Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on out-of-hospital health professionals: A living systematic review

Producción CientíficaHealth professionals (HPs), especially those working in the front line, have been one of the groups most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to identify the best available scientific evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of out-of-hospital HPs in terms of stress, anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy. A living systematic review of the literature was designed, consulting the electronic online versions of the CINHAL, Cochrane Library, Cuiden, IBECS, JBI, LILACS, Medline PyscoDoc, PsycoINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in November 2021. Original research was selected, published in either English, Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese. In total, 2082 publications were identified, of which 16 were included in this review. The mental health of out-of-hospital HPs was affected. Being a woman or having direct contact with patients showing suspicious signs of COVID-19 or confirmed cases were the factors related to a greater risk of developing high levels of stress and anxiety; in the case of depressive symptoms, it was having a clinical history of illnesses that could weaken their defenses against infection. Stopping unpleasant emotions and thoughts was the coping strategy most frequently used by these HPs

Influence of the Cumulative Incidence of COVID-19 Cases on the Mental Health of the Spanish Out-of-Hospital Professionals

This study aimed to analyze the psychological affectation of health professionals (HPs) of Spanish Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) according to the cumulative incidence (CI) of COVID19 cases in the regions in which they worked. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed, including all HPs working in any EMS of the Spanish geography between 1 February 2021 and 30 April 2021. Their level of stress, anxiety and depression (DASS-21) and the perception of self-efficacy (GSES) were the study’s main results. A 2-factor analysis of covariance was used to determine if the CI regions of COVID-19 cases determined the psychological impact on each of the studied variables. A total of 1710 HPs were included. A third presented psychological impairment classified as severe. The interaction of CI regions with the studied variables did not influence their levels of stress, anxiety, depression or self-efficacy. Women, younger HPs or those with less EMS work experience, emergency medical technicians (EMT), workers who had to modify their working conditions or those who lived with minors or dependents suffered a greater impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in certain regions. These HPs have shown high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and medium levels of self-efficacy, with similar data in the different geographical areas. Psychological support is essential to mitigate their suffering and teach them to react to adverse events.This research was funded by Fundación ASISA and Sociedad Española de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES)

COVID-19 Severity and Survival over Time in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Population-Based Registry Study

Mortality rates for COVID-19 have declined over time in the general population, but data in patients with hematologic malignancies are contradictory. We identified independent prognostic factors for COVID-19 severity and survival in unvaccinated patients with hematologic malignancies, compared mortality rates over time and versus non-cancer inpatients, and investigated post COVID-19 condition. Data were analyzed from 1166 consecutive, eligible patients with hematologic malignancies from the population-based HEMATO-MADRID registry, Spain, with COVID-19 prior to vaccination roll-out, stratified into early (February–June 2020; n = 769 (66%)) and later (July 2020–February 2021; n = 397 (34%)) cohorts. Propensity-score matched non-cancer patients were identified from the SEMI-COVID registry. A lower proportion of patients were hospitalized in the later waves (54.2%) compared to the earlier (88.6%), OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.11–0.20. The proportion of hospitalized patients admitted to the ICU was higher in the later cohort (103/215, 47.9%) compared with the early cohort (170/681, 25.0%, 2.77; 2.01–3.82). The reduced 30-day mortality between early and later cohorts of non-cancer inpatients (29.6% vs. 12.6%, OR 0.34; 0.22–0.53) was not paralleled in inpatients with hematologic malignancies (32.3% vs. 34.8%, OR 1.12; 0.81–1.5). Among evaluable patients, 27.3% had post COVID-19 condition. These findings will help inform evidence-based preventive and therapeutic strategies for patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19 diagnosis.Depto. de MedicinaFac. de MedicinaTRUEFundación Madrileña de Hematología y HemoterapiaFundación Leucemia y LinfomaAsociación Madrileña de Hematología y Hemoterapiapu

Contrapicados y puntos de fuga. Las otras historias de la historia de la filosofía

Depto. de Lógica y Filosofía TeóricaFac. de FilosofíaFALSEsubmitte

Encuesta sobre las necesidades de los programas de angioplastia primaria en España

Introduction and objectives: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) regional networks pose great organizational differences that may compromise their results. The Working Group on Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology has carried out a survey among its members on the level of satisfaction and the state of primary angioplasty programs in Spain. Methods: On-line, open and anonymous survey, among the Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Working Group members conducted between May 22 and June 5, 2018 on the necessities of the aforementioned programs and the degree of satisfaction of the professionals involved. Results: Answers were obtained from 172 professionals with representation from 75 centers and 17 autonomous communities. The number of angioplasties performed in the STEMI setting per year and per center was 259 ± 110. The degree of satisfaction of the professionals with the application of the Infarction Code and the degree of personal satisfaction scored 7.2 ± 2.2 and 7.2 ± 2.4 points out of 10, respectively, although with significant regional differences. The main areas of concern detected were logistics issues, insufficient paycheck compensations and lack of rest. The 55% were inclined to leave their on-call duties when possible. Conclusions: The survey has revealed a high degree of satisfaction by the professionals involved in STEMI treatment, although with notable differences among different autonomous communities and has allowed detecting logistical, structural and paycheck disturbances that can put primary angioplasty programs in situations of vulnerability.Introducción y objetivos: Las redes regionales de atención al infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST presentan grandes diferencias en términos de organización que puede llegar a comprometer sus resultados. La Sección de Hemodinámica y Cardiología Intervencionista ha realizado una encuesta entre sus miembros sobre el grado de satisfacción y la situación de los programas de angioplastia primaria en España. Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta online, abierta y anónima, entre los miembros de la Sección de Hemodinámica y Cardiología Intervencionista entre los días 22 de mayo y 5 de junio de 2018, sobre las necesidades de los programas y el grado de satisfacción de los profesionales. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 172 respuestas de profesionales, con representación de 75 centros y 17 comunidades autónomas. El número de angioplastias en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST por año y por centro fue de 259 ± 110. El grado de satisfacción de los profesionales con la aplicación del Código Infarto, así como el grado de satisfacción personal, obtuvieron una puntuación de 7,2 ± 2,2 y 7,2 ± 2,4 puntos sobre 10, respectivamente, aunque con diferencias regionales significativas. Las principales áreas de preocupación detectadas fueron las limitaciones logísticas, la retribución insuficiente y la falta de descanso. Si fuera posible, un 55% estaría dispuesto a dejar las guardias. Conclusiones: La encuesta ha puesto de manifiesto un alto grado de valoración del sistema por parte de los profesionales, aunque con diferencias notables entre las comunidades autónomas, y ha permitido detectar disfunciones logísticas, estructurales y retributivas que pueden poner a los programas de angioplastia primaria en situación de vulnerabilidad

Influence of the Cumulative Incidence of COVID-19 Cases on the Mental Health of the Spanish Out-of-Hospital Professionals

This study aimed to analyze the psychological affectation of health professionals (HPs) of Spanish Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) according to the cumulative incidence (CI) of COVID19 cases in the regions in which they worked. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed, including all HPs working in any EMS of the Spanish geography between 1 February 2021 and 30 April 2021. Their level of stress, anxiety and depression (DASS-21) and the perception of self-efficacy (GSES) were the study’s main results. A 2-factor analysis of covariance was used to determine if the CI regions of COVID-19 cases determined the psychological impact on each of the studied variables. A total of 1710 HPs were included. A third presented psychological impairment classified as severe. The interaction of CI regions with the studied variables did not influence their levels of stress, anxiety, depression or self-efficacy. Women, younger HPs or those with less EMS work experience, emergency medical technicians (EMT), workers who had to modify their working conditions or those who lived with minors or dependents suffered a greater impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in certain regions. These HPs have shown high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and medium levels of self-efficacy, with similar data in the different geographical areas. Psychological support is essential to mitigate their suffering and teach them to react to adverse events.Sin financiación4.964 JCR (2021) Q2, 55/172 Medicine, General & Internal1.040 SJR (2021) Q1, 438/2489 Medicine (miscellaneous)No data IDR 2021UE

Influence of the Cumulative Incidence of COVID-19 Cases on the Mental Health of the Spanish Out-of-Hospital Professionals

This study aimed to analyze the psychological affectation of health professionals (HPs) of Spanish Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) according to the cumulative incidence (CI) of COVID-19 cases in the regions in which they worked. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed, including all HPs working in any EMS of the Spanish geography between 1 February 2021 and 30 April 2021. Their level of stress, anxiety and depression (DASS-21) and the perception of self-efficacy (G-SES) were the study’s main results. A 2-factor analysis of covariance was used to determine if the CI regions of COVID-19 cases determined the psychological impact on each of the studied variables. A total of 1710 HPs were included. A third presented psychological impairment classified as severe. The interaction of CI regions with the studied variables did not influence their levels of stress, anxiety, depression or self-efficacy. Women, younger HPs or those with less EMS work experience, emergency medical technicians (EMT), workers who had to modify their working conditions or those who lived with minors or dependents suffered a greater impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in certain regions. These HPs have shown high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and medium levels of self-efficacy, with similar data in the different geographical areas. Psychological support is essential to mitigate their suffering and teach them to react to adverse events

Requisitos y sostenibilidad de los programas de ICP primaria en España en el IAMCEST.: Documento de consenso de SEC, AEEC y SEMES

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the best modality of reperfusion in ST segment elevation in acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). Its application requires networked assistance systems whose implementation requires significant organizational and logistical changes. In comparison with other scenarios of urgent action, a series of aspects are specific to the pPCI programs. They require immediate, clearly pre-established strategies, carried out by highly skilled professionals who attend to a high volume of highly complex patients. The lack of homogeneity in the creation and development of reperfusion programs in Spain has led to great differences in their implementation. If the pPCI programs are not carried out under adequate conditions, their sustainability can be complex. The present document, agreed between different scientific societies, aims to analyze the current situation in Spain of the network care programs for STEMI, identify their limitations and deficiencies, assess their vulnerability and establish a series of recommendations to ensure their sustainability.El intervencionismo coronario percutáneo primario (ICPp) es la mejor forma de reperfusión en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). Su aplicación requiere sistemas asistenciales en red cuya implementación exige cambios organizativos y logísticos importantes. En comparación con otros escenarios de actuación urgente, una serie de aspectos son específicos de los programas de ICPp. Requieren de estrategias inmediatas claramente preestablecidas, realizadas por profesionales muy expertos y que atienden a un elevado volumen de pacientes de alta complejidad. La falta de homogeneidad en la creación y desarrollo de los programas de reperfusión en España ha llevado a grandes diferencias en su implantación. Si los programas de ICPp no se efectúan en condiciones adecuadas su sostenibilidad puede ser compleja. El presente documento, consensuado entre diferentes sociedades científicas, tiene por objetivos analizar la situación actual en España de los programas de atención en red al IAMCEST, identificar sus limitaciones y deficiencias, evaluar su vulnerabilidad y establecer una serie de recomendaciones para asegurar su sostenibilidad

Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy (EAGLE): pragmatic, batched stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial in 64 countries

Background Anastomotic leak affects 8 per cent of patients after right colectomy with a 10-fold increased risk of postoperative death. The EAGLE study aimed to develop and test whether an international, standardized quality improvement intervention could reduce anastomotic leaks. Methods The internationally intended protocol, iteratively co-developed by a multistage Delphi process, comprised an online educational module introducing risk stratification, an intraoperative checklist, and harmonized surgical techniques. Clusters (hospital teams) were randomized to one of three arms with varied sequences of intervention/data collection by a derived stepped-wedge batch design (at least 18 hospital teams per batch). Patients were blinded to the study allocation. Low- and middle-income country enrolment was encouraged. The primary outcome (assessed by intention to treat) was anastomotic leak rate, and subgroup analyses by module completion (at least 80 per cent of surgeons, high engagement; less than 50 per cent, low engagement) were preplanned. Results A total 355 hospital teams registered, with 332 from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) included in the final analysis. The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons (2143 of 4411). The primary analysis included 3039 of the 3268 patients recruited (206 patients had no anastomosis and 23 were lost to follow-up), with anastomotic leaks arising before and after the intervention in 10.1 and 9.6 per cent respectively (adjusted OR 0.87, 95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 1.30; P = 0.498). The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent (61 of 500) before intervention to 5.1 per cent (24 of 473) after intervention in high-engagement centres (adjusted OR 0.36, 0.20 to 0.64; P < 0.001), but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals (8.3 per cent (59 of 714) and 13.8 per cent (61 of 443) respectively; adjusted OR 2.09, 1.31 to 3.31). Conclusion Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates. Registration number: NCT04270721 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. A key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process vs. those that measure flux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process); thus, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation needs to be differentiated from stimuli that result in increased autophagic activity, defined as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (in most higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the field understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field