News

News

RICAPPS 2024 Conference

📍 On October 25th, the RICAPPS Conference concluded in Madrid, leaving a significant mark on research into multimorbidity and chronic diseases.

The Evaluation Service of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS) was present, highlighting the importance of tackling methodological challenges and sharing innovative strategies to advance patient health.

Among the contributions was the panel “Multimorbidity in the RICAPPS Network,” where Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez, Head of SESCS, and Ana Isabel González, from the Madrid Health Department, presented the EMPODERA Project, focused on empowering patients with multimorbidity to achieve better health outcomes.

📸 Here are some highlights from the conference, featuring moments with Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez in front of the official poster, alongside Ana Isabel González, and with our SESCS researcher, Violeta Cazaña Pérez.

🗓️ For those interested in exploring more about the event’s content, the full program is still available here.

This event has been an invaluable platform for sharing advancements and innovative approaches. We eagerly look forward to the next edition!

 

 News

XL Annual Congress of the Spanish Society for Healthcare Quality 2024

From October 16 to 18, the XL Annual Congress of the Spanish Society for Healthcare Quality  took place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We are proud of the participation of our colleagues from the the Evaluation and Planning Service of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS): Lilisbeth Perestelo-Perez, who also served on the Scientific Committee, and Ana Toledo Chávarri.

Below, we share some images from the Congress, highlighting Lilisbeth Perestelo-Perez’s role as moderator in the sessions “Advances in Health Technology Assessment (HTA)” and “Best Communications Session: Patient Perspective and Participation.”

Thematic session: Advances in Health Technology Assessment (HTA)

Best Communications Session: Patient Perspective and Participation

We would also like to acknowledge the valuable participation of Ana Toledo Chávarri in the thematic debate on “Patient Participation Processes in the Evaluation of Services and Health Technologies,” where she made a fundamental contribution to the development of this field.

We extend our thanks and congratulations to both of them for their excellent representation at the XL Annual Congress of the Spanish Society for Healthcare Quality. Their work is always key to advancing health technology assessment.

This edition of the congress concludes, where we had the opportunity to exchange valuable knowledge and experiences. We look forward to seeing you at the next edition as we continue advancing together in the field of health!

 News

Summary of the Global Evidence Summit (GES) 2024

Last week, our SESCS team participated in the Global Evidence Summit (GES) 2024. This event brought together international experts to discuss and advance evidence-based research, and our researchers played a prominent role with their presentations.

We extend our gratitude to the participants, organizers, and attendees for making this event an unforgettable experience. We look forward to the next edition!

Below, you will find the titles of the posters presented by our researchers, as well as a photographic summary of their participation in this event:

Tasmania del Pino-Sedeño
1️⃣ A single-centre experience using GRADE approach for the assessment of evidence on prognostic factors: sarcopenia in advanced prostate carcinoma
2️⃣ Systematic review and meta-analysis of available interventions for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in patients with advanced prostate cancer
3️⃣ A single-center study using the GRADE approach to assess prognostic factors in the rare disease of adults with Burkitt lymphoma

   

Andrea Duarte Díaz
1️⃣ Effectiveness and Safety of Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Living Synthesis Informing an HTA Report
2️⃣ Designing Decision Aids Derived from Clinical Practice Guidelines: Insights from a Single-Center Experience in Spain and Future Perspectives

Mª del Mar Trujillo Martín
1️⃣ A comparison of the conventional search method and a technology-based tool approach for information retrieval in health technology assessment projects

Beatriz León Salas
1️⃣ A single-centre experience using GRADE approach for addressing a complex clinical question within a clinical practice guidelines

There was also time for reconnections. Here is our SESCS colleague, Mª del Mar Trujillo Martín , with Juan Antonio Blasco from AETSA, joining forces at GES2024 to continue advancing the evaluation of health technologies.

Here we see Beatriz León Salas from SESCS and Montserrat Carmona from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, posing in front of the poster presented by Montserrat, the result of the RICAPPS/RedETS collaboration at GES2024. Outstanding work!

We conclude this brief report with a group photo, reflecting the commitment and collaboration of our team at this important event. Thank you, everyone!

Other reports, Reports

Cost-utility analysis of asenapine versus olanzapine in the treatment of bipolar disorder type I

Full title: Cost-utility analysis of asenapine versus olanzapine in the treatment of bipolar disorder type I

Authors (in alphabetical order): Iván Castilla Rodríguez, Leticia Cuéllar-Pompa, Lidia García Pérez, Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez, Pilar Pinilla Domínguez, Juan Manuel Ramos Goñi, Pedro Serrano Aguilar, Cristina Valcárcel Nazco

Contact person: Juan Manuel Ramos Goñi

Objectives

To compare the efficiency of asenapine versus olanzapine (Generic Pharmaceutical Specialty – EFG) in the treatment of manic episodes in bipolar disorder type I, from both the perspective of the National Health System (SNS) and the societal perspective.

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
 Featured, News

SESCS PUBLICATION: Recommendations on self-management interventions for adults living with obesity: COMPAR-EU project

Melixa Medina Aedo, Jessica Beltrán, Claudia Valli, Carlos Canelo Aybar, Canción Yang, Marta Ballester, Jacqueline Bowman-Busato, Cristo Cristogiannis, María G. Grammatikopoulou, Oliver Groene, Monique Heijmans, Martine Hoogendorn, Sarah Louise Killeen, Katerina-Maria Kontouli, Dimitris Mavridis, Miñambres Inka, Beate Sigrid Mueller, Ena Niño de Guzmán, Janneke Noordman, Carola Orrego, Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez, Zuleika Saz-Parkinson, Georgios Seitidis, Rosa Suñol, Sofía Tsokani, Pablo Alonso Coello

ABSTRACT

Self-management interventions (SMIs) may improve disease management in adults living with obesity. We formulated evidence-based recommendations for SMIs within the context of the COMPAR-EU project. The multidisciplinary panel selected critical outcomes based on the COMPAR-EU core outcome set and established decision thresholds for each outcome. Recommendations were informed by systematic reviews of effects, cost-effectiveness, and a contextual assessment. To assess the certainty of the evidence and formulate the recommendations, we used the GRADE approach guidance. Overall, SMIs were deemed to have a small impact, but the absence of harmful effects and potential cumulative benefits indicated a favourable balance of effects, despite low certainty. SMIs showed variations in structure, intensity, and resource utilisation, but overall are likely to be cost-effective. Adapting SMIs to local contexts would enhance equity, acceptability, and feasibility, considering patients’ values, and availability of resources and teamwork. Consequently, the panel made conditional recommendations favouring SMIs over usual care. The rigorous and explicit recommendations demonstrated the effectiveness of SMIs for adults living with obesity. However, the gaps in the literature influenced the panel to make only conditional recommendations in favour of SMIs. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and improve recommendations’ certainty and applicability.

Keywords: guideline; obesity; recommendations; self‐management interventions.

You can read the full article here.

Or, if you prefer, you can access it via PUBMED.

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: Effectiveness of interventions to improve adherence to antidepressant medication in patients with depressive disorders: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Tasmania del Pino-Sedeño, Himar González-Pacheco, Beatriz González de León, Pedro Serrano Pérez, Francisco Javier Acosta Artiles, Cristina Valcárcel-Nazco, Isabel Hurtado Navarro, Cristobalina Rodríguez Álvarez, María M. Trujillo-Martín.

ABSTRACT

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of two interventions of knowledge transfer and behavior modification to improve medication adherence in patients with depressive disorders.

Methods: An open, multicenter, three-arm clinical trial with random allocation by cluster to usual care or to one of the two interventions. The intervention for psychiatrists (PsI) included an educational program based on a patient-centered care model. The intervention for patients and relatives (PtI) included a collaborative care program plus a reminder system that works using an already available medication reminder application. The primary outcome was patient adherence to antidepressant treatment assessed through the Sidorkiewicz Adherence Instrument. Secondary measures were depression severity, comorbid anxiety and health-related quality of life. Mixed regression models with repeated measures were used for data analysis.

Results: Ten psychiatrists and 150 patients diagnosed with depressive disorder from eight Community Mental Health Units in the Canary Islands (Spain) were included. Compared with usual care, no differences in long-term adherence were observed in either group PsI or PtI. The PsI group had significantly improved depression symptoms (B = −0.39; 95%CI: −0.65, −0.12; p = 0.004) during the follow-up period. The PtI group presented improved depression symptoms (B = −0.63; 95%CI: −0.96, −0.30; p < 0.001) and mental quality of life (B = 0.08; 95%CI: 0.004, 0.15; p = 0.039) during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: The assessed interventions to improve adherence in patients with depressive disorder were effective for depression symptoms and mental quality of life, even over the long term. However, no effect on antidepressant adherence was observed.

You can read the full text here.

 News

Investigo Program: Promoting Youth Research in the Canary Islands

Introducing the INVESTIGO Program: Promoting Young Research in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation (FIISC), affiliated with the Department of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, received a grant of 397,307 euros from SEPE in the past year 2023 for the INVESTIGO program, as part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan – Next Generation EU.

Thanks to this grant, twelve young researchers, up to 30 years old, were hired for a period of twelve months. Their goal is to develop and implement research and innovation initiatives within the Boosting Biomedical Research in the Canary Islands project. This project aims to improve the generation of scientific knowledge, healthcare quality, and public health, as well as contribute to the sustainability and solvency of the Canary Islands Health Service and promote employability in the healthcare sector.

Today, we want to highlight the work of three young researchers who have joined the Evaluation and Planning Service of the Canary Islands Health Service.

Let’s get to know their stories and the impact of their work! 👇

Alejandra Abrante Luis

Alejandra Abrante Luis
🗨️”The enthusiasm I have for learning and engaging in various activities at SESCS motivates me to pursue self-learning and tackle the proposed tasks in the best possible way.”
🔗 [Read the full interview]


Lena Arnal Artiaga
🗨️ “Understanding how SESCS operates and the steps required to successfully carry out a research project, especially concerning the qualitative aspects, has been an interesting challenge.”
🔗 [Read the full interview]


Juan Ignacio Capafons Sosa
🗨️”Being surrounded by such special people, both in their work and outside of it, can only help propel my professional career towards places I never thought possible.”
🔗 [Read the full interview]

Predictores sociodemográficos y clínicos de la adherencia a los antidepresivos en los trastornos depresivos: una revisión sistemática con un metanálisis
 Featured, News

SESCS Publication: Effectiveness and Safety of the Double Intracervical Balloon vs Dinoprostone in Patients with Previous Cesarean Section

Alicia Rodríguez-Zurita, Sara Caamiña Álvarez, Carolina Caballero García, María Gallego Paniagua, Alba Rodríguez González, Miguel Ángel García Bello, Elena Díez González, José Luis Trabado Montesino

ABSTRACT

To compare effectiveness and safety of the Cook’s balloon with vaginal dinoprostone to induce labor in patients with previous cesarean section.

Observational, and retrospective study that included pregnant women at ≥ 37 weeks’ gestation, with unfavorable cervix, singleton pregnancy, intact membranes, and a previous cesarean section, who had undergone labor induction in the period 2014-2019. 170 patients (86 balloon-84 dinoprostone) were analyzed.

The proportion of women achieving vaginal delivery within 24 h was higher in the dinoprostone than in double-balloon group (RR, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.36-7.72).

No significant differences were detected in the first 48 h in vaginal deliveries (P = .749) or in cesarean section rates (P = .634).

Nor were there differences in maternal or fetal safety profiles.

A body mass index > 35 increased the risk of cesarean section by 1.53 times (P = .017) and a Bishop’s test score < 3 by 1.91 times (P = .009).

A vaginal delivery following a cesarean section decreased the probability of another cesarean section by 0.46 times (P = .039).

Labor induction with vaginal dinoprostone achieves better vaginal delivery rates in the first 24 h vs Cook’s balloon. While the difference in uterine rupture rate did not reach significance, this was higher in women receiving prostaglandin.

Keywords: Cervical ripening; Dinoprostone; Double balloon catheter; Trial of labor after cesarean section.

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
 Featured, News

SESCS PUBLICATION: Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions about the Implementation of Shared Decision-Making in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study from a Virtual Community of Practice

Alezandra Torres-Castaño, Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez, Débora Koatz, Vanesa Ramos-García, Ana Isabel González-González, Ana Toledo-Chávarri, Carlos Jesús Bermejo-Caja, Himar Gonzalez-Pacheco, Analia Abt-Sack, Valeria Pacheco-Huergo, Carola Orrego

ABSTRACT

Background: The incorporation of shared decision making (SDM) is a central part of empowerment processes, as it facilitates greater activation on the part of patients, increasing the likelihood of them gaining control over their healthcare and developing skills to solve their health problems. Despite these benefits, there are still difficulties in the implementation of SDM among healthcare professionals due to internal and external factors related to the context and health systems.
Aim: To explore primary care professionals (PCPs)’ perceptions of the SDM model, based on their preconceptions and experience in clinical practice.
Methods: A framework analysis was conducted on qualitative data derived from a virtual community practice forum, within a cluster-randomized clinical trial developed in the e-MPODERA project.
Results: The most important points in the opinions of the PCPs were: exploring the patients’ values, preferences and expectations, providing them with and checking their understanding of up-to-date and evidence-based health information. The analysis revealed three themes: determinants of the implementation process of SDM, lack of consistency and dilemmas and benefits of PCP active listening, motivation and positive expectations of SDM.
Discussion: In our initial analysis, we examined the connections between the categories of the TDC model and its application in the primary care context. The categories related to the model reflect the theoretical understanding of professionals, while those related to perceptions of its application and use show certain discrepancies. These discrepancies could indicate a lack of understanding of the model and its real-world implications or insufficient commitment on the part of professionals or the organization to ensure its effective implementation.Conclusions: Specific targeted training that addresses knowledge, attitudes and practice may resolve the aforementioned findings.

You can read the full article (in English) here

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XIII Conferencia Internacional de Toma de Decisiones Compartida (ISDM2024)

Last week, our team from the Canary Islands Health Service Evaluation (SESCS) participated in the XIII International Shared Decision-Making Conference (ISDM2024) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Our lead, Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez, was part of the scientific committee, and our researchers stood out with their presentations.

Below is a photographic summary of our participation in this extraordinary event:

Our lead, Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez, with an incredible group of participants in a workshop on AI-enabled shared decision-making. An enriching experience!

Our four researchers, Andrea Duarte Díaz, Yolanda Álvarez Pérez, Vanesa Ramos García and Alezandra Torres Castaño, are ready for the start of the ISDM 2024 conference. Proud of their participation and contribution!

Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez with her poster: “A virtual community of practice for the empowerment of patients with ischemic heart disease (e-mpodera2): A randomized controlled trial.”

Vanesa Ramos García presents her poster: “Phase one of a randomized controlled trial to analyze the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a virtual community of practice to empower middle-aged patients with multimorbidity: co-creation PROCESS”

Lilisbeth Perestelo Pérez, SESCS lead, after her participation in the SIG 4 meeting: Spanish speaking / PCC network.

Yolanda Álvarez Pérez, with her poster: “Digital Health Literacy and Person-Centered Care: a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for women with breast cancer.”

Alezandra Torres Castaño presents her poster: “Health professionals’ perceptions about the implementation of shared decision-making in primary care: a qualitative study from a virtual community of practice.”

Andrea Duarte Díaz, with her poster: “Subgroups of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Based On Affective Symptoms and Patient Empowerment: A Latent Class Analysis.”

Vanesa Ramos García presents her poster: “Effectiveness of a web-based decision aid for patients with generalized anxiety disorder in Spain: a randomized controlled trial.”

Vanesa Ramos García, also with her poster: “Information and research needs in diabetic macular edema.”

Yolanda Álvarez Pérez, with her poster: “Preliminary health outcomes of caregivers of individuals with chronic diseases following a group educational intervention.”

We wrap up an amazing XIII International Shared Decision-Making Conference ISDM2024!

We thank all participants, organizers, and attendees for making this event an exceptional experience and look forward with excitement to the next opportunity to share more advancements.