Browsing by Author "Maldonado, Emanuela"
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- 10 years of hyponatremia: focus on medical communication in liaison psychiatry. A case reportPublication . Pinho, Catarina; Maldonado, Emanuela; Correia, Joana; Guimarães, Manuel; Novo, André; Gomes, Joana Raposo; Cardoso, ConceiçãoEffective communication is one of the pillars of the doctor-patient relationship. Hyponatremia is defined as a decrease in serum sodium levels below 135 mEq/L. Objective To draw attention to the possible results of ineffective medical communication and the importance of active listening to the patient. Material and methods Descriptive study of the Case Report type, based on the Case REport guidelines. Case description: 85-year-old female, hospitalized from October to December 2021 in Acute Psychiatry for self-injurious behavior following an experiential crisis. In this episode, hyponatremia with 10 years of evolution was detected. She was evaluated by multiple medical specialties and in the last 10 years suffered from anorexia, asthenia, insomnia and dizziness, a condition attributed to psychoactive drug-related hyponatremia. After hospitalization in psychiatry, it was found that this condition started before the introduction of psychotropic drugs and that there could be a total restriction of salt in the diet, motivated by a bias in doctor-patient communication. Conclusion With a careful collection of the patient's history, it is possible to deconstruct and clarify concepts and beliefs that can negatively affect her health status.
- Analysis of inequalities in access to healthcare in North-east PortugalPublication . Reis, Sara; Maldonado, Emanuela; Matos de Barros, João; Aroso Louro, Afonso; Guimarães, Manuel; Barroso, Bárbara; Fernandes, Hélder; Novo, AndréHealthcare accessibility stands as a multifaceted challenge, intricately woven with factors ranging from geographical location to economic status. Mental health, an indispensable aspect of overall well-being, is particularly susceptible to the inadequacies pervasive within global healthcare systems. Against this backdrop, schizophrenia emerges as a poignant example of the profound challenges faced by individuals navigating mental health disorders within healthcare systems. In the context of Portugal, while strides have been made in recognizing healthcare equity as a fundamental right, persistent regional disparities persist, underscoring the imperative for a coordinated effort to bridge these gaps. The interplay between geographical barriers and healthcare accessibility manifests as a critical determinant of health outcomes, particularly poignant in rural and remote communities where access to specialized care remains elusive. Objective: This article aimed to analyse the characteristics of the schizophrenia spectrum disorder population in the Bragança district and the disparities in their healthcare access. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 274 patients provided by the Mental Health Department at the Unidade Local de Saúde Nordeste (ULSNE – Northeast Local Healthcare Unit), for sociodemographic characterization. The data were retrieved from the hospital’s database. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. Results: The research enrolled 274 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, predominantly male (65.7%), with most falling within the 40-49 and 50-59 age brackets. Hospitalization frequency averaged 4.73 ± 6.74 instances, with men exhibiting higher rates. A significant correlation was found between medical monitoring and hospitalization frequency, particularly among patients with follow-up. Moreover, a notable discrepancy in healthcare accessibility was identified across municipalities, necessitating considerable patient travel for psychiatric consultations. Conclusion: The case study examined the challenges faced by patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the Bragança district. These findings highlight the urgent need for improvements in the existing healthcare infrastructure, including the expansion of medical services in underserved areas and the implementation of innovative solutions such as telemedicine.