Revista médica de Chile
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Revista médica de Chile · Jun 2021
Review[Paracetamol as an adjuvant to opioids for cancer pain management].
Cancer related pain is one of the most frequent and relevant symptoms in patients with malignant tumors, causing a huge impact in their quality of life. According to the Chilean Public Health System Technical Report of the Cancer Pain Control and Palliative Care Program 2013-2014, 90% of cancer patients admitted to the Program experienced pain, being moderate or intense in 34%. ⋯ However, this technical report also describes that there is uncertainty about the impact of paracetamol as an adjuvant in patients with cancer pain who are already receiving strong opioids. This review aims to describe the current state of the art regarding the role of paracetamol as a coadjuvant in cancer pain patients.
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Recognizing the role of technology in the development of medicine and the impact of telecommunication advances, we reflect on the meaning and ethics of the use of Telemedicine, both in its general dimension for the use and distribution of knowledge, as well as in the delivery of health actions, scientific research, and data management. Teleconsultation is discussed in greater detail, analyzing its process and application, reviewing its possible advantages and disadvantages, from the point of view of providers and patients. ⋯ We mention the ethical conditions that must be bore in mind for the proper use of telemedicine. We discuss the eventual influence that this practice will have on the concept and practice of medical care, while suggesting the need to legislate on the matter.
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Revista médica de Chile · Jun 2021
[Competence profiles for technicians in higher-level nursing, declared by different teaching institutions].
The career of Technician in Higher-Level Nursing (TENS in Spanish) is the technical career that has the higher number of students in Chile. There are important disparities among the higher education institutions that teach it. ⋯ There is a procedural bias in graduate profiles, which tends to under declare cognitive and ethics competencies, fundamental for decision-making processes.
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Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) encompass a wide variety of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells, which produce bioactive substances. The incidence of NETs increased significantly lately, becoming one of the most common tumors of the digestive tract. ⋯ New research brought multiple changes in the classification of these neoplasms and a new understanding about their diagnosis and treatment, promoting a multidisciplinary approach. Somatostatin analogues, radiation, biological, and cytotoxic drugs have improved the prognosis of these patients, which entails a great challenge for healthcare providers.
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Revista médica de Chile · Jun 2021
Reduced burnout and higher mindfulness in medical students after a self-care program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical students experience high levels of psychological stress during clinical training. However, most medical curricula do not teach self-care skills. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted medical education causing increased distress among students. ⋯ A formal educational intervention, teaching self-awareness and self-regulation skills can help reduce medical students' distress and promote their well-being even amidst a pandemic.