Systematic and progressive implementation of the centers of excellence for rheumatoid arthritis: a methodological proposal.

The implementation of excellence centers in specific diseases has been gaining recognition in the field of health; specifically in rheumatoid arthritis, where the prognosis of the disease is related to an early diagnosis and a timely intervention, it is necessary that the provision of health services is developed in an environment of quality, opportunity, and safety with the highest standards of care. A methodology that allows this implementation in such a way that is achievable by the most of the care centers is a priority to achieve a better attention to populations with this disease. In this paper, we propose a systematic and progressive methodology that will help all the institutions to develop successful models without faltering in the process.

Population-based surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia in infants and young children in Bogotá, Colombia.

Background: In children <5 years of age, Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is, globally, the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death. Surveillance conducted in Bogotá, Colombia estimated incidence rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), clinical and chest radiograph-confirmed pneumonia (CXR+Pn); SP serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Methods: This prospective population-based surveillance was conducted from 2006 to 2008 in children 28 days to <36 months of age seeking care at SaludCoop centers.