The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health not only as the absence of disease but as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Gratitude is one of the concepts most commonly associated with well-being from the empirical point of view. Despite of this, we seldom use the concept, possibly due to the lack of dissemination of its scientific bases and possible clinical applications. At an anatomical level, it is related consistently with the medial prefrontal cortex and at molecular level, with the neuropeptide oxytocin. It has been associated with better physical and mental health parameters, both in healthy and sick populations. It is usually measured using scales, being the most used worldwide the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 item . There are exercises that can enhance gratitude and its benefits, such as the gratitude letter and the gratitude journal. Given the current state of knowledge about gratitude, and considering its potential benefits, low risks, ability to complement other treatments, the simple and cost-effectiveness of gratitude interventions, a continuing research on this topic and its practical implementation is warranted. (Rev Med Chile 2019; 147: 755-761)
An appraisal of healthcare mobile applicationsMobile applications (Apps) may become effective aids in health care. Health Apps could reduce barriers such as access and costs and could be used to monitor symptoms, behaviors and even treatments. There is more evidence of their usefulness in nutrition, cardiovascular and mental health. Despite this, its current use is predominantly for information purposes. Healthcare App quality evaluation should consider both clinical and technological aspects since the evidence on its clinical effectiveness is still incipient and they have associated risks. In Chile, the use of mobile technology and Apps is increasing, but there are no regulations for their use. There are few national institutions oriented to the creation and development of Apps for healthcare, highlighting the Digital Transformation Committee, part of the Corporation for the Promotion of Production (CORFO) and the National Center for Health Information Systems (CENS). General recommendations for healthcare App development and use have been established. In this process, it would be beneficial to include actors involved in care. Given the progress of healthcare Apps worldwide and nationally, it is important that health professionals develop digital skills to maximize the potential benefit of these technologies.
Background: In Chile, there are inconsistencies in the management of depression in primary care settings, and the National Depression Program, currently in effect, was implemented without a standardized training program. The objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptability of a training program on the management of depression for primary care health teams.Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial, and two primary centers from the Metropolitan Region of Santiago were randomly selected to carry out the intervention training program. Pre-post surveys were applied, to evaluate expectations and satisfaction with the intervention, respectively. Descriptive and content analysis was carried out.Result: The sample consisted of 41 health professionals, 56.1% of who reported that their expectations for the intervention were met. All of the training activities were evaluated with scores higher than 6.4 (on a 1–7 scale). The trainers, the methodology, and the learning environment were considered strengths and facilitators of the program, while the limited duration of the training, the logistical problems faced during part of the program, and the lack of educational material were viewed as weaknesses.Conclusion: The intervention was well accepted by primary health care teams. However, the clinical impact in patients still has to be evaluated.
Medical education and well-being: orientations towards the implementation of a positive teachingThe transition to and through college can affect the mental health of college students. The situation in medical students is particularly worrisome, considering that they have high rates of psychopathology. These mental health problems can be associated with worse academic and professional outcomes and worse patient care. In this scenario, it is relevant to look at how this problem can be addressed considering variables of both mental health and educational systems in medicine. Therefore, initiatives to promote well-being during the career are proposed. The importance of well-being at an institutional level should be defined. Also, the foundations of learning neurosciences from the point of view of well-being should be incorporated. Considering that well-being goes beyond the absence of discomfort, the role of educational environment both in learning and in mental health should be recognized. Proven effective interventions should be incorporated. It must be considered that not every initiative linked to well-being is necessarily positive and that discomfort to a certain extent can be exploited educatively as well. The well-being of medical students is a complex, dynamic and multidimensional issue. These principles are orientations for different actors of the educational process, to define how they will approach this problem in their contexts.
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