Effect of a nonsystemic, orally administered hydrogel, GS100, on metformin pharmacokinetics.

Overweight and obesity are major health concerns worldwide, and are major predisposing factors for type 2 diabetes. This single-centre, Phase I, randomised, open-label, single-dose, 4-arm crossover, device-drug interaction study on 24 healthy volunteers with a body mass index of 25-40 kg/m2 tested the effect of a novel, nonsystemic, orally administered hydrogel (GS100) on the pharmacokinetics of an oral antidiabetic drug, metformin. When administered in both the fed and fasted states, the effect of GS100 on metformin pharmacokinetic characteristics was found to be similar to that of food. The type, frequency, and intensity of adverse events observed when GS100 was co-administered with metformin were similar to those observed with metformin alone. This study demonstrates that GS100 can be taken by patients receiving metformin, without altering the administration of metformin.

[Perspective of peer helpers regarding their experience animating a self-treatment program for panic disorders]. / Perspective de pairs aidants sur leur expérience d'animation d'un programme d'autotraitement du trouble panique.

OBJECTIVE: Support groups can help to reach individuals with anxiety disorders who are not or are only partly obtaining health services. The present study is based on a program that involves peer helpers as animators of a self-treatment group (Zéro-ATAQ). Their perspective has been documented in order to identify the aspects of the program which can be improved. METHODS: Eleven peer helpers led the 12 sessions of the program, which was dispensed in four regions of Quebec for 32 persons having panic disorders with agoraphobia. The perspectives of ten peer animators were documented based on a semi-structured interview that took place at the end of the program, and a focus group that was held over six months later with peer animators from each of the groups. Their comments were transcribed and a thematic content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: All of the peer helper animators reported that they enjoyed participating in the program, that they appreciated being able to help others having an anxiety disorder, and that the program helped them in their role as animators of these types of activities. Nearly all of the peer helpers emphasized the importance of being able to count on the supervision of a professional when needed. CONCLUSION: This study revealed (1) the feasibility of implementing a program of this kind in partnership with peers, (2) the qualifications necessary to lead this type of program, (3) the requirements in terms of training and available material, and (4) the importance of supervision.

Integration of sex and gender in a continuing professional development course on diabetes and depression: a mixed methods feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the feasibility and impact of a continuous professional development (CPD) course on type 2 diabetes and depression on health professionals' intention to include sex and gender considerations in patient care. DESIGN AND SETTING: In collaboration with CPD organisations and patient-partners, we conducted a mixed-methods feasibility controlled trial with postintervention measures in three Canadian provinces. PARTICIPANTS: Of 178 eligible health professionals, 127 completed questionnaires and 67 participated in semistructured group discussions. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: An interactive 1 hour CPD course, codesigned with patient-partners, on diabetes and depression that included sex and gender considerations (innovation) was compared with a similar course that did not include them (comparator). OUTCOMES: Feasibility of recruitment and retention of CPD organisations and patient-partners throughout the study; adherence to planned activities; health professionals' intention to include sex and gender considerations in patient care as measured by the CPD-Reaction questionnaire; and barriers and facilitators using the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS: All recruited CPD organisations and patient-partners remained engaged throughout the study. All planned CPD courses occurred. Overall, 71% of eligible health professionals participated (63% under 44 years old; 79.5% women; 67.7% practising in French; 66.9% practising in Quebec; 78.8% in urban practice). After training, mean intention scores for the innovation (n=49) and control groups (n=78) were 5.65±0.19 and 5.19±0.15, respectively. Mean difference was -0.47 (CI -0.95 to 0.01; p=0.06). Adjusted for age, gender and practice settings, mean difference was -0.57 (CI -1.09 to -0.05; p=0.03). We identified eight theoretical domains related to barriers and six related to facilitators for providing sex-adapted and gender-adapted diabetes and depression care. CONCLUSIONS: CPD training on diabetes and depression that includes sex and gender considerations is feasible and, compared with CPD training that does not, may prompt health professionals to modify their care. Addressing identified barriers and facilitators could increase intention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03928132 with ClinicalTrials.gov; Post-results.