Acta Medica Port
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The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) is a self-administered questionnaire that measures health-related quality of life. GOLD proposes using this questionnaire, since it provides thorough coverage of the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on well-being. This questionnaire has been widely used in daily clinical practice in Portugal, but it lacks validation for European Portuguese. The aim of this study was to carry out the cultural adaptation and validation of the CAT questionnaire so that the most appropriate version can be made available to Portuguese researchers and clinicians. ⋯ The European Portuguese version of the COPD Assessment Test is a valid instrument for measurement of health-related quality of life in COPD patients. The use of validated questionnaires is of great importance since it generates reliable and reproducible evidence for use either in research or clinical practice.
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The increasing burden of diabetes poses a great challenge to healthcare systems and economy worldwide. Although modern therapeutic strategies for diabetes are widely available, most patients still fail to achieve optimal clinical targets and well-being. The primary objective of this study was to assess and explore potential drivers and successful management of diabetes among people with diabetes, family members and healthcare professionals in Portugal, by applying the protocol of the multinational study "Diabetes, Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2)". ⋯ We have used for the first time in Portugal the DAWN2 protocol to address the wishes, needs, and attitudes of Portuguese diabetes patients, their relatives, and healthcare professionals regarding the disease.
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Gestational diabetes is a condition that predisposes to complications during pregnancy and to the newborn. The aim of this study was to assess the association between body mass index and gestational weight gain and obstetric and neonatal complications in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. ⋯ Pregestational overweight and obesity, as well as excessive weight gain are associated with an increased risk of certain obstetric and neonatal complications. It is essential to have an appropriate pre- onceptional surveillance and a close follow-up during pregnancy in order to reduce the associated risks and the probable predisposition of these newborns to severe outcomes.
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Anaemia and iron deficiency are associated with increased mortality and poor surgical outcomes. Consensus in their definitions is expected to optimize their management, which is encompassed by patient blood management, providing patient-centred care while improving patient safety and clinical outcomes. Patient blood management implementation is even more relevant in contingency times and faces barriers due to lack of standardization, among others. The aim is to establish a consensus on these diagnoses and implement patient blood management principles in clinical practice in Portugal. ⋯ Consensus was reached in only two (6%) of the 33 statements. There was a consensual agreement on the relevance of establishing patient blood management as the standard of care and of valuing preoperative and postoperative patient blood management interventions. Nevertheless, our results point to the lack of awareness regarding patient blood management principles - which could result in better postoperative outcomes, shorter hospitalizations, reduced costs and increased availability of beds. Training and literacy initiatives could help further implement patient blood management standards in Portuguese hospitals.