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Kondilis E, Benos A. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Private Health Sector: Profiting without Socially Contributing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 53:466-477. [PMID: 37680140 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231201070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the mobilization of all available health care resources, including private, for-profit ones. The aim of this multiple methods study (combination of document and secondary data analysis) was to assess government regulations facilitating the private health sector's participation in the COVID-19 response in Greece. During the pandemic, the government made three successive increases in private providers' reimbursement fees, provided additional financial incentives to private providers, and allocated €280 million of emergency funding for the private sector's involvement in the national COVID-19 response. In response, private hospitals made available on average 2.2% of their total bed capacity per epidemic wave for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and 1.7% of their total bed capacity for the treatment of non-COVID-19 patients transferred from National Health System (NHS) hospitals. In 2020 the five largest health care corporate groups maintained their revenues, while in 2021 they increased them by 18.7%-a striking comparison with the 9% recession experienced by the Greek economy in 2020 and its 8.4% recovery in 2021. In a time of an acute public health crisis, private health care providers responded to society's pressing health care needs by insulating their facilities from COVID-19 patients and NHS patient transfers, minimizing their social contribution and safeguarding their revenues and profits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kondilis
- School of Medicine, Aristotles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexis Benos
- School of Medicine, Aristotles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Borges A, Carvalho M, Maia M, Guimarães M, Carneiro D. Predicting and explaining absenteeism risk in hospital patients before and during COVID-19. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLANNING SCIENCES 2023; 87:101549. [PMID: 37255583 PMCID: PMC9972778 DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2023.101549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In order to address one of the most challenging problems in hospital management - patients' absenteeism without prior notice - this study analyses the risk factors associated with this event. To this end, through real data from a hospital located in the North of Portugal, a prediction model previously validated in the literature is used to infer absenteeism risk factors, and an explainable model is proposed, based on a modified CART algorithm. The latter intends to generate a human-interpretable explanation for patient absenteeism, and its implementation is described in detail. Furthermore, given the significant impact, the COVID-19 pandemic had on hospital management, a comparison between patients' profiles upon absenteeism before and during the COVID-19 pandemic situation is performed. Results obtained differ between hospital specialities and time periods meaning that patient profiles on absenteeism change during pandemic periods and within specialities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Borges
- CIICESI, ESTG, Politecnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Casa do Curral, Margaride, Felgueiras, 4610-156, Portugal
| | - Mariana Carvalho
- CIICESI, ESTG, Politecnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Casa do Curral, Margaride, Felgueiras, 4610-156, Portugal
| | - Miguel Maia
- CIICESI, ESTG, Politecnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Casa do Curral, Margaride, Felgueiras, 4610-156, Portugal
| | - Miguel Guimarães
- CIICESI, ESTG, Politecnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Casa do Curral, Margaride, Felgueiras, 4610-156, Portugal
| | - Davide Carneiro
- CIICESI, ESTG, Politecnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Casa do Curral, Margaride, Felgueiras, 4610-156, Portugal
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Effectiveness and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-A Real-World Experience. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041334. [PMID: 36835870 PMCID: PMC9967392 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND data regarding the effectiveness and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are scarse. OBJECTIVE to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in HFrEF and CKD in a real-world population. METHODS we included consecutive ambulatory HFrEF patients that initiated sacubitril/valsartan between February 2017 and October 2020, stratified by CKD (KDIGO stage 5 excluded). PRIMARY OUTCOMES the incidence rate per 100 patient-years and the annualized length of stay (LOS) of acute decompensated HF hospitalizations (HFH). SECONDARY OUTCOMES all-cause mortality, NYHA improvement, and titration of sacubitril/valsartan. RESULTS We included 179 patients, 77 with CKD, those being older (72 ± 10 vs. 65 ± 12 years, p < 0.001), had higher NT-proBNP (4623 ± 5266 vs. 1901 ± 1835 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and high anaemia incidence (p < 0.001). After 19 ± 11 months, a significant reduction in HFH adjusted incidence rate (57.5% decrease in CKD vs. 74.6%, p = 0.261) was observed, with 5 days there was a reduction in annualized LOS in both groups (p = 0.319). NYHA improved similarly in both groups (p = 0.670). CKD patients presented non-significant higher all-cause mortality (HR = 2.405, 95%CI: [0.841; 6.879], p = 0.102). Both groups had similar sacubitril/valsartan maximum dose achievement and drug withdrawal. CONCLUSION sacubitril/valsartan was effective on reducing HFH and LOS without affecting all-cause mortality in a CKD real-world population.
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Anthropomorphic Robotic Eyes: Structural Design and Non-Verbal Communication Effectiveness. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22083060. [PMID: 35459046 PMCID: PMC9024502 DOI: 10.3390/s22083060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper shows the structure of a mechanical system with 9 DOFs for driving robot eyes, as well as the system’s ability to produce facial expressions. It consists of three subsystems which enable the motion of the eyeballs, eyelids, and eyebrows independently to the rest of the face. Due to its structure, the mechanical system of the eyeballs is able to reproduce all of the motions human eyes are capable of, which is an important condition for the realization of binocular function of the artificial robot eyes, as well as stereovision. From a kinematic standpoint, the mechanical systems of the eyeballs, eyelids, and eyebrows are highly capable of generating the movements of the human eye. The structure of a control system is proposed with the goal of realizing the desired motion of the output links of the mechanical systems. The success of the mechanical system is also rated on how well it enables the robot to generate non-verbal emotional content, which is why an experiment was conducted. Due to this, the face of the human-like robot MARKO was used, covered with a face mask to aid in focusing the participants on the eye region. The participants evaluated the efficiency of the robot’s non-verbal communication, with certain emotions achieving a high rate of recognition.
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Opinions, beliefs and knowledge of people with multiple sclerosis on COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 54:103113. [PMID: 34216996 PMCID: PMC8234267 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the potential COVID-19 impact on pwMS health and the importance of vaccination for this population, we decided to assess: (a) pwMS’ beliefs and knowledge on COVID-19 pandemic; (b) their acceptance towards COVID-19 vaccination and (c) pwMS’ opinions on general vaccination. METHODS Observational study, based on a cross-sectional (10-20th September 2020) online survey, conducted in a cohort of pwMS’ followed at two Portuguese hospitals. The survey included measures to characterize the sample and a questionnaire designed to assess the topics defined for this study. RESULTS 270 respondents completed the full survey (response rate 58.2%). pwMS greatest concern during the pandemic was an aggravation of MS, especially by patients older than 50 years old. Almost 40% of the patients older than 50 felt that the pandemic negatively affected their MS related medical assistance. Most patients believed they would recover from COVID-19 infection. More than half of the responders feared a MS aggravation if they got COVID-19; this was more pronounced in patients with progressive MS. About 12% of the participants did not want to be vaccinated and almost 40% was unsure. Regarding vaccines in general, almost a third of the participants feared their side effects or MS related complications. CONCLUSION Having knowledge of pwMS’ opinions on COVID-19 pandemic impact and vaccination is useful to better address these issues. Fears and expectations towards vaccination must be discussed with pwMS.
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Ferreira S, Sousa MM, Moreira PS, Sousa N, Picó-Pérez M, Morgado P. A Wake-up Call for Burnout in Portuguese Physicians During the COVID-19 Outbreak: National Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e24312. [PMID: 33630744 PMCID: PMC8191732 DOI: 10.2196/24312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 outbreak has imposed physical and psychological pressure on health care professionals, including frontline physicians. Hence, evaluating the mental health status of physicians during the current pandemic is important to define future preventive guidelines among health care stakeholders. Objective In this study, we intended to study alterations in the mental health status of Portuguese physicians working at the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic and potential sociodemographic factors influencing their mental health status. Methods A nationwide survey was conducted during May 4-25, 2020, to infer differences in mental health status (depression, anxiety, stress, and obsessive compulsive symptoms) between Portuguese physicians working at the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic and other nonfrontline physicians. A representative sample of 420 participants stratified by age, sex, and the geographic region was analyzed (200 frontline and 220 nonfrontline participants). Moreover, we explored the influence of several sociodemographic factors on mental health variables including age, sex, living conditions, and household composition. Results Our results show that being female (β=1.1; t=2.5; P=.01) and working at the frontline (β=1.4; t=2.9; P=.004) are potential risk factors for stress. In contrast, having a house with green space was a potentially beneficial factor for stress (β=–1.5; t=–2.5; P=.01) and anxiety (β=–1.1; t=–2.4; P=.02). Conclusions It is important to apply protective mental health measures for physicians to avoid the long-term effects of stress, such as burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Machado Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Pedro Silva Moreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Psychological Neuroscience Lab, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,2CA-Clinical Academic Center, Braga, Portugal.,P5, Medical Digital Center, Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Picó-Pérez
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Pedro Morgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,2CA-Clinical Academic Center, Braga, Portugal.,P5, Medical Digital Center, Braga, Portugal
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