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Participation of SESCS in the 43rd Annual Meeting of the SEE and the 20th Congress of the APE

From September 2 to 5, 2025, several members of the Canary Islands Health Service Evaluation Service (SESCS) participated in the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Sociedad Española de Epidemiología (SEE) and the 20th Congress of the Portuguese Association of Epidemiology (APE), held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 🌴, under the theme “Ethics, lifestyle habits, and action in Public Health” #Epidemiology #PublicHealth

Our head of department, Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez, moderated several Mental Health sessions 🧠, including the plenary of Table 3, addressing discussions on ethics and the promotion of mental health.

Miguel Ángel García Bello, SESCS researcher, delivered his oral presentation: “Attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding vaccination in the adult population of the Canary Islands: a cross-sectional study” 💉 #Vaccination #CanaryIslandsResearch

And Claudia Palma Vásquez (Grupo Sant Joan de Déu, RICAPPS) presented her talk: “Design and validation of a questionnaire on attitudes toward adult vaccination” 📊

👏 Great participation by SESCS in this important scientific meeting.

Here are some photos from the event 📸

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
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SESCS PUBLICATION: Can Quality of Life Tests Be Useful in Patients Affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

José María Hernández-Pérez, Hassan Khadour-Khadour, Gema Romero-Romero, Miguel Ángel García-Bello

ABSTRACT

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition that predisposes a person to certain diseases over their lifetime, mainly including lung disease (in the form of emphysema) and liver disease (liver cirrhosis). Quality of life questionnaires are instruments designed to quantify the deterioration of a patient’s health.

Background/Objectives:

This study aimed to assess whether certain quality of life tests that are routinely used in clinical practice can be useful for patients with AATD.

Methods:

A sample of AATD patients, with various genotypes, but with the common characteristic that they must have both altered alleles (Pi* ≠ M), participated in the study. Different quality of life tests were used, including the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), COPD and Asthma Sleep Impact Scale, the short form of the Short Form Health Survey, and EuroQol 5 dimensions, and were related to differing clinical and functional characteristics.

Results:

The sample was composed of 54 patients, and slightly more than half of the participants were women (57.4%), with a mean age of 51.5 ± 13.7. The main genotypes were Pi*SZ (43.4%) and Pi*ZZ (34%). In patients under 65 years of age (n = 47), those who were actively working could walk a greater distance in the walking test, namely, 573 m (511–629), compared to those who were not actively working, namely, 415.5 m (392–469; p < 0.001). Active non-workers had a worse CAT (13.6 ± 7.8 vs. 4.6 ± 4.3; p < 0.001). In total, 80% of non-working patients had exacerbations, but only 46. 9% of those who were active, although the association did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.068). Having a lower score in the physical component of SF-12 was related to suffering from lung disease (46.0 ± 11.4 vs. 38.4 ± 11.1 (p = 0.026)).

Conclusions:

Quality of life tests were able to detect differences and relate them to functional factors such as the distance covered in the walking test, being sensitive and specific in this regard.

You can read the full article here.

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STARS-Health sets out its roadmap to strengthen digital inclusion for older adults with the participation of SESCS

STARS-Health defines its roadmap to strengthen digital inclusion for older adults

The STARS-Health Project, part of the STARS EU framework, has recently presented its roadmap to guide older adults in the use of digital health management services, thereby contributing more effectively to reducing health inequalities among the senior population.

Led by Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and with the participation of the Universidad de La Laguna (Spain), University West (Sweden), Silesian University in Opava (Czech Republic), the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (Portugal) and the Servicio de Evaluación del Servicio Canario de la Salud (SESCS, Spain), STARS-Health officially began with a workshop held in Groningen (the Netherlands). The event also included an online launch joined by patient organisations, healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers.

At the opening, Rima Dijkstra, coordinator of STARS EU, underlined the importance of collaboration in initiatives of this kind, which are essential for society. Similarly, Prof. Hans Hobbelen (Hanze University of Applied Sciences) highlighted one of today’s greatest challenges: the growing number of older adults compared to a progressively shrinking healthcare workforce, reinforcing the urgency of projects such as STARS-Health.

The session continued with presentations and updates on the project — developed within the framework of the Thematic Interest Group (TIG) Healthy Ageing — where participants reaffirmed their strong commitment to the shared mission: empowering older adults with lower health and digital literacy by improving their access to and use of digital services.

Project phases

The first phase of STARS-Health focuses on analysing the current situation of older adults, informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals facing difficulties with digital tools. The second phase involves conducting interviews in Sweden, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Spain, and Portugal.

The project will only select digital applications that meet strict usability criteria for older adults, co-create a digital environment in which users and professionals can jointly select the most suitable apps, and develop training programmes to support professionals in guiding both older adults and their caregivers.

In addition to the professionals involved, students will play an active role by identifying and classifying apps in their own countries — a clear example of co-creation in action. STARS-Health will also collaborate with Label2Enable and other European initiatives such as Care about IT, HealthNoord, HealthTech in Society and Proeftuin Toegankelijke Digitale Zorg, which work towards more accessible and inclusive digital healthcare. These synergies broaden the project’s reach and reinforce its impact across Europe.

Research team

The project’s research team, comprising five of the nine partners of STARS EU together with the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), is led by Prof. Johannes Hobbelen and Dr. Sandra Jorna-Lakke (Hanze University of Applied Sciences); Margareta Karlsson (University West); Rui Pedro Lopes (Polytechnic Institute of Bragança); Sara Darias-Curvo (University of La Laguna); Markéta Skalná (Silesian University in Opava); and Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez (Canary Islands Health Service).

STARS-Health will run for three years with funding of €912,060, granted by the European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS). This is a co-funded action under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Framework Programme (2021–2027) of the European Union.

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SESCS Participation at the GIN2025 Annual Conference in Geneva

📢 The Evaluation Service of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS) was represented at the GIN2025 Annual Conference (16–19 September, Geneva), the leading international meeting on innovation and collaboration in health policies.

Our colleague Beatriz León Salas actively participated by presenting two posters:
1️⃣ Evaluating Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Primary Care: Evidence Gaps and Future Research Directions
2️⃣ Applying the GRADE Approach When Comparative Evidence is Lacking: Insights from a Single-Centre Experience

👏 We are proud that our team is part of this global space for exchange and learning.

🔗 More information about the event

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
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SESCS PUBLICATION: Family physicians’ attitudes and practice on screening and prevention of fragility fractures, and shared decision-making with postmenopausal women: a qualitative study in Spain

Montserrat León-García, Esther Cánovas Martínez, Yolanda Álvarez Pérez, María Antonia Pou, Alberto López García-Franco, Ana Sanz Bas, Sara Rodriguez-Moreno, Claudia Erika Delgado Espinoza, Pablo Roca, Aránzazu González Osuna, Diana Fernández Valverde, Betzabeth Marín Nanco, Melixa Medina-Aedo, Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez, Pablo Alonso-Coello

ABSTRACT

Background
Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women, significantly increasing the risk of fragility fractures. Despite the availability of clinical guidelines, their implementation in primary care, remains highly variable, particularly regarding fracture prevention and shared decision-making (SDM).

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study to explore the attitudes and practices of Spanish family physicians in preventing fractures among postmenopausal women. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and levels of clinical experience. Data were analysed using an iterative, theory-driven approach to identify key themes and barriers.

Results
Physicians showed substantial variability in fracture risk assessment approaches, frequently combining tools such as FRAX with clinical judgment. Most were cautious about prescribing bisphosphonates for primary prevention, citing concerns about the strength of the evidence and potential adverse effects. While non-pharmacological strategies, such as lifestyle modifications and fall prevention, were emphasized, their implementation was often constrained by workload pressures. Patient involvement in decision-making was hindered by widespread misconceptions about osteoporosis and its treatment, as well as the lack of appropriate decision-support tools. Participants highlighted the need for clearer guidelines, enhanced educational resources, and accessible decision aids to facilitate patient engagement in care.

Conclusions
This study highlights the complex challenges family physicians face in fracture prevention among postmenopausal women, including heterogeneity of recommendations in guidelines, limited SDM implementation, and systemic barriers within primary care. Addressing these issues will require multifaceted interventions targeting both healthcare system constraints and patient education. Future efforts should focus on developing and implementing strategies that support evidence-based, patient-centred decision-making while accounting for the realities of primary care practice.

You can read the full article here.

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GuíaSalud and SESCS present the Oncology Communication Guidelines: Cross-Cutting Aspects and During Care

New OPBE Available!

From the Evaluation and Planning Service of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS), we present the “Oncology Communication Guidelines: Cross-Cutting Aspects and During Care”, the first product of its kind published in the GuíaSalud catalog.

This document provides practical tools for clinical staff, strengthening communication with people with #cancer, their families, and the healthcare team.

It has been developed by SESCS with funding from the Ministry of Health to support the activities of the 2025 Annual Work Plan of the Spanish Network of Agencies for Assessing National Health System Technologies and Performance

📌 Check it out here:

Guías de Comunicación en Oncología: Aspectos Transversales y Durante el Cuidado

 

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Kick-off Meeting of STARS-Health: Promoting Digital Health Literacy for Older Adults

Last Tuesday, the Kick-off Meeting de STARS-Health: Improving Digital Health Skills for Older Adults (STARS EU) took place, an international project aimed at enhancing digital health literacy among older adults.

Our lead, Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez, participated together with the rest of the project team in this launch, focused on aligning visions and preparing the activities to be developed throughout the year.

STARS-Health seeks to promote the use of digital health and reduce the digital divide among older people, fostering better care and autonomy.

📸 Here are some highlights from the meeting.

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
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SESCS PUBLICATION: Long-Term Effects of Ozone Treatment in Patients with Persistent Numbness and Tingling Secondary to Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. A Retrospective Study

Bernardino Clavo, Delvys Rodríguez-Abreu, Saray Galván-Ruiz, Mario Federico, Angeles Cánovas-Molina, Yolanda Ramallo-Fariña, Carla Antonilli, Gretel Benítez, Himar Fabelo, Carla García-Lourve, Damián González-Beltrán, Ignacio J Jorge, Francisco Rodríguez-Esparragón, Gustavo M Callico

ABSTRACT

Background:
Numbness and tingling secondary to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are frequent side effects that limit chemotherapy treatment and quality of life. Successful treatments for CIPN are limited. This preliminary report shows the potential long-term effects of ozone treatment in the management of persistent numbness and tingling secondary to CIPN.

Methods:
Ozone treatment was administered by rectal insufflation in 15 patients (female/male: 8/7, age: 66 years old) suffering from persistent numbness and tingling secondary to grade-2 or grade-3 CIPN. Planned ozone treatment consisted of 40 sessions over 4 months. The initial concentration of 10 μg/mL was progressively increased to 30 μg/mL. The initial gas volume of 180 mL/session was progressively increased to 300 mL/session if tolerated. Before and after ozone treatment, and at 3- and 6- months after the end of treatment, they were assessed (i) the grade of CIPN-toxicity, and (ii) the self-reported decrease in numbness and tingling.

Results:
After ozone treatment, 47% of patients experienced a decrease in the grade of CIPN-toxicity (P = .016), and 67% of patients reported a decrease in numbness and tingling ≥50% (P = .002). These effects were maintained at 3- and 6- months after the end of O3T.

Conclusions:
In this retrospective report, patients with persistent numbness and tingling secondary to CIPN showed clinically relevant and long-term improvements after ozone treatment. The magnitude and duration of the observed effects merit further research and support our ongoing clinical trials.

Keywords: numbness and tingling, paresthesias, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, grade of toxicity, side effects, cancer survivors, ozone treatment, oxidative stress modulation, Nrf2

You can read the full article here.

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
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SESCS PUBLICATION: Acceptance and commitment therapy for couples: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Jorge Barraca, Thomas Polanski, Andrea Duarte-Díaz, Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez

ABSTRACT

Couple interventions have a long tradition, yet their effectiveness is generally less well-known than that of individual therapies, particularly within contextual therapies. Although Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has already gathered significant evidence of effectiveness in various psychological health problems and disorders, its application in the context of couple therapy has not been thoroughly analyzed. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, involving a total of 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), examining effectiveness in various areas of couple functioning. The analyses revealed that ACT was more effective than passive control groups for alexithymia, anxiety, communication skills, fertility quality of life, marital intimacy, marital satisfaction, psychological well-being, physical health, and relational social functioning. It did not, however, have any significant effect on marital burnout, marital conflict, or conflict resolution. ACT was also effective in post-traumatic stress disorder, but in a joint intervention with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). When compared with active controls, ACT was sometimes similar and sometimes inferior in results. For instance, ACT, Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), and CBCT all increased marital intimacy, but with no significant difference between them (g = −0.26, 95% CI: −0.98, 0.46; I2 = 0%). ACT, IBCT and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) also all helped social functioning, and EFCT and ACT both fostered forgiveness. However, CBCT was clearly superior to ACT in improving marital satisfaction (g = −1.23, 95% CI: −1.86, −0.59; I2 = 0%) and ACT was also beaten out by Schema Therapy for fostering forgiveness. Imago therapy seems to help anxiety more than ACT while ACT helped more with physical health. The RCTs included in the review exhibit a significant series of biases and limitations, which were analyzed in detail. Taking these limitations into account, although ACT can be a promising therapy for some couple difficulties, it still needs to gather more evidence of effectiveness with new, better-controlled studies, carried out in a wider variety of countries and cultures, with well-defined protocols and comparisons with active controls like EFCT, IBCT, and CBCT, all of which have more empirical support.

You can read the full article here.

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
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SESCS PUBLICATION: Validation of the PECUNIA reference unit costs templates in Spain: a useful tool for multi-national economic evaluations of health technologies

Lidia García-Pérez, Renata Linertová, Aránzazu Hernández-Yumar, Cristina Valcárcel-Nazco, Jhoner Perdomo Vielma, Pedro Serrano Aguilar, Mencia R Gutiérrez-Colosia, Luis Salvador Carulla, Enrique Fernández-Vega, Susanne Mayer, Judit Simón, Grupo PECUNIA

ABSTRACT

Background:

The PECUNIA Project was funded by the H2020 programme in which 10 partners from six countries participated. The aim was to develop standardized, harmonized and validated methods and tools to calculate costs in different sectors (such as health and social care, education among others), with the purpose of facilitating comparability of economic evaluations of health technologies across European countries. In this paper we report the first validation of the developed reference unit cost templates in Spain.

Methods:

The evaluation of the PECUNIA Reference Unit Cost (RUC) Templates involved usability, transferability and feasibility assessment. Applicability tests were performed to estimate the cost of a selection of 15 resource items by means of the RUC templates in Spain and in four Spanish regions. External validation involved comparison with existing unit costs.

Results:

It was possible to estimate the cost of five services (dental care and general practitioner in the Canary Islands, general practitioner in Spain [tariffs], health-related day care centre and education services provided in a special education school in the Basque Country), car vandalism as an example of potential health-related consequences, and informal care in Spain. The templates were feasible although data completeness depended on the type of data needed to estimate the costs. The templates are transferable across countries although comparability depends on the services available in each jurisdiction.

Conclusions:

The PECUNIA RUC Templates are free and feasible tools to estimate comparable reference unit costs across countries. Although more validation exercises are needed, they seem useful tools to perform robust multi-national economic evaluations and increase the transferability of cost-effectiveness studies of health technologies in Europe. However, they cannot compensate for the lack of data across jurisdictions.

Keywords: Costing; Economic evaluation; Europe; Services; Societal perspective; Spain; Unit costs; Validation.

You can read the full article here.