate the user's willingness to pay (WTP) for the care received from the primary care nurse and the willingness to accept [compensation] (WTA), were this service eliminated. A survey that meets the requisites of the contingent valuation method will be constructed and pilot-tested. Subsequently, 600 interviews will be performed with subjects chosen by systematic randomized sampling from among those who visit nursing at twenty health centers with different socioeconomic characteristics in the Community of Madrid. The characteristics of the subject and of the care received that can explain the variations in WTP, WTA and in the WTP/WTA ratio expressed will be studied. A theoretical validation of contingent valuation will be performed constructing two explanatory multivariate mixed models in which the dependent variable will be WTP, and the WTP/WTA relationship, respectively. Discussion The identification of the attribution of economic value to a health service that does not have a direct price at the time of use, such as a visit to primary care nursing, and the definition of a profile of "loss aversion" in reference to the service evaluated, can be relevant elements in planning, enabling incorporating patient preferences to health policy decision-making.

Background High blood pressure (HBP) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). European hypertension and cardiology societies as well as expert committees on CVD prevention recommend stratifying cardiovascular risk using the SCORE method, the modification of lifestyles to prevent CVD, and achieving good control over risk factors. The EDUCORE (Education and Coronary Risk Evaluation) project aims to determine whether the use of a cardiovascular risk visual learning method - the EDUCORE method - is more effective than normal clinical practice in improving the control of blood pressure within one year in patients with poorly controlled hypertension but no background of CVD; Methods/Design This work describes a protocol for a clinical trial, randomised by clusters and involving 22 primary healthcare clinics, to test the effectiveness of the EDUCORE method. The number of patients required was 736, all between 40 and 65 years of age (n = 368 in the EDUCORE and control groups), all of whom had been diagnosed with HBP at least one year ago, and all of whom had poorly controlled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg). All personnel taking part were explained the trial and trained in its methodology. The EDUCORE method contemplates the visualisation of low risk SCORE scores using images embodying different stages of a high risk action, plus the receipt of a pamphlet explaining how to better maintain cardiac health. The main outcome variable was the control of blood pressure; secondary outcome variables included the SCORE score, therapeutic compliance, quality of life, and total cholesterol level. All outcome variables were measured at the beginning of the experimental period and again at 6 and 12 months. Information on sex, age, educational level, physical activity, body mass index, consumption of medications, change of treatment and blood analysis results was also recorded; Discussion The EDUCORE method could provide a simple, inexpensive means of improving blood pressure control, and perhaps other health problems, in the primary healthcare setting; Trial registration The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01155973 [http://ClinicalTrials.gov].

Health services utilization has been studied under several conceptual models. This study is aimed to assess the influence of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) on the variability of the primary care consultation utilization under thebehavioral modelA cross-sectional study. Interviews were conducted with 451 subjects at six health centers in the Community of Madrid. Environmental and individual characteristics (predisposing, enabling and need factors) and HRQL (EuroQol-5D) were collected. Annual visits were retrieved from the computerized clinical history.Median utilization was 13 visits/year (interquartile range 7-20). HRQL explained 5,2% of utilization variability, living in high-income areas an additional 2.4%, age a 7.4%, incomes a 1.0% andneed factors(chronic illnesses or a hospital admission in the last year) explained an additional 4.1% of the variability. Each increase of the tercile in the perception of HRQL was associated with a decrease of 13,8% of the number of visits/year. Living in high-income areas, and each increase of 1000 in the incomes decreased the percentage of annual visits 17.5 % and 9.5% respectively. Age is associated with an increase of 8.0% of annual visits per decade. Suffering from chronic illnesses or a hospital admission in the last year increased the average number of visits/year to 51.9 and 26.5%.HRQL is independently associated with the variability of the demand for the family physician after adjusting byhealth needfactors as thebehavioral modelproposes.

Objective Identify the economic value the user attributes to the visit to the family physician, in a setting of a National Health System, by the Willingness to Pay (WTP) expressed. Methods Economic evaluation study, by the contingent valuation method. Questions were asked about WTP using a payment card format. Interviews were conducted with 451 subjects, in areas with different socioeconomic characteristics. An ordered probit was used to evaluate model's validity. Results Median WTP expressed was €18 (interquartile range €8–28), not including “zero-answers” of thirty-four subjects (7.5%). This value represents 2% of average adjusted family incomes. Patients with higher incomes or with chronic illnesses presented a probability of 5–14 percentage points of expressing a high WTP. For every point of increase of patient satisfaction, the probability of presenting a WTP in the lowest range decreases 7.0 percentage points. Subjects with a low education level and those older than 65 expressed a lower WTP. Accessibility, risk perception, nationality and having private insurance were not related to the WTP expressed. Conclusions Users of primary care have a clear perception of the economic value of care received from the family physician, even in a framework of providing services financed by taxes and without cost at the moment of use. This value increases in subjects with higher incomes, with greater need for care, or more satisfied.