Satisfacción laboral y factores de mejora en profesionales de atención primaria

Fundamento. La calidad de los servicios en un sistema sanitario está relacionada con el nivel de satisfacción de sus profesionales. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la satisfacción laboral y jerarquizar aquellos factores capaces de mejorarla, en profesionales de atención primaria. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo realizado en 2010 en Navarra. Se remitió por correo un cuestionario validado a la población de estudio: médicos, pediatras y enfermería de atención primaria. Se recogen variables de datos sociodemográficos y autocalificación de su satisfacción laboral en escala de 1 a 10. Se solicita la jerarquización de 10 factores que puedan mejorar la satisfacción previa señalada. Se realizó comparación de medias y análisis bivariante mediante el test de la Chi cuadrado, estudiando la asociación entre variables mediante la Odds Ratio (OR). El análisis ajustado se realizó mediante regresión logística no condicional. Resultados. Se recogieron 432 cuestionarios (77,5%). La satisfacción media fue 6,7 (escala 1 a 10), más alta en enfermería. Las mujeres presentaron una media superior a los hombres (6,90: 6,34). Los trabajadores de centros de salud urbanos (OR:1,71; IC:1,10-2,65) presentaron un mayor riesgo de insatisfacción respecto a los profesionales de centros rurales. Las actividades formativas de los profesionales es el ítem más valorado, seguido de razones económicas y de presión asistencial, no encontrándose diferencias por profesión. Conclusión. La satisfacción laboral es una dimensión de la gestión de calidad en atención primaria y su estudio permite identificar problemas u oportunidades de mejora con impacto en la calidad de los servicios que se ofertan.Background. The quality of services in a health system is related to the level of satisfaction of its professionals. The aim of this article is to determine job satisfaction in primary care professionals and rank those factors capable of improving it. Methodology. Descriptive study carried out in Navarre in 2010. A validated questionnaire was sent by post to the population of the study: primary care doctors, pediatricians and nurses. Variables on socio-demographic data were collected and job satisfaction was self-evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10. Respondents were asked to rank 10 factors that could improve the previously mentioned satisfaction. Averages were compared and bivariate analysis was carried out using the chi-square test, studying the association between variables through the Odds Ratio (OR). The adjusted analysis was realized through unconditional logistic regression. Results. We collected 432 questionnaires (77.5%). Average satisfaction was 6.7 (scale of 1 to 10), higher in nursing. Women showed a higher average than men (6.90:6.34). The workers at urban health centers (OR: 1.71; CI: 1.10- 2.65) showed a higher risk of dissatisfaction with respect to professionals at rural centers. The training activities of the professional is the most highly valued item, followed by economic questions and questions of care pressure, with no differences found by profession. Conclusion. Job satisfaction is a dimension of quality management in primary care and its study enables identification of problems or opportunities for improvement with an impact on the quality of the services offered

Validación de un cuestionario de mejora de la satisfacción laboral (CMSL) en profesionales de atención primaria

Fundamento. La satisfacción laboral de los profesionales sanitarios se considera un indicador de calidad en la gestión del sistema, estando relacionado con la eficacia de los servicios ofrecidos. El objetivo del estudio es la validación de un cuestionario para evaluar la mejora de la satisfacción laboral (CMSL) en una población de profesionales sanitarios de atención primaria en Navarra. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con cuestionarios autocumplimentados, siendo la población diana todos los profesionales de atención primaria (médicos, pediatras y personal de enfemería) de los centros de salud de Navarra. Se utilizó la escala Lickert para la medición de los ítems. Se recogieron datos descriptivos de sexo, años de ejercicio profesional, satisfacción laboral, estamento profesional, centro de salud y 47 ítems sobre mejora de satisfacción laboral. Se calculó la fiabilidad mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y se halló la validez de constructo mediante un análisis factorial con rotación varimax, agrupando los ítems en 9 dimensiones. Resultados. Se recogieron un total de 414 cuestionarios. Se obtuvo el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, con un valor global de 0,933. Entre 5 dimensiones se explica el 41,287% de la varianza total. La dimensión “relaciones con los pacientes” presentó la media (4,087) más alta de mejora de la satisfacción laboral y el ítem “Si pudiera eliminar la demanda injustificada” presentó una media de 4,21. Conclusiones. El cuestionario diseñado es un instrumento válido para la evaluación integral de la mejora de la satisfacción laboral de los profesionales de atención primaria. Los resultados obtenidos pueden orientar sobre qué áreas de mejora se deben implantar para mejorar la satisfacción de los profesionales.Background. Job satisfaction of health professionals is considered to be a quality indicator, as it is related to the efficacy of the services. The aim of the study is to validate a questionnaire for evaluating job satisfaction improvement in a population of health professionals in primary care in Navarre. Methodology. Descriptive study with self-completed questionnaires; the target population was all health care professionals (family doctors, pediatricians and nurses) of primary health centers of Navarre. A Lickert scale was used for measuring the items. Other variables measured were: sex, years in the profession, job satisfaction, professional status, health center, and 47 items on improving job satisfaction. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to evaluate reliability, and to evaluate construct validity factor analysis with varimax rotation, grouping the items in 9 dimensions was used. Results. A total of 414 questionnaires were collected. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.933. Forty-one point two eight seven percent (41.287%) of total variance was explained by five dimensions. The dimension “relations with patients” presented the highest average (4.087) of improvement in job satisfaction, and the item “If it were possible to eliminate unjustified demand” showed an average of 4.21. Conclusions. The questionnaire designed is a valid instrument for a comprehensive evaluation of the improvement in the job satisfaction of primary care professionals. The results obtained can indicate which areas of improvement should be implemented in order to improve the satisfaction of the professionals

Urgencias hospitalarias y extrahospitalarias en Navarra. Razones que las motivan

Fundamento. La demanda de asistencia sanitaria urgente está alcanzando cifras cercanas a la saturación del sistema. El objetivo del trabajo es describir el perfil del demandante de urgencias hospitalarias y extrahospitalarias en Navarra y conocer los factores que motivan la utilización de los servicios de urgencias. Metodología. Estudio multicéntrico transversal. Se utilizó un cuestionario autoadministrado de respuestas múltiples. Se entrevistaron a 2.364 pacientes que acudieron a un servicio de urgencias hospitalario o extrahospitalario (excluidos las visitas domiciliarias) en Navarra, entre el 15 y el 21 de noviembre de 2007. Se recogen datos descriptivos del paciente, razones que le motivan a solicitar asistencia urgente agrupadas en 3 bloques (18 ítems) y sensación de gravedad (leve, moderada, grave) que otorga a su sintomatología. La asociación entre autopercepción de gravedad y acudir a hospital y las otras variables de estudio se analizó mediante regresión logística no condicional. Resultados. La atención extrahospitalaria es la más demandada (62,7%). Las razones principales para usar los servicios son necesidad (66,3%) y comodidad (40,7%). Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las demandas hospitalaria y extrahospitalaria. Quienes valoran su estado como leve (24,1%), acuden más a su servicio extrahospitalaria (OR:1,4; IC95%:1,1-1,9), su estado de salud habitual es bueno (OR:2,1; IC95%:1,3-3,2) y señalan razones de comodidad (OR:1,6; IC95%:1,3-2) como razones de demanda. Conclusiones. Los usuarios y los médicos deben participar en el debate para intentar incidir en el mal uso de los servicios sanitarios, tanto por exceso como por defecto.Background. The demand for emergency health care is reaching figures that are close to saturating the system. The aim of the paper is to describe the profile of the user of hospital and ambulatory emergency care in Navarre and to determine the factors that motivate use of the emergency services. Methodology. Multicentric transversal study. A self-administered questionnaire with multiple answers was employed. Two thousand three hundred and sixty-four patients who attended a hospital or ambulatory emergency service (excluding home visits) in Navarre between November 15th and 21st 2007. We collected descriptive data on the patient, reasons for requesting emergency care grouped into three blocks (18 items) and sensation of seriousness (light, moderate, serious) that he/she attributes to his/her symptomology. The association between self-perception of seriousness and going to hospital and the other variables studied was analysed through non-conditional logistic regression. Results. The highest demand was for ambulatory care (62.7%). The principal reasons for using the services are need (66.3%) and convenience (40.7%). There are statistically significant differences between hospital and outpatient demands. Those who evaluate their state as light (24.1%) attend ambulatory accidents and emergencies more (OR:1.4; CI95%:1.1-1.9), have a state of health that is normally good (OR:2.1; CI95%:1.3-3.2), and indicate reasons of convenience (OR:1.6; CI95%:1.3-2) as reasons for the demand. Conclusions. Both users and doctors should participate in the debate to try and influence the inappropriate use of the health services, both through excess and by default

Urgencias hospitalarias y extrahospitalarias en Navarra. Razones que las motivan

Fundamento. La demanda de asistencia sanitaria urgente está alcanzando cifras cercanas a la saturación del sistema. El objetivo del trabajo es describir el perfil del demandante de urgencias hospitalarias y extrahospitalarias en Navarra y conocer los factores que motivan la utilización de los servicios de urgencias. Metodología. Estudio multicéntrico transversal. Se utilizó un cuestionario autoadministrado de respuestas múltiples. Se entrevistaron a 2.364 pacientes que acudieron a un servicio de urgencias hospitalario o extrahospitalario (excluidos las visitas domiciliarias) en Navarra, entre el 15 y el 21 de noviembre de 2007. Se recogen datos descriptivos del paciente, razones que le motivan a solicitar asistencia urgente agrupadas en 3 bloques (18 ítems) y sensación de gravedad (leve, moderada, grave) que otorga a su sintomatología. La asociación entre autopercepción de gravedad y acudir a hospital y las otras variables de estudio se analizó mediante regresión logística no condicional. Resultados. La atención extrahospitalaria es la más demandada (62,7%). Las razones principales para usar los servicios son necesidad (66,3%) y comodidad (40,7%). Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las demandas hospitalaria y extrahospitalaria. Quienes valoran su estado como leve (24,1%), acuden más a su servicio extrahospitalaria (OR:1,4; IC95%:1,1-1,9), su estado de salud habitual es bueno (OR:2,1; IC95%:1,3-3,2) y señalan razones de comodidad (OR:1,6; IC95%:1,3-2) como razones de demanda. Conclusiones. Los usuarios y los médicos deben participar en el debate para intentar incidir en el mal uso de los servicios sanitarios, tanto por exceso como por defecto.Background. The demand for emergency health care is reaching figures that are close to saturating the system. The aim of the paper is to describe the profile of the user of hospital and ambulatory emergency care in Navarre and to determine the factors that motivate use of the emergency services. Methodology. Multicentric transversal study. A self-administered questionnaire with multiple answers was employed. Two thousand three hundred and sixty-four patients who attended a hospital or ambulatory emergency service (excluding home visits) in Navarre between November 15th and 21st 2007. We collected descriptive data on the patient, reasons for requesting emergency care grouped into three blocks (18 items) and sensation of seriousness (light, moderate, serious) that he/she attributes to his/her symptomology. The association between self-perception of seriousness and going to hospital and the other variables studied was analysed through non-conditional logistic regression. Results. The highest demand was for ambulatory care (62.7%). The principal reasons for using the services are need (66.3%) and convenience (40.7%). There are statistically significant differences between hospital and outpatient demands. Those who evaluate their state as light (24.1%) attend ambulatory accidents and emergencies more (OR:1.4; CI95%:1.1-1.9), have a state of health that is normally good (OR:2.1; CI95%:1.3-3.2), and indicate reasons of convenience (OR:1.6; CI95%:1.3-2) as reasons for the demand. Conclusions. Both users and doctors should participate in the debate to try and influence the inappropriate use of the health services, both through excess and by default

Satisfacción laboral y factores de mejora en profesionales de atención primaria

Fundamento. La calidad de los servicios en un sistema sanitario está relacionada con el nivel de satisfacción de sus profesionales. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la satisfacción laboral y jerarquizar aquellos factores capaces de mejorarla, en profesionales de atención primaria. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo realizado en 2010 en Navarra. Se remitió por correo un cuestionario validado a la población de estudio: médicos, pediatras y enfermería de atención primaria. Se recogen variables de datos sociodemográficos y autocalificación de su satisfacción laboral en escala de 1 a 10. Se solicita la jerarquización de 10 factores que puedan mejorar la satisfacción previa señalada. Se realizó comparación de medias y análisis bivariante mediante el test de la Chi cuadrado, estudiando la asociación entre variables mediante la Odds Ratio (OR). El análisis ajustado se realizó mediante regresión logística no condicional. Resultados. Se recogieron 432 cuestionarios (77,5%). La satisfacción media fue 6,7 (escala 1 a 10), más alta en enfermería. Las mujeres presentaron una media superior a los hombres (6,90: 6,34). Los trabajadores de centros de salud urbanos (OR:1,71; IC:1,10-2,65) presentaron un mayor riesgo de insatisfacción respecto a los profesionales de centros rurales. Las actividades formativas de los profesionales es el ítem más valorado, seguido de razones económicas y de presión asistencial, no encontrándose diferencias por profesión. Conclusión. La satisfacción laboral es una dimensión de la gestión de calidad en atención primaria y su estudio permite identificar problemas u oportunidades de mejora con impacto en la calidad de los servicios que se ofertan.Background. The quality of services in a health system is related to the level of satisfaction of its professionals. The aim of this article is to determine job satisfaction in primary care professionals and rank those factors capable of improving it. Methodology. Descriptive study carried out in Navarre in 2010. A validated questionnaire was sent by post to the population of the study: primary care doctors, pediatricians and nurses. Variables on socio-demographic data were collected and job satisfaction was self-evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10. Respondents were asked to rank 10 factors that could improve the previously mentioned satisfaction. Averages were compared and bivariate analysis was carried out using the chi-square test, studying the association between variables through the Odds Ratio (OR). The adjusted analysis was realized through unconditional logistic regression. Results. We collected 432 questionnaires (77.5%). Average satisfaction was 6.7 (scale of 1 to 10), higher in nursing. Women showed a higher average than men (6.90:6.34). The workers at urban health centers (OR: 1.71; CI: 1.10- 2.65) showed a higher risk of dissatisfaction with respect to professionals at rural centers. The training activities of the professional is the most highly valued item, followed by economic questions and questions of care pressure, with no differences found by profession. Conclusion. Job satisfaction is a dimension of quality management in primary care and its study enables identification of problems or opportunities for improvement with an impact on the quality of the services offered

Validación de un cuestionario de mejora de la satisfacción laboral (CMSL) en profesionales de atención primaria

Fundamento. La satisfacción laboral de los profesionales sanitarios se considera un indicador de calidad en la gestión del sistema, estando relacionado con la eficacia de los servicios ofrecidos. El objetivo del estudio es la validación de un cuestionario para evaluar la mejora de la satisfacción laboral (CMSL) en una población de profesionales sanitarios de atención primaria en Navarra. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con cuestionarios autocumplimentados, siendo la población diana todos los profesionales de atención primaria (médicos, pediatras y personal de enfemería) de los centros de salud de Navarra. Se utilizó la escala Lickert para la medición de los ítems. Se recogieron datos descriptivos de sexo, años de ejercicio profesional, satisfacción laboral, estamento profesional, centro de salud y 47 ítems sobre mejora de satisfacción laboral. Se calculó la fiabilidad mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y se halló la validez de constructo mediante un análisis factorial con rotación varimax, agrupando los ítems en 9 dimensiones. Resultados. Se recogieron un total de 414 cuestionarios. Se obtuvo el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, con un valor global de 0,933. Entre 5 dimensiones se explica el 41,287% de la varianza total. La dimensión “relaciones con los pacientes” presentó la media (4,087) más alta de mejora de la satisfacción laboral y el ítem “Si pudiera eliminar la demanda injustificada” presentó una media de 4,21. Conclusiones. El cuestionario diseñado es un instrumento válido para la evaluación integral de la mejora de la satisfacción laboral de los profesionales de atención primaria. Los resultados obtenidos pueden orientar sobre qué áreas de mejora se deben implantar para mejorar la satisfacción de los profesionales.Background. Job satisfaction of health professionals is considered to be a quality indicator, as it is related to the efficacy of the services. The aim of the study is to validate a questionnaire for evaluating job satisfaction improvement in a population of health professionals in primary care in Navarre. Methodology. Descriptive study with self-completed questionnaires; the target population was all health care professionals (family doctors, pediatricians and nurses) of primary health centers of Navarre. A Lickert scale was used for measuring the items. Other variables measured were: sex, years in the profession, job satisfaction, professional status, health center, and 47 items on improving job satisfaction. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to evaluate reliability, and to evaluate construct validity factor analysis with varimax rotation, grouping the items in 9 dimensions was used. Results. A total of 414 questionnaires were collected. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.933. Forty-one point two eight seven percent (41.287%) of total variance was explained by five dimensions. The dimension “relations with patients” presented the highest average (4.087) of improvement in job satisfaction, and the item “If it were possible to eliminate unjustified demand” showed an average of 4.21. Conclusions. The questionnaire designed is a valid instrument for a comprehensive evaluation of the improvement in the job satisfaction of primary care professionals. The results obtained can indicate which areas of improvement should be implemented in order to improve the satisfaction of the professionals

Evaluation of underreporting of salmonellosis and shigellosis hospitalised cases in Greece, 2011: results of a capture-recapture study and a hospital registry review

Background: Salmonellosis and shigellosis are mandatorily notifiable diseases in Greece. Underreporting of both diseases has been postulated but there has not been any national study to quantify it. The objective of this study was to: a) estimate underreporting of hospitalised cases at public Greek hospitals in 2011 with a capture-recapture (C-RC) study, b) evaluate the accuracy of this estimation, c) investigate the possible impact of specific factors on notification rates, and d) estimate community incidence of both diseases. Methods: The mandatory notification system database and the database of the National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella and Shigella (NRLSS) were used in the C-RC study. The estimated total number of cases was compared with the actual number found by using the hospital records of the microbiological laboratories. Underreporting was also estimated by patients' age-group, sex, type of hospital, region and month of notification. Assessment of the community incidence was based on the extrapolation of the hospitalisation rate of the diseases in Europe. Results: The estimated underreporting of salmonellosis and shigellosis cases through the C-RC study was 47.7% and 52.0%, respectively. The reporting rate of salmonellosis significantly varied between the thirteen regions of the country from 8.3% to 95.6% (median: 28.4%). Age and sex were not related to the probability of reporting. The notification rate did not significantly differ between urban and rural areas, however, large university hospitals had a higher underreporting rate than district hospitals (p-value < 0.001). The actual underreporting, based on the hospital records review, was close to the estimated via the C-RC study; 52.8% for salmonellosis and 58.4% for shigellosis. The predicted community incidence of salmonellosis ranged from 312 to 936 and of shigellosis from 35 to 104 cases per 100,000 population. Conclusions: Underreporting was higher than that reported by other countries and factors associated with underreporting should be further explored. C-RC analysis seems to be a useful tool for the assessment of the underreporting of hospitalised cases. National data on underreporting and under-ascertainment rate are needed for assessing the accuracy of the estimation of the community burden of the diseases

Effectiveness of a multimodal training programme to improve general practitioners’ burnout, job satisfaction and psychological well-being

BACKGROUND: The changes in the models of care for mental disorders towards a community focus and deinstitutionalisation might have risen General practitioners' (GPs) workload, increasing their mental health concerns and the need for solutions. Pragmatic research into improving GPs' work-related health and psychological well-being is limited by focusing mainly on stressors and through not providing systematic attention to the development of positive mental health via interventions that develop psychological resources and capacities. The aim of this study was twofold: a) to determine the effectiveness of an intensive multimodal training programme for GPs designed to improve their management of mental-health patients; and b) to ascertain if the program could be also useful to improve the GPs management of their own burnout, job satisfaction and psychological well-being. METHOD: Eighteen GPs constituted a control group that underwent the routine clinical Mental health support programme for primary care. An experimental group (N = 20) additionally received a Multimodal training programme (MTP) with an Integrated Brief Systemic Therapy (IBST) approach. Through questionnaires and a clinical interview, level of burnout, professional satisfaction, psychopathological state and various indicators of the quality of administrative and healthcare management were analysed at baseline and 10 months after the programme. RESULTS: In relation to government of mental-health patients indicators, on the one hand MTP group showed statistically significant improvements in certain administrative health parameters, but on the other it did not improve opinions and attitudes towards mental illness. Regarding GPs management of their own burnout, job satisfaction and psychological well-being assessments, the MTP presented better scores on global psychopathological state and better evolution of satisfaction at work; psychopharmacology use dropped in both groups; in contrast, the MTP did not improve burnout levels. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this preliminary study are promising for the MTP (with an IBST approach) practice in primary care. More research evidence is required from larger samples and randomized controlled trials to support both the hypothetical adoption of MTP (with an IBST approach) as a part of a continuing professional-training programme for GPs' management of mental-health patients and its positive effects on work-related health factors

Contribution of crenarchaeal autotrophic ammonia oxidizers to the dark primary production in Tyrrhenian deep waters (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Mesophilic Crenarchaeota have recently been thought to be significant contributors to nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling. In this study, we examined the vertical distribution of ammonia-oxidizing Crenarchaeota at offshore site in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea. The median value of the crenachaeal cell to amoA gene ratio was close to one suggesting that virtually all deep-sea Crenarchaeota possess the capacity to oxidize ammonia. Crenarchaea-specific genes, nirK and ureC, for nitrite reductase and urease were identified and their affiliation demonstrated the presence of ‘deep-sea' clades distinct from ‘shallow' representatives. Measured deep-sea dark CO2 fixation estimates were comparable to the median value of photosynthetic biomass production calculated for this area of Tyrrhenian Sea, pointing to the significance of this process in the C cycle of aphotic marine ecosystems. To elucidate the pivotal organisms in this process, we targeted known marine crenarchaeal autotrophy-related genes, coding for acetyl-CoA carboxylase (accA) and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydratase (4-hbd). As in case of nirK and ureC, these genes are grouped with deep-sea sequences being distantly related to those retrieved from the epipelagic zone. To pair the molecular data with specific functional attributes we performed [14C]HCO3 incorporation experiments followed by analyses of radiolabeled proteins using shotgun proteomics approach. More than 100 oligopeptides were attributed to 40 marine crenarchaeal-specific proteins that are involved in 10 different metabolic processes, including autotrophy. Obtained results provided a clear proof of chemolithoautotrophic physiology of bathypelagic crenarchaeota and indicated that this numerically predominant group of microorganisms facilitate a hitherto unrecognized sink for inorganic C of a global importance