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This article reviews the medico-legal aspects associated with infectious diseases, highlighting their complexity and the challenges they pose. Infectious diseases cause not only an increase in morbidity and mortality in the healthcare setting but also involve complex legal issues. Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) represent a growing risk with the increase in invasive procedures and can lead to patient complications and legal claims against healthcare professionals and institutions. The consequences of medical malpractice in this context are discussed, such as diagnostic delays, inappropriate use of treatments, and lack of adequate testing, which can have serious sequelae or even result in the patient's death. The review focuses on highlighting the importance of prevention, considering that healthcare-associated infections can be difficult to avoid, posing complex legal challenges. It concludes that managing infectious diseases and their legal consequences requires careful consideration of clinical practice guidelines, prevention and control strategies, and effective communication with patients. An integrated and evidence-based approach is advocated to address these challenges, emphasizing continuous education, the use of advanced diagnostic technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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OBJECTIVE: To describe the initial experiencein our center on targeted prostate biopsies (TB) using Magnetic Resonance imaging/ultrasonography (MRI/US) fusion and to compare PCa detection with systematic biopsies (SB). PATIENTS AND ME THODS: A retrospective, descriptive and comparative study was conducted on the first 94 men who underwent TB using MRU/US fusion in our center since February 2017 to March 2018. All patients underwent a protocol of 6-12 cores of systematic biopsies (SB) (except 9) and 2-6 targeted coreson the MRI index lesion. The Hitachi/HiVision Preirus equipment was used with RVS software (Real-time virtual sonography) and a biplane transducer for the fusion imaging procedure. Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as: at least one core with a Gleason score of 3+4. RESULTS: The proportion of patients diagnosed with PCa was higher in TB compared with SB (p=0.035) and the mean of core performed for diagnosis was lower in TB compared with SB (p<0.001). A trend towards an improved detection of csPCa in TB compared to SB was observed (p=0.063). CONCLUSIONS: The MRI/US fusion targeted biopsies (TB) showed a higher detection rate of PCa, with less cores taken for diagnosis and a tendency to better identification of csCaP compared to SB.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es describir la experiencia inicial en nuestro centro de las primeras 94 Biopsias de Próstata dirigidas (BD) con fusión de imagen ecografía/Resonancia magnética (US/RMmp) y comparar la tasa de detección de CaP con las biopsias sistemáticas.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y comparativo de los primeros 94 pacientes sometidos a BD por fusión de imagen US/RMmp en nuestro centro desde febrero de 2017 hasta marzo de 2018. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a un protocolo de 6-12 cilindros de biopsias sistemáticas (BS) (menos 9) y de 2-6 cilindros dirigidos a las lesiones diana visualizadas en la RMmp. Se utilizó el equipo Hitachi/HiVision Preirus con software RVS (Real-time virtual sonography) y un transductor biplanar para la fusión de imagen. Se definió como CaP clínicamente significativo un GS ≥ 3+4 en, al menos, 1 de los cilindros realizados. RESULTADOS: La proporción de detección de CaP fue mayor en las BD que en las BS (p=0,035) y el número de cilindros realizados para su diagnóstico fue menor en las BD comparado con las BS (p<0,001). Se observó  una clara tendencia a una mayor identificación de CaP clínicamente significativo (CaPcs) en las BD comparado con las BS (p=0,063). CONCLUSIONES: Comparado con las BS, las BD por fusión de imagen US/RMmp presentaron una mayor tasa de detección de CaP y una tendencia a una mayor identificación de CaPcS con una necesidad menor de cilindros realizados.

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OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es describir la experiencia inicial en nuestro centro de las primeras 94 Biopsias de Próstata dirigidas (BD) con fusión de imagen ecografía/Resonancia magnética (US/RMmp) y comparar la tasa de detección de CaP con las biopsias sistemáticas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y comparativo de los primeros 94 pacientes sometidos a BD por fusión de imagen US/RMmp en nuestro centro desde febrero de 2017 hasta marzo de 2018. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a un protocolo de 6-12 cilindros de biopsias sistemáticas (BS) (menos 9) y de 2-6 cilindros dirigidos a las lesiones diana visualizadas en la RMmp. Se utilizó el equipo Hitachi/HiVision Preirus con software RVS (Real-time virtual sonography) y un transductor biplanar para la fusión de imagen. Se definió como CaP clínicamente significativo un GS ≥ 3 + 4 en, al menos, 1 de los cilindros realizados. RESULTADOS: La proporción de detección de CaP fue mayor en las BD que en las BS (p = 0,035) y el número de cilindros realizados para su diagnóstico fue menor en las BD comparado con las BS (p < 0,001). Se observó una clara tendencia a una mayor identificación de CaP clínicamente significativo (CaPcs) en las BD comparado con las BS (p = 0,063). CONCLUSIONES: Comparado con las BS, las BD por fusión de imagen US/RMmp presentaron una mayor tasa de detección de CaP y una tendencia a una mayor identificación de CaPcS con una necesidad menor de cilindros realizados

OBJECTIVE: To describe the initial experience in our center on targeted prostate biopsies (TB) using Magnetic Resonance imaging/ultrasonography (MRI/US) fusion and to compare PCa detection with systematic biopsies (SB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and comparative study was conducted on the first 94 men who underwent TB using MRU/US fusion in our center since February 2017 to March 2018. All patients underwent a protocol of 6-12 cores of systematic biopsies (SB) (except 9) and 2-6 targeted cores on the MRI index lesion. The Hitachi/HiVision Preirus equipment was used with RVS software (Real-time virtual sonography) and a biplane transducer for the fusión imaging procedure. Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as: at least one core with a Gleason score of 3+4. RESULTS: The proportion of patients diagnosed with PCa was higher in TB compared with SB (p = 0.035) and the mean of core performed for diagnosis was lower in TB compared with SB (p < 0.001). A trend towards an improved detection of csPCa in TB compared to SB was observed (p = 0.063). CONCLUSIONS: The MRI/US fusion targeted biopsies (TB) showed a higher detection rate of PCa, with les cores taken for diagnosis and a tendency to better identification of csCaP compared to SB

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This study describes the concept of prevention and identifies the knowledge, perceived benefits and barriers, as well as the practices of early detection of breast cancer among women from different cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. A socioconstructivist qualitative study was conducted in Barcelona. The study population consisted of women who were either native (Spanish) or immigrants from low income countries, aged 40 to 69 years. Narrations of the 68 informants were subjected to sociological discourse analysis. Place and culture of origin, social class and the migratory process can either facilitate or constitute barriers to breast cancer prevention.

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BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder. There is a clear association between some disease-modifying drugs used to treat RA and infection. The introduction of the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies has improved the outcome of severe RA. The TNF-antagonism may increase susceptibility to granulomatous pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Histoplasma capsulatum. METHODS: We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with RA receiving an anti-TNF agent, who developed a rash on her back and both legs, which was finally diagnosed as tuberculoid leprosy. RESULTS: This is the first case of leprosy due to anti-TNF therapy reported in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of this and other types of atypical and serious infections that patients may suffer from when treated with anti-TNF agents.

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OBJECTIVES: To analyse the causes for claims due to alleged malpractice in bariatric surgery and the results of the legal process. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A review was carried out on the case files of claims for damages as a result of bariatric surgery presented to the Professional Liability Department of the Catalonian Medical Colleges Council from 1992 to 2009. The claims rate was calculated using a survey of bariatric surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 49 cases were analysed, which represented 0.6% of the patients operated on. The patient died in 23 (47%) of the cases, 14% were left with serious after effects, 18% had mild after effects, and 21% made a complete recovery. The most frequent causes of death were peritonitis due to suture dehiscence (48%), and respiratory complications (17.4%). Retrospectively, malpractice was considered to have occurred in 10 (20%) of the sued cases due to lack of an adequate informed consent document, delay in recognising a complication, or an error in interpretation, or treatment of the complication. The doctor sued was convicted in 10 of the cases, 3 in a criminal court, and 7 in a civil court. There was acquittal in 19 cases, an out-of court settlement with payment of compensation in 4, withdrawal of the claim in 4, and judgement or sentence is still pending in 12 cases. CONCLUSION: The study showed a relatively low rate of claims for complications associated with bariatric surgery. The number of convictions was relatively high. The early detection of surgical complications is essential in order to reduce legal claims associated with bariatric surgery.

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Objetivos Analizar las causas de reclamación por presuntos defectos de praxis en cirugía bariátrica y los resultados del proceso judicial. Material y método Revisión de los expedientes de los casos de reclamación presentados al Servicio de Responsabilidad Profesional del Consejo de Colegios de Médicos de Cataluña desde 1992 hasta 2009 por daños como consecuencia de cirugía bariátrica. Se calculó la tasa de reclamaciones mediante una encuesta en los cirujanos bariátricos. Resultados Se analizaron 49 casos, que representan una tasa de reclamaciones del 0,6% de los pacientes operados. En 23 ocasiones (47%) tuvo lugar el fallecimiento del paciente, en el 14% quedaron secuelas graves, en el 18% secuelas leves y en el 21% hubo una recuperación completa. Las causas más frecuentes de muerte fueron peritonitis por dehiscencia de sutura (48%) y complicaciones respiratorias (17,4%). Se consideró retrospectivamente que habían existido defectos de praxis en 10 (20%) de los casos reclamados por falta de documento de consentimiento informado adecuado, retraso en el reconocimiento de la complicación, o error en la interpretación o tratamiento de la misma. En 10 casos hubo sentencia condenatoria para el médico reclamado, 3 en un juicio penal y 7 en juicio civil, hubo absolución en 19, acuerdo extrajudicial con pago de indemnización en 4, retirada de la reclamación en 4 y están todavía pendientes de juicio o de sentencia 12 casos. Conclusión Se demuestra una relativamente baja tasa de reclamaciones por complicaciones relacionadas con la cirugía bariátrica. La muerte del paciente fue la principal causa de reclamación. El número de sentencias condenatorias fue relativamente elevado. La detección precoz de las complicaciones quirúrgicas es indispensable para la reducción de la litigiosidad relacionada con cirugía bariátrica (AU)

Objectives To analyse the causes for claims due to alleged malpractice in bariatric surgery and the results of the legal process. Material and Method A review was carried out on the case files of claims for damages as a result of bariatric surgery presented to the Professional Liability Department of the Catalonian Medical Colleges Council from 1992 to 2009. The claims rate was calculated using a survey of bariatric surgeons. Results A total of 49 cases were analysed, which represented 0.6% of the patients operated on. The patient died in 23 (47%) of the cases, 14% were left with serious after effects, 18% had mild after effects, and 21% made a complete recovery. The most frequent causes of death were peritonitis due to suture dehiscence (48%), and respiratory complications (17.4%). Retrospectively, malpractice was considered to have occurred in 10 (20%) of the sued cases due to lack of an adequate informed consent document, delay in recognising a complication, or an error in interpretation, or treatment of the complication. The doctor sued was convicted in 10 of the cases, 3 in a criminal court, and 7 in a civil court. There was acquittal in 19 cases, an out-of court settlement with payment of compensation in 4, withdrawal of the claim in 4, and judgement or sentence is still pending in 12 cases. Conclusion The study showed a relatively low rate of claims for complications associated with bariatric surgery. The number of convictions was relatively high. The early detection of surgical complications is essential in order to reduce legal claims associated with bariatric surgery (AU)

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OBJECTIVE: Inequalities between immigrant and native populations in terms of access and use of health services have been described. The objective is to compare knowledge, attitudes, vulnerabilities, benefits and barriers related to breast cancer (BC) and screening mammography among women from different countries resident in Barcelona. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey carried out in Barcelona in 2009. The study population consisted of female residents in Barcelona between 45 and 69 years of age; participants were Spanish nationals or immigrants from low-income countries. 960 participants were asked 72 questions, mainly with Likert responses. The dependent variables were five quantitative scales: (1) knowledge of BC and early detection, (2) attitude towards health and BC, (3) vulnerability to BC, (4) barriers to mammography, (5) benefits of mammography. The independent variables were country of origin, social class, setting, cohabitation, age, mammography use, length of residence and fluency of the language. Analyses compared scale scores stratified by the independent variables. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to determine the relationship between the scales and the independent variables. RESULTS: We observed inequalities according to country of origin on all scales after adjustment for independent variables. Chinese women presented the greatest differences with respect to native women, followed by Maghrebi and Filipino women. Inequalities exist on the vulnerability and barriers scales according to social class and urban/rural setting, and on the attitude scale according to social class. CONCLUSIONS: Country of origin, social class and urban/rural setting are key contributors to inequality in these scales.

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OBJECTIVES: Recent studies suggest that comprehensive smoking regulations to decrease exposure to second-hand smoke reduce the rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objective of this paper is to analyse if deaths due to AMI in Spain declined after smoking prevention legislation came into force in January 2006. DESIGN: Information was collected on deaths registered by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística for 2004-2007. Age- and sex-specific annual AMI mortality rates with 95% CIs were estimated, as well as age-adjusted annual AMI mortality rates by sex. Annual relative risks of death from AMI were estimated with an age-standardised Poisson regression model. RESULTS: Adjusted AMI mortality rates in 2004 and 2005 are similar, but in 2006 they show a 9% decline for men and a 8.7% decline for women, especially among those over 64 years of age. In 2007 there is a slower rate of decline, which reaches statistical significance for men (-4.8%) but not for women (-4%). The annual relative risk of AMI death decreased in both sexes (p < 0.001) from 1 to 0.90 in 2006, and to 0.86 in 2007. CONCLUSION: The extension of smoke-free regulations in Spain was associated with a reduction in AMI mortality, especially among the elderly. Although other factors may have played a role, this pattern suggests a likely influence of the reduction in population exposure to second-hand smoke on AMI deaths.

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Resumen Se han revisado los expedientes de los casos de reclamación por presunta negligenciaen endoscopia digestiva presentados al Servicio de Responsabilidad Profesional (SRP)del Consejo de Colegios de Médicos de Catalu˜na desde 1987 a 2009, para determinar con quéfrecuencia hubo errores o deficiencias en la práctica y cuál fue el resultado de la reclamaciónen función de que hubiera habido o no negligencia.En total hubo 66 reclamaciones, 46 (70%) después de una colonoscopia, 12 (18%) de unacolangiografía retrógrada y 8 (12%) de una gastroscopia. En 18 (27%) casos se consideró queprobablemente hubo negligencia, por falta de consentimiento informado en 4, demora en laatención de la complicación en 6, deficiencias en la sedación en 5, error diagnóstico en 2 ypráctica deficiente en uno, que justificarían la reclamación. De los 48 casos sin negligencia, enuno hubo condena y en 6 un acuerdo extrajudicial en relación a los da˜nos desproporcionados ypermanentes que experimentaron los pacientes.Hubo un acuerdo extrajudicial con el reclamante en 19 (28,7%) ocasiones, y juicio civil openal en 39 (59%), que finalizó en sentencia condenatoria solo en el 10% de los casos. En 8(15,3%) casos el reclamante desistió de su reclamación después de la respuesta del SRP.Se ha puesto, además, en evidencia un incremento progresivo del número de reclamacionesa lo largo del tiempo de estudio, así como un mayor número de reclamaciones en clínicasprivadas que en hospitales públicos, y que las reclamaciones de los endoscopistas reincidentesexperimentaron condena o requirieron acuerdo extrajudicial con frecuencia mayor que los quesolo tuvieron una reclamación (100 frente a 28%).El análisis de las reclamaciones por presunta negligencia es una medida útil porque demuestraque existe la posibilidad de introducir elementos de mejora de la seguridad del paciente y lareducción del número de reclamaciones (AU)

Abstract We reviewed the records of patients filing alleged malpractice claims related togastrointestinal endoscopy to the Professional Responsibility Section of the Medical Council ofCatalonia from 1987 to 2009 to determine the frequency of medical errors or substandard carein the practice of this procedure and the result of complaints according to whether malpracticemight have been involved or not.There were a total of 66 complaints, 46 (70%) after colonoscopy, 12 (18%) after endoscopicretrograde cholangiography and eight (12%) after gastroscopy. In 18 (27%) cases, we consideredmalpractice to have been probable, due to lack of informed consent in four, delayed treatmentof complications in six, substandard sedation in five, misdiagnosis in two and substandard practicein one, which would justify the complaints. Of the 48 cases we considered not to haveinvolved malpractice, a guilty verdict was secured in one and an out-of-court settlement wasreached in six with regard to the disproportionate and permanent harm experienced by thepatients. Among the 66 claims, an out-of-court settlement was reached with the complainanton 19 occasions (28.7%) and a civil or penal trial was held in 39 (59%), resulting in a guilty verdictin only 10% of cases. In eight cases (15.3%), the complainant took no further action afterreceiving the response of the Professional Responsibility Section. The number of complaintsprogressively increased over the study period. There were a greater number of complaintsin private clinics than in public hospitals. Endoscopists with more than one complaint weremore frequently found guilty or reached an out-of-court settlement than those with only onecomplaint against them (100% versus 28%).Analysis of complaints of alleged malpractice is useful to identify areas requiring improvedpatients safety and to reduce the number of these complaints (AU)

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We reviewed the records of patients filing alleged malpractice claims related to gastrointestinal endoscopy to the Professional Responsibility Section of the Medical Council of Catalonia from 1987 to 2009 to determine the frequency of medical errors or substandard care in the practice of this procedure and the result of complaints according to whether malpractice might have been involved or not. There were a total of 66 complaints, 46 (70%) after colonoscopy, 12 (18%) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and eight (12%) after gastroscopy. In 18 (27%) cases, we considered malpractice to have been probable, due to lack of informed consent in four, delayed treatment of complications in six, substandard sedation in five, misdiagnosis in two and substandard practice in one, which would justify the complaints. Of the 48 cases we considered not to have involved malpractice, a guilty verdict was secured in one and an out-of-court settlement was reached in six with regard to the disproportionate and permanent harm experienced by the patients. Among the 66 claims, an out-of-court settlement was reached with the complainant on 19 occasions (28.7%) and a civil or penal trial was held in 39 (59%), resulting in a guilty verdict in only 10% of cases. In eight cases (15.3%), the complainant took no further action after receiving the response of the Professional Responsibility Section. The number of complaints progressively increased over the study period. There were a greater number of complaints in private clinics than in public hospitals. Endoscopists with more than one complaint were more frequently found guilty or reached an out-of-court settlement than those with only one complaint against them (100% versus 28%). Analysis of complaints of alleged malpractice is useful to identify areas requiring improved patients safety and to reduce the number of these complaints.

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La medida del desempeño de los servicios sanitarios está recibiendo una mayor atención debido al aumento del gasto sanitario y de las expectativas de la población, y a la necesidad de obtener el máximo rendimiento de los recursos invertidos. En Cataluña, en el año 2005, aprovechando la experiencia previa de la Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona y del Consorci Sanitari de Barcelona comparando los servicios sanitarios de Barcelona y Montreal, una beca de investigación de la Agència d’Avaluació de Tecnologia i Recerca Mèdiques, y el interés de planificación sanitaria del Departament de Salut, se puso en marcha el proyecto de análisis del desempeño de los servicios sanitarios de Cataluña. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el desarrollo del proyecto, mostrar algunos ejemplos que ilustran el tipo de información que se ha podido obtener y el tipo de análisis que esta información permite, exponer posibles explicaciones de los resultados presentados y discutir algunas limitaciones e implicaciones. De hecho, el valor añadido de este proyecto es que permite conocer el desempeño del sistema sanitario en la consecución de sus objetivos, establecer un conjunto de indicadores homogeneizados de referencia y ser una pieza clave en el desarrollo de la Central de Resultats del Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya (AU)

Performance assessment of healthcare services is receiving greater attention due to increasing health care expenditures, greater expectations among the population, and the need to obtain results from the invested resources. Taking advantage of the existing experience of the Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona and the Consorci Sanitari de Barcelona, which compared the healthcare services of Barcelona and Montreal, a grant from the Agència d’Avaluació de Tecnologia i Recerca Mèdiques, and the health planning interest of the Departament de Salut, the performance assessment of the Catalan healthcare service project was started in Catalonia in 2005.This article aims to present the development of the project, to provide some examples that illustrate the kind of numerical and graphical information that could be obtained and the kind of analysis that could be performed, to provide possible explanations for the results shown, and to discuss some limitations and implications. Currently, the added value of this project is that it identifies the extent to which the healthcare system is achieving its objectives, establishes a set of homogeneous indicators that could be used in the future, and is a key tool in the development of the Central de Resultats del Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya(AU)

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Performance assessment of healthcare services is receiving greater attention due to increasing health care expenditures, greater expectations among the population, and the need to obtain results from the invested resources. Taking advantage of the existing experience of the Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona and the Consorci Sanitari de Barcelona, which compared the healthcare services of Barcelona and Montreal, a grant from the Agència d'Avaluació de Tecnologia i Recerca Mèdiques, and the health planning interest of the Departament de Salut, the performance assessment of the Catalan healthcare service project was started in Catalonia in 2005. This article aims to present the development of the project, to provide some examples that illustrate the kind of numerical and graphical information that could be obtained and the kind of analysis that could be performed, to provide possible explanations for the results shown, and to discuss some limitations and implications. Currently, the added value of this project is that it identifies the extent to which the healthcare system is achieving its objectives, establishes a set of homogeneous indicators that could be used in the future, and is a key tool in the development of the Central de Resultats del Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya.

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Uno de los retos más importantes de los sistemas sanitarios es decidir qué prestaciones se han de concentrar, ateniéndonos a su baja frecuencia, complejidad, riesgo, experiencia acumulada y costes, entre otros factores. La concentración ha de permitir garantizar la calidad de la prestación y los mejores resultados posibles. En este artículo se describen los elementos conceptuales, los criterios de referencia, el impacto en los centros y las condiciones necesarias que han de reunir los dispositivos, y que se han tenido en cuenta en la reordenación de la alta complejidad en Cataluña. También se exponen algunos de los temas que se han tratado en el proceso de reordenación, como la cardiología terciaria, tanto en el apartado de la cirugía cardíaca como en el de la angioplastia coronaria terapéutica, y la oncología, en el apartado de las cirugías oncológicas poco frecuentes. También se abordan el trasplante renal, la atención al politraumatismo grave y el despliegue de la tomografía por emisión de positrones

One of the principal challenges in healthcare systems is deciding which services have to be concentrated, taking into account, among other things, their low-frequency, complexity, risk, accumulated experience and costs., Concentration must make it possible to guarantee the quality of the service and the best results possible. This article describes, the conceptual elements, the benchmark criteria, the impact on the centres and the minimum conditions that the mechanisms must meet, which have been taken into account in the reorganisationof high-complexity services in Catalonia. Some of those issues that have been dealt with in the restructuring process are also considered, such as tertiary cardiology, in both the cardiac surgery and therapeuticcoronary angioplasty sections, and oncology in the section of infrequent oncological surgery. Renal transplants, serious multiple-trauma care and the use of positron emission tomography are also dealt with

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One of the principal challenges in healthcare systems is deciding which services have to be concentrated, taking into account, among other things, their low-frequency, complexity, risk, accumulated experience and costs., Concentration must make it possible to guarantee the quality of the service and the best results possible. This article describes, the conceptual elements, the benchmark criteria, the impact on the centres and the minimum conditions that the mechanisms must meet, which have been taken into account in the reorganisation of high-complexity services in Catalonia. Some of those issues that have been dealt with in the restructuring process are also considered, such as tertiary cardiology, in both the cardiac surgery and therapeutic coronary angioplasty sections, and oncology in the section of infrequent oncological surgery. Renal transplants, serious multiple-trauma care and the use of positron emission tomography are also dealt with.

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The objective of this paper is to apply a framework for country-level performance assessment to the cities of Montreal, Canada, and Barcelona, Spain, and to use this framework to explore and understand the differences in their health systems. The UK National Health Service Performance Assessment Framework was chosen. Its indicators went through a process of selection, adaptation and prioritisation. Most of them were calculated for the period 2001-3, with data obtained from epidemiological, activity and economic registries. Montreal has a higher number of old people living alone and with limitations on performing one or more activities of daily life, as well as longer hospital stays for several conditions, especially in the case of elderly patients. This highlights a lack of mid-term, long-term and home care services. Diabetes-avoidable hospitalisation rates are also significant in Montreal, and are likely to improve following reforms in primary care. Efficient health policies such as generic drug prescription and major ambulatory surgery are lower in Barcelona. Rates of caesarean deliveries are higher in Barcelona, owing to demographics and clinical practice. Waiting times for knee arthroplasty are longer in Barcelona, which has triggered a plan to reduce them. In both cities, avoidable mortality and the prevalence of smoking have been identified as areas for improvement through preventive services. In conclusion, performance assessment fits perfectly in an urban context, as it has been shown to be a useful tool in designing and monitoring the accomplishment of programmes in both cities, to assess the performance of the services delivered, and for use in policy development.

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Only seven cases of malignant renal or perirenal schwannomas have previously been reported in the literature. Herein we report the case of a 74-year-old female with a previous history of malignant subcutaneous schwannoma and breast ductal adenocarcinoma who presented with a renal mass that was preoperatively diagnosed as a metastatic schwannoma. This is the first case of malignant perirenal schwannoma of metastatic origin.

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