A prospective evaluation of inter-rater agreement of routine medical records audits at a large general hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.

Background: The quality of patient medical records is intrinsically related to patient safety, clinical decision-making, communication between health providers, and continuity of care. Additionally, its data are widely used in observational studies. However, the reliability of the information extracted from the records is a matter of concern in audit processes to ensure inter-rater agreement (IRA).

Fasting glucose of patients from public health care in the southern region of São Paulo: correlation with glycated hemoglobin and lipid levels.

Introduction: Fasting glucose is a test used for monitoring diabetes mellitus, as well as its screening and diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate fasting glucose results and their correlation with glycated hemoglobin and lipids.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, involving 77,581 patients, attended in 2014.

Physical activity promotion by health practitioners: a distance-learning training component to improve knowledge and counseling.

Unlabelled: Aim To report an evaluation of health professionals' participation in a distance-learning physical activity training course developed in a low socio-economic region of São Paulo city, Brazil.

Background: In countries with public universal health systems, physical activity promotion in primary health care settings can reap results, particularly given that such interventions have the potential to reach a large percentage of the population. However, few studies proposed physical activity training for health professionals in low- and middle-income countries.

Barriers and Benefits in Telemedicine Arising Between a High-Technology Hospital Service Provider and Remote Public Healthcare Units: A Qualitative Study in Brazil.

Background: In Brazil, the Program for Institutional Development of the Unified Healthcare System (PROADI-SUS) has implemented a telemedicine service for urgent situations and emergencies. It is delivered by a high-technology (HT) hospital to 15 remote healthcare units (RUs) in 11 different Brazilian states. The aim of this study was to investigate possible barriers and benefits in telemedicine service among these units.

Implementation of integration strategies between primary care units and a regional general hospital in Brazil to update and connect health care professionals: a quasi-experimental study protocol.

Background: Better communication among field health care teams and points of care, together with investments focused on improving teamwork, individual management, and clinical skills, are strategies for achieving better outcomes in patient-oriented care. This research aims to implement and evaluate interventions focused on improving communication and knowledge among health teams based on points of care in a regional public health outreach network, assessing the following hypotheses: 1) A better-working communication process between hospitals and primary health care providers can improve the sharing of information on patients as well as patients' outcomes. 2) A skill-upgrading education tool offered to health providers at their work sites can improve patients' care and outcomes.

Association of knowledge, preventive counseling and personal health behaviors on physical activity and consumption of fruits or vegetables in community health workers.

Background: There is evidence that if a health professional is active and has a healthy diet, he/she is more likely to advise patients about the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the personal physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables behaviors and nutritional status of community health workers; (2) evaluate the association between knowledge, delivery of preventive counseling and personal behaviors among community health workers.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a nationally sample of health professionals working in primary health care settings in Brazil in 2011. This survey was part of the second phase of the Guide for Useful Interventions for Activity in Brazil and Latin America project, and data were collected through telephone interviews of 269 community health workers from the Unified Health Care system of Brazil.

Prevalence of health promotion programs in primary health care units in Brazil.

Objective: Assessment of prevalence of health promotion programs in primary health care units within Brazil's health system.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study based on telephone interviews with managers of primary care units. Of a total 42,486 primary health care units listed in the Brazilian Unified Health System directory, 1,600 were randomly selected.

Determining workload and size of nursing team in the pediatric emergency department.

Objective: To identify indicators of required nursing workload for pediatric patients care in an emergency department.

Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out in a pediatric short-stay unit at a public hospital in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The patient classification system and activity times of nursing care proposed by the Brazilian Federal Nurse Council were applied to all patients admitted over a 1-month period.

Physical activity counseling in primary health care in Brazil: a national study on prevalence and associated factors.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of physical activity counseling among physicians and nurses working in primary health care in Brazil.

Methods: A phone survey was carried out in 2011 with professionals working in primary health care in Brazil. The target sample consisted of 1,600 randomly selected primary care units covering all regions of the country.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and nutritional status of schoolchildren: 30-year evolution.

Objective: To compare the changes in cardiorespiratory fitness in evaluations performed every ten years since 1978/1980, according to the nutritional status and gender of students in the city of Ilhabela, Brazil.

Methods: The study is part of the Mixed Longitudinal Project on Growth, Development and Physical Fitness of Ilhabela. The study included 1,291 students of both genders, aged 10 to 11 years old.

Prevalence of anemia among preschoolers and response to iron supplementation.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of anemia among children attending public preschools in Ilhabela, state of São Paulo, Brazil, and their response to a treatment regimen.

Methods: Between 2007 and 2008, the weight, height, and hemoglobin levels of 667 children were measured in the school setting. Anemic children were prescribed a 12-week course of ferrous sulfate, and follow-up assessment visits were scheduled for halfway through this course and the end of treatment.

Multivariate hierarchical model for physical inactivity among public school children.

Objective: To identify biological and sociodemographic factors associated with physical inactivity in public school children.

Methods: Parents of 2,519 children (49.3% of whom were girls), aged 7 to 10 years (mean = 7.