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Abstract Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease of unclear etiology, involving a neural oversensitization and impaired pain modulation, in addition to a clinical deficiency of the endocannabinoid system. Fibromyalgia is associated with a number of somatic and psychological disorders and hence multiple pharmacological approaches have been used, including opioids, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and more recently medical cannabis. This narrative review comprises a review of the current literature on the efficacy of cannabinoids in fibromyalgia. The studies describe a possible influence of cannabis on pain control in patients with fibromyalgia, with positive effects on quality of life and sleep. The use of cannabis seems to be beneficial in patients with fibromyalgia; however, more robust studies are still needed to establish is actual efficacy in pain management, quality of life and improvement of associated symptoms.

Resumen La fibromialgia es una enfermedad crónica, cuya etiología no es clara, en la que se involucra una sobresensibilización neural y disminución de la modulación del dolor, así como una deficiencia clínica del sistema endocannabinoide. Está asociada a una variedad de trastornos somáticos y psicológicos, por lo cual se han utilizado múltiples abordajes farmacológicos, entre ellos opioides, antidepresivos, antiepilépticos y, recientemente, cannabis medicinal. En esta revisión narrativa se hace una reseña de la literatura actual relacionada con la eficacia de los cannabinoides en la fibromialgia. Los estudios describen una posible influencia del cannabis sobre el control del dolor en pacientes con fibromialgia, con efectos positivos sobre la calidad de vida y el sueño. El uso del cannabis parece tener beneficios en los pacientes con fibromialgia; sin embargo, aún se requieren estudios más robustos para establecer su verdadera eficacia en el manejo del dolor, calidad de vida y mejoría de los síntomas asociados.

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OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of the combination of morphine, dexamethasone and local anesthetic in ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational and analytical cohort study was conducted. The cohort was composed of 106 patients divided into three groups: 1. Local anesthetic (AL), 2. Local anesthetic plus dexamethasone (ALD) and 3. Local anesthetic plus dexamethasone and morphine (ALDM). The outcome variable was acute postoperative pain (DAP) and the need for analgesic rescue. The DAP was evaluated at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 postoperative hours using an analogous verbal scale (VAS) and was additionally recorded if it required analgesic rescue. Additionally, latency time, duration of sensory and motor block were recorded. Analysis was done with stata14 software. RESULTS: The overall incidence of postoperative pain was higher in the AL group (89%) than in the ALD group (58.3%) and ALDM (60%). At 3,6 and 9 hours postoperatively, no differences were found between the three groups. At 12 and 18 hours postoperatively, the incidence of pain in the ALD and ALDM groups was lower and significant (p < 0.05) with respect to the AL group. There were no statistically significant differences between the ALD and ALDM groups. At 24 post-operative time no statistically, significant differences were found between the three groups, however at that time the incidence of pain in the AL group was 38% vs 25% of the ALDM group vs 23% of the ALD group. At the end of the study, the intervention in the ALDM group and the ALD group presented Relative Risks (RR) of 0.68 and 0.65 respectively to the LA group. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of morphine and dexamethasone or morphine alone to the local anesthetic reduces the postoperative acute pain between 12 and 18 hours and prolongs the time of peripheral ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block. To evaluate differences between these coadjutant's, a study with more power and controlled clinical trial type is required.

Objetivo: Describir y evaluar la efectividad analgésica postoperatoria de la combinación de morfina y dexametasona como coadyuvantes a anestésicos locales en bloqueo ecodirigido del plexo braquial. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte prospectivo, observacional y analítico. La cohorte quedó conformada por 106 pacientes divididos en tres grupos: grupo anestésico local sin coadyuvantes (ALSC), grupo anestésico local más dexametasona (ALD) y grupo anestésico local más dexametasona y morfina (ALDM). La variable resultado fue dolor agudo posoperatorio (DAP) moderado a severo y necesidad de rescate analgésico. EL DAP se evaluó a las 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 y 24 horas posoperatorias (POP) utilizando escala verbal análoga (EVA) y, adicionalmente, se registró si se requirió rescate analgésico. Igualmente, se registró tiempo de latencia, duración del bloqueo sensitivo y motor. El análisis se realizó con software stata14. Resultados: La incidencia global de DAP moderado a severo fue mayor en el grupo ALSC (89%) con respecto al grupo ALD (58,3%) y grupo ALDM (60%). A las 3, 6 y 9 horas posoperatorias no se evidenció diferencias entre los tres grupos. A las 12 y 18 horas posoperatorias la incidencia de dolor en los grupos con coadyuvantes fue menor y significativo (p < 0,05) con respecto al grupo control. Entre los grupos ALD y ALDM no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. A las 24 horas POP no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los tres grupos, sin embargo, en ese momento la incidencia de DAP moderado a severo en los tres grupos fue 38%, 25% y 23% respectivamente. Al final del estudio la intervención en los grupos ALD y ALDM presentaron riesgos relativos (RR) de 0,68 y 0,65 respecto al grupo ALSC. Conclusiones: La adición de morfina y dexametasona o de morfina sola al anestésico local parece disminuir el DAP moderado a severo entre las 12 y 18 horas y prolongar la duración de bloqueos periféricos ecoguiados del plexo braquial. Para evaluar diferencias entre estos coadyuvantes se requieren un estudio con más poder y de tipo ensayo clínico controlado.

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Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer in Colombia is the first cause of cancer death. Post-mastectomy pain syndrome ranges from 13% to 69%; there are no regional studies evaluating its incidence among our population. Objectives: Determining the incidence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome in patients diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing therapeutic oncology surgery at Hospital Universitario de Santander. Materials and methods: Observational, prospective study of a cohort from January, 2014 through July, 2015 during the Pain Clinic follow-up evaluating the occurrence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome. Results: In all, 76 patients were followed and a 55.3% incidence of the post-mastectomy pain syndrome was identified. Among them, 54.8% were classified as mild intensity (visual analog scale [VAS] <4), 42.9% as moderate intensity (VAS 5-7), and 2.4% severe intensity (VAS >8). The most frequent type of pain identified was myofascial pain (42.1%), followed by neuropathic pain (34.2%). Among the group of patients with this type of pain, a relationship was identified between age below 49 years, and this presentation (P = 0.018). Conclusions: The incidence of post-mastectomy pain is 55.3%, higher than various world publications. We found that younger patients were more prone to develop myofascial post-mastectomy pain syndrome.

Resumen Introducción: El cáncer de mamá en Colombia es la primera causa de muerte oncológica. El síndrome de dolor post mastectomía es de 13 a 69%; no hay estudios a nivel regional que evalúen su incidencia en nuestra población. Objetivos: Determinar la incidencia de síndrome de dolor post mastectomía en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama sometidas a cirugía oncológica terapéutica en el Hospital Universitario de Santander. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo de una cohorte en el período de enero de 2014 a julio de 2015 durante el seguimiento por Clínica de Dolor que evaluó la aparición de síndrome de dolor post mastectomía. Resultados: Se realizó seguimiento a 76 pacientes, se encontró una incidencia de síndrome de dolor post mastectomía de 55.3%, de las cuales un 54.8% fueron clasificadas como intensidad leve (Escala visual análoga - EVA < 4), 42,9% como intensidad moderada (EVA 57) y 2,4% de intensidad severa (EVA > 8). La característica de dolor el más frecuentemente encontrado fue el de tipo miofascial (42,1%) seguido por el dolor neuropático (34,2%). En el grupo de pacientes con dolor de tipo miofascial se encontró una relación entre la edad menor a 49 años y la presentación de este tipo (p = 0,018). Conclusiones: La incidencia de síndrome de dolor post mastectomía es del 55,3%, siendo mayor a diferentes publicaciones a nivel mundial. Encontramos que las pacientes de menor edad, eran mas propensas a presentar síndrome de dolor postmastectomía tipo dolor miofascial.

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Abstract Introduction: Physiological responses to hemorrhage are not proportional to blood loss. This has led to the use of scores such as the shock index (SI) or biomarkers such as lactate clearance (LC) and base deficit (BD) in the assessment of multiple trauma patients. Objective: To determine the risk between no LC, persistence of BD, and severe SI at 6 hours, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods: Prospective cohort study with multiple trauma patients taken to surgery. SI, BD, and lactate levels were calculated on admission and after 6hours; LC was estimated at 6 hours; and follow-up was performed after 28 days to determine morbidity and mortality. Inadequate LC was defined as <20% at 6hours, severe SI as >1, and abnormal BD as <-6 mmol/L. Results: Overall, 196 patients were assessed. Morbidity and mortality were 46.24% and 19.69%, respectively. Relative risks for morbidity such as surgical reintervention, acute renal injury (ARI), pneumonia, need for vasopressors, and transfusions were significant for LC < 20%. Severe SI and BD on admission were not found to be significant predictors, but after 6 hours, their behavior was similar to that of LC. In the final model, the significant variables for mortality were LC < 20% at 6 hours, ARI, age >45 years, suture dehiscence, transfusions. Conclusion: In multiple trauma patients in shock, low LC, severe SI, and persistent BD at 6 hours were significant for morbidity and mortality and their use as follow-up markers should be encouraged in resuscitation therapies for patients in shock.

Resumen Introducción: Las respuestas fisiológicas a la hemorragia no son proporcionales a la pérdida de sangre, lo cual ha llevado a usar escalas como el índice de choque (IC) o biomarcadores como la depuración de lactato (DL) y déficit de base (DB) en la evaluación del paciente politraumatizado. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo entre no DL, persistencia DB e IC severo a las 6 horas y morbimortalidad postquirurgica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte prospectiva de pacientes politraumatizados, intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Se calculó DL a las 6 horas; el IC, DBEx y lactato al ingreso y control a las 6 horas; se realizó seguimiento a 28 días para determinar morbilidad y mortalidad. DLa inadecuado se definió como <20% a las 6 horas, IC severo:>1 y DB anormal:<-6mmol/L. Resultados: Evaluamos 196 pacientes. La morbilidad fue del 46.24% y la mortalidad del 19,69%. Los RR para morbilidad como reintervención quirúrgica, injuria renal aguda (IRA), neumonía, requerimientos de vasopresor y transfusiones fueron significativos para DL<20%. El ICs y el DB severo al ingreso no fueron predictores significativos, pero a las 6 horas presentaron un comportamiento similar a la DL. En el modelo final, las variables significativas para mortalidad fueron: DL<20% en 6horas, IRA, edad >45 años, dehiscencia, transfusiones. Conclusiones: En pacientes politraumatizados en estado de choque, la baja DL, el IC y DB severo persistente, a las seis horas, fueron significativos para morbimortalidad y deben promoverse como marcadores de seguimiento en las terapias de reanimación en choque.

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BACKGROUND: The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework has been used by implementation researchers to assess factors impacting implementation and to use that information to identify optimal interventions and implementation strategies. In this paper, two studies are presented demonstrating the utility of PARIHS as a tool for retrospective and prospective evaluation of implementation in the health care setting. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive case study. METHODS: A qualitative consensus process was used to evaluate provider perceptions of PARIHS constructs of evidence, context, and facilitation and their subelements which were scored on a continuum of low to high. RESULTS: The first example demonstrates retrospective use of PARIHS which provided insight into the factors contributing to variations in implementation across sites in an ongoing program. Evidence was strong (high), whereas context noted some challenges in culture and measurement (mixed), and the presence of dedicated program facilitators was positive but dual roles limited their ability to fully support implementation (mixed). The second example demonstrates prospective use of PARIHS for evaluation which gathered information about intervention sites for the purposes of selecting implementation strategies responsive to site needs. Evidence supporting the intervention was limited (low), context noted that limited awareness of the intervention was a challenge (low), and that a strong internal facilitator supported implementation (high). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The descriptive case study presented here underscores the value of a theory-guided approach to implementation and highlights that PARIHS can help implementers understand factors impacting implementation, identify areas for future intervention, and inform selection of strategies to support or enhance implementation efforts.

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To help maximize the real-world applicability of available interventions in clinical and community healthcare practice, there has been greater emphasis over the past two decades on engaging local communities in health-related research. While there have been numerous successful community-academic partnered collaborations, there continues to be a need to articulate the common barriers experienced during the evolution of these partnerships, and to provide a roadmap for best practices that engage healthcare providers, patients, families, caregivers, community leaders, healthcare systems, public agencies and academic medical centers. To this end, this paper presents a summary of a forum discussion from the 2014 Southern California Dissemination, Implementation and Improvement (DII) Science Symposium, sponsored by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI), University of Southern California (USC) CTSI, and Kaiser Permanente. During this forum, a diverse group of individuals representing multiple constituencies identified four key barriers to success in community-partnered participatory research (CPPR) and discussed consensus recommendations to enhance the development, implementation, and dissemination of community health-related research. In addition, this group identified several ways in which the over 60 NIH funded Clinical and Translational Science Institutes across the country could engage communities and researchers to advance DII science.

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Objectives. We developed and implemented an HIV rapid testing-linkage-to-care initiative between federal and local government. Methods. We used mixed methodology; HIV testing data were collected on-site, and qualitative data were collected via telephone. We used postintervention stakeholder and staff interviews to evaluate barriers and facilitators to this initiative. Results. We tested 817 individuals. We identified and confirmed 7 preliminary HIV positive individuals (0.86% seropositivity), 5 of whom were linked to care. Mean testing cost was $48.95 per client; cost per positive result was $5714. Conclusions. This initiative can be used as a template for other health departments and research teams focusing on homelessness and mitigation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

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BACKGROUND: Addressing the health needs of homeless veterans is a priority in the United States, and, although information technologies can potentially improve access to and engagement in care, little is known about this population's use of information technologies or their willingness to use technologies to communicate with healthcare providers and systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study fills this gap through a survey of homeless veterans' use of information technologies and their attitudes about using these technologies to assist with accessing needed healthcare services. RESULTS: Among the 106 homeless veterans surveyed, 89% had a mobile phone (one-third were smartphones), and 76% used the Internet. Among those with a mobile phone, 71% used text messaging. Nearly all respondents (93%) were interested in receiving mobile phone reminders (text message or phone call) about upcoming medical appointments, and a similar proportion (88%) wanted mobile phone outreach asking if they would like to schedule an appointment if they had not been seen by a health provider in over a year. In addition, respondents already used these technologies for information and communication related to health, housing, and jobs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest new avenues for communication and health interventions for hard-to-reach homeless veterans.

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Routine HIV testing in primary care settings is now recommended in the United States. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has increased the number of patients tested for HIV, but overall HIV testing rates in VA remain low. A proven strategy for increasing such testing involves nurse-initiated HIV rapid testing (HIV RT). The purpose of this work was to use a mixed methodology approach to evaluate the 5-year sustainability of an intervention that implemented HIV RT in a VA emergency department setting in a large, urban VA medical center to reduce missed diagnostic and treatment opportunities in this vulnerable patient population. In-person semistructured interviews were conducted with providers and stakeholders. Interview notes were qualitatively coded for emerging themes. Quarterly testing rates were evaluated for a 5-year time span starting from the launch in July 2008. Findings indicate that HIV RT was sustained by the enthusiasm of 2 clinical champions who oversaw the registered nurses responsible for conducting the testing. The departure of the clinical champions was correlated with a substantial drop-off in testing. Findings also indicate potential strategies for improving sustainability including engaging senior leadership in the project, engaging line staff in the implementation planning from the start to increase ownership over the innovation, incorporating information into initial training explaining the importance of the innovation to quality patient care, providing ongoing training to maintain skills, and providing routine progress reports to staff to demonstrate the ongoing impact of their efforts.

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In 2008, nurse-administered HIV oral rapid testing (RT) was introduced at the Veterans Affairs Primary Care Clinic in Downtown Los Angeles. Analysis at five years revealed variable yet increasing rates of HIV RT at that facility despite the fact that no post-launch support was provided by the implementation team. Qualitative interviews among stakeholders conducted at five years revealed the pre-existing implementation practices endemic to this clinic that facilitated this unprecedented success (e.g. history of positive quality improvement implementations, leadership support, clinician involvement at each step of the process to facilitate empowerment, ownership and feasible customisation of the implementation, cohesive communication among clinicians and leadership, training, efficient supply pathway, progressive performance feedback and ongoing encouragement).

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Routine HIV testing in primary care is now recommended in the United States. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has increased the number of patients tested for HIV, but overall HIV testing rates remain low. A promising intervention for increasing HIV testing is nurse-initiated rapid testing (NRT). The purpose of this study was to build upon our previous research by implementing NRT in primary care clinics at two geographically distinct VA medical centers, and then conduct an evaluation to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing and sustaining it. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with providers and stakeholders at two VA medical centers, one each on the East Coast and in the Southwest. Fieldnotes were developed following each interview and qualitatively coded for emerging themes. Findings indicate NRT was well integrated in both settings. NRT took little time to conduct, was well received by patients, and did not disrupt clinical scheduling. However, there were some sustainability challenges, including difficulties using the electronic medical record, and the challenges of new care practice structures. Implementing NRT is feasible in VA primary care settings. However, organizational challenges should be taken into account for subsequent efforts to implement NRT in VA primary care settings.

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Nurse-initiated HIV rapid testing (NRT) increases testing/receipt of results compared with traditional testing. We implemented NRT in primary care clinics at 2 Veterans Affairs hospitals.At site 1, 2364 tests were conducted; 5 HIV positives were identified. At site 2, 2522 tests were conducted; 9 HIV positives were identified. Success varied across demographic/clinical strata.

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OBJECTIVES: The long-term cost effectiveness of routine HIV testing is favorable relative to other medical interventions. Facility-specific costs of expanded HIV testing and care for newly identified patients, however, are less well defined. To aid in resource allocation decisions, we developed a spreadsheet-based budget-impact tool populated with estimates of facility-specific HIV testing and care costs incurred with an expanded testing program. METHODS: We modeled intervention effects on quarterly costs of antiretroviral therapy (ART), outpatient resource utilization, and staff expenditures in the Department of Veterans Affairs over a 2-year period of increasing HIV testing rates. We used HIV prevalence estimates, screening rates, counseling, positive tests, Veterans Affairs treatment, and published sources as inputs. We evaluated a single-facility cohort of 20,000 patients and at baseline assumed a serodiagnostic rate of 0.45%. RESULTS: Expanding testing from 2% to 15% annually identified 21 additional HIV-positive patients over 2 years at a cost of approximately $290,000, more than 60% of which was due to providing ART to newly diagnosed patients. While quarterly testing costs decreased longitudinally as fewer persons required testing, quarterly ART costs increased from $10,000 to more than $60,000 over 2 years as more infected patients were identified and started on ART. In sensitivity analyses, serodiagnostic and annual HIV testing rates had the greatest cost impact. CONCLUSIONS: Expanded HIV testing costs are greatest during initial implementation and predominantly due to ART for new patients. Cost determinations of expanded HIV testing provide an important tool for managers charged with allocating resources within integrated systems providing both HIV testing and care.

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The process of quality improvement may involve enhancing or revising existing practices or the introduction of a novel element. Principles of Implementation Science provide key theories to guide these processes, however, such theories tend to be highly technical in nature and do not provide pragmatic nor streamlined approaches to real-world implementation. This paper presents a concisely comprehensive six step theory-based Implementation Science model that we have successfully used to launch more than two-dozen self-sustaining implementations. In addition, we provide an abbreviated case study in which we used our streamlined theoretical model to successfully guide the development and implementation of an HIV testing/linkage to care campaign in homeless shelter settings in Los Angeles County.

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Current HIV testing methods can be ineffective; patients often do not return for results. HIV rapid testing (RT) provides accurate results in 20 min. Patients find nurse-initiated HIV rapid testing (NRT) more acceptable than current testing methods and increases receipt of test results. Translating research findings into sustainable practice poses widely recognized implementation challenges. To ascertain effectiveness of NRT implementation, formative and process evaluations were conducted within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA). Nurses and physicians at 2 VA medical centers were trained to administer RT. A preimplementation formative evaluation was conducted at Site 1. Process evaluations of ongoing RT activities were conducted at Site 2. Interviews were conducted with key informants. Content and thematic analysis was conducted on the field notes. A variety of barriers and facilitators were discovered that impacted the implementation of NRT. Findings indicate concerns regarding training and incorporating NRT into workflow. Process interviews indicated that training concerns could be alleviated through various means. Finally, interviewees highlighted that other clinic settings might be a more preferred setting for NRT than primary care. Findings are currently being used for the implementation of additional NRT interventions, and can also guide NRT adoption in other facilities.

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BACKGROUND: We successfully created and implemented an effective HIV rapid testing training and certification curriculum using traditional in-person training at multiple sites within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. OBJECTIVE: Considering the multitude of geographically remote facilities in the nationwide VA system, coupled with the expansion of HIV diagnostics, we developed an alternate training method that is affordable, efficient, and effective. METHODS: Using materials initially developed for in-person HIV rapid test in-services, we used a distance learning model to offer this training via live audiovisual online technology to educate clinicians at a remote outpatient primary care VA facility. RESULTS: Participants' evaluation metrics showed that this form of remote education is equivalent to in-person training; additionally, HIV testing rates increased considerably in the months following this intervention. Although there is a one-time setup cost associated with this remote training protocol, there is potential cost savings associated with the point-of-care nurse manager's time productivity by using the Internet in-service learning module for teaching HIV rapid testing. If additional in-service training modules are developed into Internet-based format, there is the potential for additional cost savings. Our cost analysis demonstrates that the remote in-service method provides a more affordable and efficient alternative compared with in-person training. CONCLUSIONS: The online in-service provided training that was equivalent to in-person sessions based on first-hand supervisor observation, participant satisfaction surveys, and follow-up results. This method saves time and money, requires fewer personnel, and affords access to expert trainers regardless of geographic location. Further, it is generalizable to training beyond HIV rapid testing. Based on these consistent implementation successes, we plan to expand use of online training to include remote VA satellite facilities spanning several states for a variety of diagnostic devices. Ultimately, Internet-based training has the potential to provide "big city" quality of care to patients at remote (rural) clinics.

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BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine HIV screening for adults. OBJECTIVES: Community-based participatory research incorporates subjects in the design and conduct of research. We included nurses and physicians in the implementation of HIV rapid test use in the emergency department (ED). We explored the process, facilitators, and barriers. METHODS: We identified clinical champions and trained staff. Physicians obtained consent and ordered HIV testing; nurses performed rapid testing. Testing rates were tracked by electronic medical record. We conducted regular meetings between staff and researchers. Semistructured qualitative interviews with providers were conducted at 3 months. RESULTS: By week 15, we administered 121 tests. After the eligibility protocol evolved to incorporate ED nursing concerns regarding staffing limitations from a random sampling model to one focused on testing during nonpeak hours, the weekly number of tests increased. Eighteen percent of providers favored nontargeted HIV screening, 27% favored the current model of testing at nonpeak hours, 32% supported diagnostic testing, and 18% favored no testing or "other." Barriers include written consent, electronic documentation, time constraints, and belief that screening is not a core ED duty. Facilitators include ease of test administration, belief that ED patients are at higher risk, and flexibility to tailor screening efforts according to patient volume. CONCLUSIONS: The ED-based HIV testing is feasible within a Veterans Hospital Administration setting. Involvement of nursing in a community-based participatory research implementation model may facilitate staff acceptance of nontargeted HIV screening and be a mechanism to initiate administration of clinical preventive services to ED patients with limited primary care contact.

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BACKGROUND: Exportability, or the dissemination of successful health services interventions from one site to another, must be demonstrated before systemwide implementation. METHODS: The effectiveness of a previously successful multicomponent intervention to increase rates of HIV testing in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care facilities among those without records of previous testing was evaluated in two other VHA facilities. Whereas the principle responsibility for the provider-activation component of the intervention was previously borne by research staff, nonresearch staff now took on these responsibilities. RESULTS: The annual rate of HIV testing among persons with documented risk factors for acquiring HIV infection increased by 5.8% and 16% after the end of the first year of implementation for the sites to which the project was newly exported and where nonresearch staff were responsible for implementation. In contrast, for the original implementation sites, where research staff played a major role in implementation, testing rates increased by 9.3% and 12.4%. There was no change in the rate of testing at a control site. At one site, HIV testing rates increased before implementation of the provider activation aspect of the intervention program. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention to increase HIV testing rates, which combines informatics, organizational support, and provider activation, can be successfully exported and implemented by nonresearch staff and may not require an extensive provider activation program. The resultant increases in HIV testing are similar to those seen in facilities where research staff play an active role. This work provides support for further efforts to refine this program to promote non-risk-based testing for HIV infection, as per current VHA policy and to more broadly implement this program.

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El desarrollo sincrónico de múltiples tumores en el tracto genital femenino es muy infrecuente, presentándose tan solo en el 1 al 2 por ciento de los cánceres ginecológicos. De estos, el 50 al 70 por ciento lo constituyen el grupo de neoplasias primarias sincrónicas de endometrio y ovario. El objetivo del artículo es exponer un caso diagnosticado histopatológicamente en el Departamento de Patología de la Universidad Industrial de Santander en material procedente de histerectomía abdominal ampliada, salpingooforectomía bilateral, linfadenectomía pélvica y apendicectomía, y hacer una revisión de la literatura de esta entidad, dada la infrecuencia de su diagnóstico y a la escasa información local al respecto.

Synchronous development of multiple tumors in the female genital tract is rare, occurring only in the 1 to 2 percent of gynecologic cancers. Of these, 50 to 70 percent consists of the group of synchronous primary neoplasms of the endometrium and ovary. The aim of this paper is to present a case diagnosed histopathologically at the Department of Pathology of the Universidad Industrial de Santander in a sample for histological study consists of material from enlarged abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingoophorectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy and appendectomy sent by the Hospital Universitario de Santander in 2010, and a review of the literature of this entity, given the rarity of its diagnosis and the lack of local information about it.

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BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) oral rapid testing (RT) has the potential to facilitate the expansion of such diagnostics to front line providers, specifically clinical nursing staff. Training, policy requirements, and implementation methods used to launch such services have not been widely explored. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sustainability of a nurse-initiated HIV-RT intervention at 1 veterans affairs primary care clinic for 1 year. METHODS: Policies were implemented, enabling nurses to carry out HIV RTs. Willing RNs voluntarily enrolled in a 2-part in-service designed to teach pre- and posttest counseling techniques, administering, interpreting, and entering results in the patient's medical records. RESULTS: RNs administered a steady rate of HIV RTs (monthly mean = 25, SD = 3) along with an unexpected increase in HIV blood testing among other clinical staff, leading to a 70% (P < .0001) site-wide increase in HIV testing, with RNs accounting for one-third of these tests. CONCLUSION: In light of the researchers' 1-shot launch efforts, the steady rate of HIV RTs among RNs over the course of a year, combined with the concurrent progressive increase in HIV (blood) testing administered by MDs, PAs, and NPs stands as an anomaly in light of existing implementation science literature.

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