Medicina intensiva
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Emotional factors may lead to cognitive impairment that can adversely affect the capacity of patients to reason, and thereby, limit their participation in decision taking. ⋯ The patients are of the firm opinion that they should have the last word in the taking of decisions; they prefer bad news to be given by the physician; and feel that the presence of a psychologist would make the process easier. Failure on the part of the professional to answer their questions is perceived as the greatest stress factor. Increased depression results in lesser cognitive capacity, and for patients with impaired cognitive capacity, participation in the decision taking process constitutes a burden. The variables anxiety and depression are significantly related to decision taking capacity.
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To analyze the chronobiological and time variations of out- hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ We have demonstrated the presence of a daily rhythm of emergence of OHCA with a morning peak and a weekly rhythm with a peak on Wednesdays. These results can guide the planning of resources and improvements in response in certain time periods.