Mini-CEX as an assessment tool

El mini-CEX (mini clinical evaluation exercise) es un instrumento de evaluación del desempeño profesional a través de la observación directa del residente mientras participa de un encuentro con un paciente, la valoración de una serie de habilidades y destrezas clínicas con posterior devolución constructiva en su ámbito de trabajo. Se centra en seis competencias que el residente debe demostrar durante el encuentro con un paciente y requiere que el docente documente ese desempeño. Es fácil de aplicar por los docentes porque se integra bien a la rutina del día a día en los diferentes escenarios clínicos. El tiempo estimado de esta interacción no debe superar los 20 minutos y debe repetirse al menos 8 veces al año con cada residente por diferentes docentes en caso de decisiones sumativas. Es de vital importancia consensuar su implementación como iniciativa estratégica desde la dirección de la institución de salud, que los docentes definan de antemano qué competencias se van a evaluar y cuáles son los estándares de desempeño mínimo que deberán alcanzar los residentes. La confección de una base de datos con la información de los formularios completados nos permitirá monitorizar el proceso de evaluación y efectuar las medidas correctivas pertinentes.The mini-CEX (mini clinical evaluation exercise) is a tool for assessing the professional performance of residents through direct observation of resident-patient encounters, evaluating clinical skills, and providing subsequent feedback in the work setting. The exam focuses on evaluating residents’ skills during a resident-patient meeting. The evaluator must document the resident’s performance in six areas of competence. The exam is easy to apply as it fits in real-life settings in different clinical scenarios. The evaluation should not take more than 20 minutes, and each resident should have eight mini-CEX per year of training with varying faculties for summative decisions. It is extremely important that the board of directors of the healthcare institution reach a consensus to implement the mini-CEX as a strategic initiative. Faculties should previously define the competence areas to evaluate, and the minimum standards of residents’ performance. A database constructed with all the forms completed will be helpful to monitor the evaluation process and make the necessary corrections.Fil: Alves de Lima, Alberto Enrique. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Implementación de una rotación virtual de cardiología en tiempos de COVID-19

La pandemia del SARS-COVID 19 sin dudas ha puesto en jaque los sistemas educativos del mundo. Esto es especialmente verdad en la educación médica de grado, en la cual generó enormes desafíos que han puesto a prueba la capacidad de imaginación y adaptación tanto de docentes como de alumnos. Tradicionalmente las dinámicas de formación de los estudiantes de medicina se basan primordialmente en actividades presenciales tanto teóricas como prácticas. Sin embargo, las universidades actualmente se encuentran cerradas. Dado el contexto actual de pandemia, y distanciamiento social obligatorio, la educación médica debe "adaptarse o morir", y crear herramientas para mantener los estándares educativos, logrando mantener la atención e interés del alumno. Una de las principales alternativas es migrar hacia las plataformas virtuales, permitiendo de esta manera que los alumnos participen de clases en vivo (sincrónicas) o grabadas (asincrónicas).Fil: Spaletra, Pablo. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad del Salvador; ArgentinaFil: Sigal, Alan. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad del Salvador; ArgentinaFil: Gelpi, Ricardo Jorge. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Alves de Lima, Alberto Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad del Salvador; Argentin

Burnout syndrome in cardiology fellows and residents: The role of resilience

El síndrome de burnout es un estado de desgaste mental y físico muy prevalente en el ambiente médico. Está asociado a serios detrimentos físicos y emocionales de los profesionales de la salud, y se produce generalmente en un clima de trabajo adverso. Varios trabajos han demostrado que la resiliencia, definida como la capacidad de reponerse frente a las adversidades, puede ser un factor protector del síndrome de burnout. En este estudio se evaluaron los niveles de resiliencia por medio de un cuestionario validado en residentes de cardiología y cardiólogos realizando subespecialidades, y se relacionaron con los criterios de burnout. Se comprobó que un tercio de los encuestados presentaban niveles bajos de resiliencia y criterios positivos de burnout, y se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre ambas variables. Por su parte, la resiliencia se asoció negativamente con el cansancio y positivamente con la percepción de la realización personal. Es importante incorporar técnicas de detección de niveles bajos de resiliencia en residentes para intentar modificarlos y disminuir así el riesgo de burnout.Burnout syndrome is a very prevalent condition of physical and mental wear in the medical profession. It is associated with serious physical and emotional consequences in health professionals, and is generally produced by an adverse working environment. Several research papers have proven that resilience, defined as the capacity to overcome adversity, can be a protective factor against burnout. In this study, levels of resilience were evaluated through a validated questionnaire in cardiology fellows and residents, and a relationship with burnout syndrome was established. One third of participants showed low resilience levels and a similar amount had positive criteria for burnout syndrome. A statistically significant association was found between these two conditions. Resilience was also negatively associated with tiredness, and positively with the perception of personal realization. Therefore, it is important to incorporate procedures for detecting low resilience levels in residents in order to attempt to improve them and thus diminish the risk of experiencing burnout.Fil: Sigal, Alan. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Costabel, Juan Pablo. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Alves de Lima, Alberto Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Burgos, Lucrecia María. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Evaluación del síndrome de burnout en residentes luego de implementar el “descanso postguardia”

Background: The burnout syndrome generates a negative impact on professional performance, patient´s safety and resident´s life. Despite this problem has become important in the residency programs in Argentina, effective measures to prevent burnout among residents have not been evaluated yet. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the burnout syndrome before and after the implementation of rest after shift in cardiology residents. Methods: An analytic and prospective study was conducted using the Maslach burnout questionnaire in cardiology residents of an institution in the city of Buenos Aires, before and after the implementation of a day of rest (DOR) after a 24-hour shift. Results: The survey was responded by 42 residents (2014: 19; 2015: 23). There was a trend towards lower prevalence of burnout in the DOR group (26.1% vs. 47.4% p=0.152) and better outcomes in the depersonalization scale [19 (11-21) vs. 10 (1-17) p=0.023]. Women and residents who had moved to Buenos Aires presented lower degrees of exhaustion and depersonalization. Conclusions: The implementation of DOR after a 24-hour shift was associated with a reduction in the depersonalization scale, particularly among women. We emphasize the importance of creating prevention strategies aimed at improving residents’ working conditions and quality of life.Introducción: El síndrome de burnout genera impacto negativo en la actuación profesional, la seguridad del paciente y la vida del residente. Esta problemática ha tomado vigencia en las residencias argentinas; sin embargo, no se han evaluado medidas efectivas para prevenir su aparición. Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia del síndrome de burnout antes y después de la implementación del descanso postguardia en médicos residentes de cardiología. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, prospectivo. Se implementó el cuestionario de Maslach en residentes de cardiología de una institución de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, antes y después de la implementación de un período de descanso de 24 horas (DPG) luego de una guardia de 24h. Hubo una tendencia a menor prevalencia de burnout en el grupo con DPG (26,1% vs. 47,4% p =0,152) y mejores resultados en la escala de despersonalización (19 [11-21] vs. 10 [1-17] p = 0,023). Presentaron menor agotamiento y despersonalización las mujeres y los mudados a Buenos Aires. Conclusiones: La implementación del DPG se asoció a la reducción de la escala de despersonalización, principalmente en mujeres. Se remarca la importancia de crear estrategias de prevención que mejoren las condiciones de trabajo y la calidad de vida del residente.Fil: Burgos, Lucrecia María. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Battioni, Luciano. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Costabel, Juan Pablo. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Alves de Lima, Alberto Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Telehealth in Heart Failure Care during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Argentina

Background and Objectives: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, virtual visits (VVs) were recommended as an innovative and necessary alternative for patients with heart failure (HF). To assess the feasibility and acceptability of VVs in patients with HF, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and heart transplant (HT). Methods: We designed a single-centre cohort study. Consecutive VVs performed in our HF unit were analysed. The period comprehended between January 1st and March 19th (before COVID-19) and March 20th and June 30th (during COVID-19) was compared. We assessed acceptability, feasibility and the need for diagnostic studies, in-person medical evaluation, and hospitalization at 30 days. Results: HF unit medical doctors conducted 22 VVs in the pre-COVID period and 416 VVs during the COVID period. The VV was able to be performed in all patients scheduled for it and 44% answered the survey. Ninety percent of the patients who answered the survey strongly agreed that VVs were easy to be carried out. All the patients “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that their health problem could be resolved. Most patients (95%) rated the global experience as very good or excellent, with an overall average rate of 9.76±0.5 out of 10. We found no differences regarding the requirement of diagnostic studies, in-person medical evaluation and hospitalization during the first month after VVs between the 2 periods. Conclusions: VVs were feasible, presented high acceptability, and the overall experience was positive in patients with HF, PH, and HT, being this modality a valuable tool that complements in-person care.Fil: Burgos, Lucrecia María. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Benzadón, Mariano. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Candiello, Alfonsina. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Cabral, Miguel Héctor. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Conde, Diego. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Alves de Lima, Alberto Enrique. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Belardi, Jorge. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Diez, Mirta. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Cardiovascular disease in times of COVID-19

Existen crecientes informes sobre una drástica caída en consultas y realización de procedimientoscardiovasculares (incluyendo urgencias y emergencias) en regiones afectadas por la pandemia deCOVID-19, con el consecuente incremento marcado de la mortalidad total que no se explica totalmente por las defunciones atribuidas a COVID-19. En Argentina, la enfermedad cardiovascular lidera el ranking de muertes en adultos con 280 muertes por día, y en las últimas décadas hemos reducido su mortalidad entre 20 y 30% mediante diversas intervenciones basadas en la evidencia. En el presente trabajo realizamos análisis predictivos para entender cuáles podrían ser las consecuencias de una peor implementación de dichas intervenciones. Estimamos que un menor control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular de abril a octubre de 2020 podría causar hasta 10 500 nuevos casos prevenibles de enfermedad cardiovascular. En términos de infarto de miocardio, una caída del 40% al 60% del tratamiento de reperfusión podría incrementar la mortalidad del 3% al 5%. Un incremento marginal de riesgo relativo de 10% a 15% de muerte cardiovascular equivaldría a un exceso de 6000 a 9000 muertes evitables. En conclusión, dada la alta prevalencia y fatalidad de la enfermedad cardiovascular, incluso un pequeño impacto negativo en la eficacia de su cuidado se traducirá en grandes cantidades de afectados en Argentina. Es necesario informar a las autoridades y educar al público para que sigan controlando enfermedades cardiovasculares y sus factores de riesgo, siempre que existan recursos y minimizando el riesgo de contagio y propagación del virus.There are increasing reports of a drastic drop in consultations and cardiovascular procedures (including urgencies and emergencies) in regions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a consequent marked increase in total mortality that is not fully explained by COVID-19. Cardiovascular disease leads the ranking in deaths in adults in Argentina with 280 deaths per day, and in recent decades we have reduced its mortality by 20-30% through various evidence-based interventions. Herein we conducted predictive analyses to understand what could be the consequences of a worse implementation of those interventions. We estimate that less control of cardiovascular risk factors from April to October 2020 could cause up to 10 500 new preventable cases of cardiovascular disease. In terms of myocardial infarction, a drop from 40% to 60% of the reperfusion treatment could increase mortality by 3% to 5%. A marginal 10% to 15% increase in relative risk of cardiovascular death would be equivalent to an excess of 6000 to 9000 preventable deaths. In conclusion, given the high prevalence and fatality of cardiovascular disease, even a small negative impact on the efficacy of its care will translate into large numbers of people affected in Argentina. It is necessary to inform the authorities and educate the public so cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors remain a health priority, as long as resources exist and minimizing the risk of contagion and spread of the virus.Fil: Lamelas, Pablo. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentina. McMaster University. Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact; Estados UnidosFil: Botto, Fernando. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Pedernera, Gustavo. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Alves de Lima, Alberto Enrique. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Costabel, Juan Pablo. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Belardi, Jorge. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Reliability and acceptability of the multiple mini-interview for selection of residents in cardiology

Introduction: The multiple mini-interview (MMI) model can be useful to evaluate non-cognitive domains and guide the selection process in medical residency programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and acceptability of the MMI model for the selection of residents in a cardiology residency program. Methods: We conducted an observational and prospective study. It was performed in a tertiary-care center specialized in cardiology and included candidates for the cardiology residency program in March 2018. Ten stations were developed to evaluate different non-cognitive domains. Reliability was evaluated by the generalizability G coefficient. Candidates and interviewers were surveyed to evaluate the acceptability of the MMI model. Results: Nine faculty members were trained and 22 candidates were evaluated. The G study showed a relative G coefficient between 0.56 and 0.73, according to the design. 91% of the candidates stated that they preferred MMI over other types of interviews as a selection method for admission to the residency program, and all the interviewers considered they had enough time to evaluate the candidates and their strengths as future residents. Conclusion: The MMI is a reliable model to evaluate candidates for a residency program in cardiology with high acceptability among residents and observers.Fil: Burgos, Lucrecia María. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Alves de Lima, Alberto Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Parodi, Maria Josefina. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Costabel, Juan Pablo. Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Ganiele, María de Las Nieves. Instituto Universidad Escuela de Medicina del Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Durante, Eduardo Héctor. Instituto Universidad Escuela de Medicina del Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Arceo, Maria Dolores. Instituto Universidad Escuela de Medicina del Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Gelpi, Ricardo Jorge. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Optimasi Portofolio Resiko Menggunakan Model Markowitz MVO Dikaitkan dengan Keterbatasan Manusia dalam Memprediksi Masa Depan dalam Perspektif Al-Qur`an

Risk portfolio on modern finance has become increasingly technical, requiring the use of sophisticated mathematical tools in both research and practice. Since companies cannot insure themselves completely against risk, as human incompetence in predicting the future precisely that written in Al-Quran surah Luqman verse 34, they have to manage it to yield an optimal portfolio. The objective here is to minimize the variance among all portfolios, or alternatively, to maximize expected return among all portfolios that has at least a certain expected return. Furthermore, this study focuses on optimizing risk portfolio so called Markowitz MVO (Mean-Variance Optimization). Some theoretical frameworks for analysis are arithmetic mean, geometric mean, variance, covariance, linear programming, and quadratic programming. Moreover, finding a minimum variance portfolio produces a convex quadratic programming, that is minimizing the objective function ðð¥with constraintsð ð 𥠥 ðandð´ð¥ = ð. The outcome of this research is the solution of optimal risk portofolio in some investments that could be finished smoothly using MATLAB R2007b software together with its graphic analysis