Síndrome gripal: Cobertura vacinal dos colaboradores do Centro Hospitalar/Académico da Cova da Beira e dos estudantes de Medicina da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior

Introdução: A gripe constitui um sério problema de saúde pública. A vacina é o meio mais eficaz para a sua prevenção. Apesar da vacinação anual dos profissionais de saúde ser fortemente recomendada, as taxas de vacinação permanecem baixas. Este estudo avalia a cobertura vacinal dos colaboradores do Centro Hospitalar/Académico da Cova da Beira (CHCB). Procedeu-se, também, à avaliação da adesão, conhecimentos, atitudes, motivações e comportamentos face à vacinação dos estudantes de Medicina da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior. Métodos: Para avaliar a cobertura vacinal dos colaboradores do CHCB recorreu-se à análise do mapa resumo fornecido pelo Serviço de Higiene, Saúde e Segurança no Trabalho do CHCB. O estudo relativo aos estudantes de Medicina baseou-se na aplicação de um questionário, anónimo, autopreenchido, disponibilizado por via eletrónica. Resultados: Na época 2014/2015, da totalidade dos colaboradores inquiridos (n=1306), apenas 40,8% manifestaram interesse na vacinação, tendo sido vacinados 36,3%. A taxa de vacinação mais elevada observou-se nos médicos (49,7%). O questionário aplicado aos estudantes foi preenchido por 35,1% da totalidade (n=853). Dos que responderam ao inquérito, 23,1% foram vacinados no passado, e 92,3% não aderiram na presente época. Os fatores que motivaram 23 estudantes (7,7%) a vacinarem-se foram: pertencer a grupo de risco; autoproteção e estar informado (eficácia/segurança da vacina). A maioria dos estudantes vacinados (87%) adquiriu a vacina na farmácia, por iniciativa própria (65%). As razões invocadas para a não adesão foram: nunca me recomendaram; desconhecia a disponibilidade da vacina e não pertenço a grupo de risco. Os fatores que levariam os estudantes a vacinarem-se são: proteção dos doentes; norma do Hospital/Faculdade e recomendação médica. Dos inquiridos, 96,1% afirmam desconhecer a possibilidade de vacinação gratuita. Destes, 72,8% afirmam que teriam aderido se tal se tivesse verificado. 85,6% dos inquiridos considera os estudantes um grupo de risco e 84% reconhece a importância da vacinação. Não obstante, apenas 49% considera a vacina eficaz e 40,1% afirma ter dificuldades de acesso. Na presente época, apenas 36,8% tiveram conhecimento de campanhas de vacinação e 68,2% refere que as mesmas foram veiculadas pela comunicação social. Conclusão: A cobertura vacinal dos colaboradores do CHCB encontra-se muito abaixo do preconizado. Relativamente aos estudantes de Medicina, conclui-se que as campanhas, incluindo a disponibilização da vacina, não são eficazes, que dificuldades de acesso, atitudes negativas e preconceitos são obstáculos relevantes apesar da importância atribuída à vacinação. Este estudo poderá constituir um bom ponto de partida para futuras campanhas.Introduction: Influenza is a serious public health problem. The vaccine is the most effective means for its prevention. Despite the annual vaccination of health professionals being strongly recommended, vaccination rates remain low. This study evaluates the immunization coverage of health professionals and other employees from Cova da Beira Hospital Center (CHCB). Proceeded to assess compliance, knowledge, attitudes, motivations and behaviors towards vaccination of medical students of Health Sciences Faculty of the University of Beira Interior. Methods: To assess vaccination coverage it was analyzed the summary map provided by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health of CHCB. The study regarding the medical students was based on the application of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, available electronically. Results: During the 2014/2015 flu season, of all surveyed employees (n = 1306), 40.8% expressed interest in vaccination and 36.3% have been vaccinated. The highest rate of vaccination was observed in physicians (49.7%). The questionnaire administered to students was completed by 35.1% of the total (n = 853). Of the participants 23.1% had been vaccinated in the past, and 92.3% did not join this time. The factors that motivated 23 students (7.7%) to be vaccinated were: belonging to a risk group; self-protection and being informed (efficacy/safety of the vaccine). Most vaccinated students (87%) acquired the vaccine in the pharmacy, by own initiative (65%). The reasons for non-compliance were: never recommended to me; unaware of the availability of the vaccine and not belonging to a risk group. The factors that would lead students to be vaccinated are: protection of patients; Hospital/Faculty standard and medical advice. Of those surveyed, 96.1% ignored the possibility of being vaccinated for free. Of these, 72.8% would have joined if had been informed. 85.6% of respondents consider students a risk group and 84% recognize the importance of vaccination. Nevertheless, only 49% consider the vaccine effective and 40.1% report access difficulties. This season, only 36.8% were aware of vaccination campaigns and 68.2% report that this information has been conveyed by the media. Conclusion: Vaccination coverage is far below the recommended rates. Regarding medical students, we concluded that the campaigns, including the provision of vaccine, are not effective, that access difficulties, negative attitudes and misconceptions are relevant obstacles, despite the importance of students’ vaccination. This study could be a good starting point for future campaigns

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Narrative Review

Electroconvulsive therapy is characterized by the electrical induction of generalized and self-limited seizures and is currently available for the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders in children and adults. There are no absolute contraindications to electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents; however, there might be some relative contraindications. Electroconvulsive therapy is considered one of the safest procedures performed under general anesthesia. Its side effects in children are generally well tolerated, transient, similar to those reported by adults, and tend to decrease in subsequent sessions. Although considered safe and effective, it is still little used in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The reasons for its low use are related to the scarcity of studies, legal restrictions imposed by some countries, stigma, doubts about its effectiveness and safety, variable usage in different countries, and issues of ethical nature. Despite the fears, there is no technical, scientific, or ethical reason to justify the non-performance of electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents. Based on the literature review, this study seems to be the first narrative review carried out in Portugal on the use of electroconvulsive therapy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and no other Portuguese studies were found. Since there is a correlation between knowledge and positive attitudes towards the use of electroconvulsive therapy, it is necessary to increase the studies, education, and practical experience in this area in Portugal. This non-systematic literature review aimed to inform health professionals about the importance of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of children and adolescents with severe mental illness

Lei do Maior Acompanhado: Critérios para Nomear o(s) Perito(s)

Caro Editor, Na legislação portuguesa, qualquer cidadão, ao atingir a maioridade, é considerado capaz de exercer pessoal e livremente os seus direitos, cumprir os seus deveres e cuidar do seu património, sem necessitar da ajuda de outrém. 1 No entanto, há indivíduos que, por razões de saúde, deficiência, ou pelo seu comportamento, não são capazes de exercer esses direitos, nem de cumprir as suas obrigações.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio