Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome in primary care

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 3-10%. in European studies. However, the diagnosis of RLS in primary care remains low and mistreatment is common.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The current article reports on the considerations of RLS diagnosis and management that were made during a European Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (EURLSSG)-sponsored task force consisting of experts and primary care practioners. The task force sought to develop a better understanding of barriers to diagnosis in primary care practice and overcome these barriers with diagnostic and treatment algorithms.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The barriers to diagnosis identified by the task force include the presentation of symptoms, the language used to describe them, the actual term "restless legs syndrome" and difficulties in the differential diagnosis of RLS.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The EURLSSG task force reached a consensus and agreed on the diagnostic and treatment algorithms published here.</p

Saúde mental na atenção primária à saúde: estudo avaliativo em uma grande cidade brasileira Mental health in primary care: an evaluative study in a large Brazilian city

A Atenção Primária à Saúde é reconhecida mundialmente como a responsável pela solução dos principais problemas de saúde da comunidade, incluso a mental. O presente estudo buscou avaliar a articulação entre as redes de atenção primária e de saúde mental em regiões de alta vulnerabilidade social de uma grande cidade brasileira (Campinas - SP) através dos parâmetros: pesquisa avaliativa, participativa e predominantemente qualitativa. Foram definidos dois grupos pela técnica de clusters: um de Unidades Básicas de Saúde com maior grau de implantação das ações inovadoras e outro com menor grau de implantação. Posteriormente foi realizada uma comparação. O apoio matricial se mostrou potente para definir fluxos, qualificar as equipes e promover uma assistência conjunta e compartilhada. Detectou-se um papel estratégico do agente comunitário de saúde para identificar ofertas em potencial e propiciar escuta de forma mais próxima à população. As práticas de promoção à saúde ainda não estão consolidadas. Quando os arranjos possibilitam inserções dos profissionais em atividades extramuros, os usuários reconhecem e se apropriam dos espaços, possibilitando ações que se distanciam da tradicional queixa-conduta.<br>Primary Healthcare (PHC) is internationally acknowledged to be responsible for dealing with most community health problems, including mental health issues. The scope of this work was to evaluate the links between primary care and mental health in areas of high social vulnerability in a large Brazilian city (Campinas, State of São Paulo) using parameters defined in this study. Evaluative and participative - mainly qualitative - research, was conducted. Two groups were defined by cluster technique: one group of Basic Health Units with a higher degree of innovative strategies and another with a lower level of innovation, and the two were then compared. Matrix support was observed as a powerful tool to define workflows, to qualify the teams and to promote joint and shared care. The strategic role of community health agents was seen to identify potential benefits and listen more closely to the population's needs. Health promotion practices are not consolidated as yet. When innovative strategies take the professionals into extra-mural activities, users acknowledge and occupy new spaces, with actions that are different from the traditional complaint-behavior model