A novel gene editing lexicon strategy for the haemophilia community: Research plan for development and preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the progress in gene editing platforms like CRISPR/Cas9 with the potential to transform the standard of care for haemophilia, the language used to explain and discuss gene editing is not aligned across the haemophilia community. Here, we present the objective and rationale for developing a clear, consistent, and globally aligned gene editing lexicon to address these communication gaps. METHODS: Effectively communicating complex gene editing concepts requires a clear and consistent vocabulary. Through collaboration with a diversity of haemophilia stakeholders, our main goal is to develop an accurate, informative lexicon which avoids overpromising or highly technical terminology. Using an innovative process, representatives from several patient and scientific haemophilia organizations and select biotechnology companies will develop and refine language concepts to be tested with approximately seventy participants across the United States of America, United Kingdom, and Germany. Participants will include lived experience experts (LEEs) and haematologists. The process will be overseen by the Lexicon Steering Committee of global experts from leading scientific and patient organizations in the haemophilia and gene editing fields. RESULTS: Initial feedback provided a robust foundation and rationale for building clear, consistent language around gene editing. This lexicon development framework will allow for increased understanding across the haemophilia community, including the development of valid informed consent and shared decision-making materials. CONCLUSION: Results provide important building blocks for stimuli development and highlight the need for a novel gene editing lexicon. In the next phase, language stimuli will be tested with LEEs and haematologists to better understand audience preferences and help shape the final lexicon.

What are the experiences of non-invasive ventilation for sleep-disordered breathing in children and young people and what outcomes matter? Perspectives of children and young people, their parents and the staff who care for them.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children and young people (CYP) can result in multiple health outcomes; however, adherence to NIV can be challenging. Suboptimally treated SDB may increase the risk of adverse consequences. Placing children's and parents' goals at the core of their SDB treatment may support adherence to NIV. To identify these health outcomes, it is necessary to gain a greater understanding of CYP's experiences of using NIV, whether they perceive any benefits from NIV use, as well as the outcomes that their parents and NIV staff identify as important. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with nine CYP (aged 4-16 + years), 13 parents and nine healthcare professionals (HCPs); verbatim transcripts were analysed using Framework Analysis. RESULTS: CYP predominantly reported an improvement in levels of energy, focus and ability to concentrate whereas parents also identified outcomes of mood and behaviour. The majority of children showed understanding of the reasons for being prescribed NIV. A subset of children did not notice their SDB. The health outcomes identified by HCPs and parents that could result from improved overnight gas exchange are subjective measures that rely on parent and child report. Measuring these health outcomes focussed on the impact of improved sleep rather than measuring improved sleep itself. CONCLUSIONS: It is important for HCPs administering NIV to ascertain whether CYP have noticed any of their sleep-disordered breathing symptoms and any improvements from using NIV, including the relationship between benefits and side effects. Focussing on promoting understanding for CYP who are unable to link their wellbeing to their previous night's sleep may be futile and HCP strategies should concentrate on the process of tolerating the device. Parents, CYP and HCPs should collaborate to identify treatment goals specifically tailored for the child and monitor any progress against these goals.

Expectation and loss when gene therapy for haemophilia is not an option: An exigency sub-study.

BACKGROUND: Qualitative studies have explored why people with haemophilia (PwH) might consider or forgo gene therapy, the impact it has had on those who have received it, and what support might be needed throughout the process. No studies have yet examined what withdrawal prior to transfection might mean for PwH and their families. AIMS: To understand the experiences of PwH and their families of withdrawal from gene therapy and to understand what support mechanisms might be required. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with people with severe haemophilia who consented to take part in a gene therapy study in the UK but either withdrew or were withdrawn before transfection. RESULTS: Nine PwH and a family member were invited to this sub-study. Eight participants were recruited: six PwH (five haemophilia A and one haemophilia B) and two family members. Four participants were excluded from a study after consenting but before transfection, having failed to meet all the inclusion criteria; two withdrew after consenting but before transfection due to concerns including duration of factor expression and the time commitment involved in follow-up. The mean age of participants was 40.5 years (range 25-63 years). Two major themes emerged during the interviews: Expectation and loss. CONCLUSIONS: PwH have many expectations about the difference gene therapy can make to their lives. Studies show that these expectations may not be fully realised. For those who have either withdrawn or been withdrawn from gene therapy, any expectations they had may now be unachievable. The nature of these expectations and the loss expressed by the participants indicate that support needs to be provided to help them and their families manage it.

Prevalence and perceptions of pain in people with haemophilia: A UK study.

INTRODUCTION: Joint bleeds in haemophilia cause destruction of articular structures, impaired function and pain. Up to 70% of people with haemophilia (PWH) report chronic pain. Little is known about the pain experiences in PWH in the UK. AIM: To identify prevalence and perceptions of pain among PWH living in the UK. METHODS: A cross-sectional, non-interventional survey study conducted among PWH (all severities). The survey incorporated elements from validated tools (EQ-5D; EQ-VAS) and was distributed via participating treatment centres. RESULTS: Five hundred and ninety-nine PWH responded, 91% aged > 18. 81% used factor prophylactically or on demand. More pain was reported by those treated on demand versus prophylaxis particularly in those who reported daily pain. 65% reported 'problem joints' based on individual impact rather than medically defined 'target joints', 2/3 reported multiple joint issues. The ankle was most commonly affected. 59% reported frequent pain, with 56% aware of pain constantly or most of the time and were more likely to report less favourable EQ-5D or EQ-VAS scores (p < .001). Pain frequency/awareness was consistent across all severities. Most discussed pain with care teams, 31% only when asked; 25% did not discuss it. Pain discussions resulted in physiotherapy referral (63%) analgesia prescription (48%), and a minority specialist pain referral (9%). Most felt well supported with regard to their pain, but 70% reported learning to live with it. CONCLUSION: Pain affects PWH of all ages and severities even in a well-resourced country significantly impacting quality of life. Clinicians must be more aware of chronic pain in PWH. Biopsychosocial approaches to pain assessment and management are recommended.

The effect of a virtual child disease management programme on burden and social adjustment of caregivers of children with coagulation factor deficiencies.

INTRODUCTION: The use of virtual interventions is of interest to patients with chronic disease and healthcare professionals. This study aimed to determine the effect of virtual child disease management programme on burden and social adjustment of caregivers of children with coagulation factor deficiencies. Moreover, the effect of this intervention on children's acute pain and bleeds was assessed. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 80 caregivers of children with coagulation factor deficiencies. The subjects were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. A comprehensive virtual child disease management programme was conducted for 8 weeks and caregiver' burden and their social adjustment were assessed with the HEMOCAB and social adjustment subscale of Bell Adjustment Inventory, respectively. Data were analysed using ANCOVA and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Before the intervention, both groups were similar regarding the caregivers' burden and social adjustment and children's acute pain and bleeds. However, a significant difference was observed between groups in concern to caregivers' burden (P < .001), women's and men's social adjustment (P = .001, P = .03), and children's acute pain and bleeds (P < .001) after the virtual disease management programme. CONCLUSION: This study showed that using a virtual child disease management programme reduced burden and improved social adjustment of caregivers of children with coagulation factor deficiencies. This intervention decreased frequencies of acute pain and bleeds in children. Therefore, using this effective intervention in clinical practice is warranted to decrease the caregivers' burden as well as acute pain and bleeds in children.

Humanistic burden of problem joints for children and adults with haemophilia.

INTRODUCTION: The "problem joint" (PJ) concept was developed to address patient-centric needs for a more holistic assessment of joint morbidity for people with haemophilia (PwH). AIM: To quantify the humanistic burden of PJs in PwH to further support validation of the PJ outcome measure. METHODS: Multivariable regression models evaluated the relationship between PJs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL, EQ-5D-5L) and overall work productivity loss (WPL) using data from the 'Cost of HaEmophilia: a Socioeconomic Survey' population studies (adults: CHESS II, CHESS US+; children/adolescents: CHESS-Paeds). Covariates included were haemophilia severity, age, comorbidities and education. RESULTS: The CHESS II sample included 292 and 134 PwH for HRQoL and WPL analyses, mean age 38.6 years (39% ≥1 PJ, 61% none). CHESS US+ included 345 and 239 PwH for HRQoL and WPL, mean age 35 years (43% ≥1 PJ, 57% none). CHESS-Paeds included 198 PwH aged 4-17 (HRQoL only), mean age 11.5 years (19% ≥1 PJ, 81% none). In CHESS II and CHESS US+, presence of PJs was associated with worse HRQoL (Both p < .001). Few CHESS-Paeds participants had PJs, with no significant correlation with HRQoL. In CHESS II, upper body PJs were significantly correlated to WPL (p < .05). In CHESS US+, having ≥1 PJ or upper and lower body PJs were significantly correlated to WPL (vs. none; both p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study has shown a meaningful burden of PJs on PwH, which should be considered in clinical and health policy assessments of joint health.

The views of women with bleeding disorders: Results from the Cinderella study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite therapeutic advances in bleeding disorder treatment, over the past 20 years women with bleeding disorders have reported delayed diagnosis, impaired quality of life, dismissive attitudes from health professionals and inappropriate care. AIM: To explore the lived experience of women with a diagnosed bleeding disorder and to improve understanding of their unmet needs. METHODS: Women haemophilia carriers (WHC), women with a diagnosed bleeding disorder (WBD) and women with immune thrombocytopenia (WITP) were invited to complete an online survey. Those who indicated a willingness to be interviewed took part in a focus group or one-to-one interview to further explore their lived experiences. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty women completed the survey (126 WHC, 96 WBD, 58 WITP) 13 women (seven WHC, three WBD, three WITP) participated in a focus group (11) or individual interview (2). The most frequently reported symptoms were heavy periods (81%) and bruising (81%). Compared to the group as a whole, more WBD took time off work or school due to symptoms, had discussed symptoms with a healthcare professional (HCP), and had seen a nurse or gynaecologist. WHC were least likely to be screened for a bleeding disorder or seen in a specialist setting. Themes discussed included difficulty obtaining a diagnosis, lack of awareness amongst and poor communication from HCPs, stress and anxiety, coping strategies and sources of support. CONCLUSION: Many of the experiences described by women with bleeding disorders 20 years ago remain prevalent. Healthcare provision needs to change to offer them better treatment and support.

The lived experience of a novel disruptive therapy in a group of men and boys with haemophilia A with inhibitors: Emi & Me.

BACKGROUND: People with haemophilia A and inhibitors (PwHi) suffer more orthopaedic complications, bleeding and pain than those without inhibitors. The advent of emicizumab as a prophylactic treatment has led to a reduction in bleed frequency and a significant improvement in overall quality of life. No research to date has examined the nature of this improvement on treated individuals and their families. AIMS: The Emi & Me study aims to capture the real-life experience of using emicizumab for PwHi and their families. METHODS: Participants were recruited through treatment centres, social media and by word of mouth. Each participant and a family member, if available, took part in a semistructured qualitative interview. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. All elements of the study were reviewed by local statutory authorities and informed consent was sought from all participants. RESULTS: Fifteen PwHi, mean age 27.2 years (range 8-63 years), most with a family member, participated in a single qualitative interview online (n = 13), by telephone (n = 1) or in person (n = 1). Mean time on emicizumab was 2.26 years (range 1-5 years). Six major themes emerged: bleeds; pain; treatment burden; control; freedom (for both PwHi and family members) and missed potential. Emicizumab prophylaxis has delivered significant improvements in the lives of the participants. Despite these improvements, some participants felt that their pre-existing physical disabilities and the lack of physiotherapy provision had prevented them achieving similar improvements in their functional ability. CONCLUSION: This study shows that in reducing bleeds, pain and treatment burden, emicizumab had given PwHi greater control over their condition, allowing a sense of freedom they had not experienced with factor VIII or bypassing agent prophylaxis. However, for emicizumab to be truly effective, there is a need to ensure the continued availability and accessibility of robust multidisciplinary support services. Without this, it is unlikely that PwHi will realize the life-changing potential offered either by emicizumab or any other novel treatment approach. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A patient participant (who did not wish to be included as an author of the paper) was involved in the design of the study protocol and interview guide.

Culture, cognisance, capacity and capability: The interrelationship of individual and organisational factors in developing a research hospital.

AIM: To share our experience of implementing a programme of interventions aimed at building research capacity and capability of nurses and allied health professionals in a specialist children's hospital. BACKGROUND: Clinicians at the forefront of care are well positioned to lead on research to improve outcomes and experiences of patients but some professional groups continue to be underrepresented. Inequities persist alongside robust national infrastructures to support Clinical Academic Careers for non-medical health professionals, further highlighting the need to address local infrastructure and leadership to successfully build research capacity. DESIGN: An evolving programme of inquiry and analysis was established in one organisation, this included targeted interventions to mitigate barriers and enable research capacity and capability. METHODS: An all-staff survey was conducted in 2015 to understand the existing research culture. Interventions were put in place, evaluated through a second survey (2018), and focus group interviews with staff who had accessed interventions. RESULTS: Respondents demonstrated high levels of interest and commitment to research at the individual level which were not always harnessed at the organisational level. Inequities between professional groups existed in terms of training, time to undertake research and opportunities and outputs. Follow-up revealed continuing structural barriers at an organisational level, however at an individual level, interventions were reflected in >30 fellowship awards; major concerns were reported about sustaining these research ambitions. CONCLUSIONS: Success in building a research-active clinical workforce is multifactorial and all professional groups report increasing challenges to undertake research alongside clinical responsibilities. Individuals report concerns about the depth and pace of cultural change to sustain Clinical Academic Careers and build a truly organisation-wide research hospital ethos to benefit patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The achievements of individual nurses and allied health professionals indicate that with supportive infrastructure, capacity, cognisance and capability are not insurmountable barriers for determined clinicians. We use the standards for reporting organisational case studies to report our findings (Rodgers et al., 2016 Health Services and Delivery Research, 4 and 1).

An exploration of why men with severe haemophilia might not want gene therapy: The exigency study.

INTRODUCTION: For many people with haemophilia (PwH) gene therapy offers a potential functional cure. However, some have stated that they do not wish to have gene therapy either now or in the future. AIM: This sub-study, part of the larger Exigency programme, assesses the attitudes, views and understanding of those who do not wish to undergo gene therapy. METHODS: Participants were approached via social media and word of mouth referral and invited to participate in a focus group or individual interview to discuss their views. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Ten adult men with severe haemophilia (eight haemophilia A and two haemophilia B), mean age 34.3 years, participated in a 1-h focus group (n = 9) or interview (n = 1). All were on prophylaxis. None reported significant treatment burden, and all had annual bleeding rates of less than five in the previous 12 months. Four major themes emerged: self-identity and its loss, lack of long-term safety and efficacy data, ongoing concerns about past viral infection, and lack of current treatment burden. CONCLUSION: There are many concerns about gene therapy, including eligibility, effectiveness and safety, which may result in individuals declining it as a therapy. These concerns may recede as more data are published. This study reveals a psychological dynamic around self-identity and belonging for PwH. The nature of this dynamic is poorly understood and needs exploration to facilitate support for those making decisions about gene therapy.

Parental perspectives on gene therapy for children with haemophilia: The Exigency study.

INTRODUCTION: Gene therapy is used in life-limiting conditions of childhood. While not a current therapeutic option for children with haemophilia, it may be considered in the future especially for those where access to treatment is limited. AIM: To assess the attitudes and opinions of parents of children with haemophilia about gene therapy as a potential future treatment, by understanding their awareness about gene therapy and what they need to know now and in the future; gauging levels of interest in gene therapy for their children; and exploring perceived current motivations and barriers. METHODS: A mixed methods study with an online questionnaire and in-depth qualitative interviews in focus groups which were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight participants commenced the online survey; 63 were fully completed (39%). 60 had heard of gene therapy but few (17/60 [28.3%]) felt they had a good understanding. 38/60 (63.3%) respondents did not know that gene therapy is not available for children. However, most held positive views: 53/60 (88.3%) saying they would consider it for their child. In the interviews, participants (N = 10, all mothers) discussed their awareness and understanding of gene therapy and opinions about it for children, including how this should be communicated to the child and parents. CONCLUSION: A coherent, community-wide strategy for communicating information and news about gene therapy should now be provided for children and families living with haemophilia. This should come primarily from trusted haemophilia nursing teams, who can give tailored, age-appropriate, factual advice.

Shortening the paediatric Haemophilia Activities List (pedHAL) based on pooled data from international studies.

INTRODUCTION: The paediatric Haemophilia Activities List (pedHAL) was developed to measure activities and participation in children and youth with haemophilia. Results from international studies provide an opportunity to determine which items are universally important. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine which items of the pedHAL are redundant to construct a shorter version of the pedHAL. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional multicentre secondary analysis on pooled data of published studies using the pedHAL (7 domains, 53 items, optimum score: 100) in children with haemophilia A/B aged 4-18 years. To identify redundant items, the following aspects were evaluated: floor and ceiling effects, proportions of missing and 'not applicable' responses, inter-item correlations, component loadings in an exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency and item-total correlations. RESULTS: Data on 315 patients with haemophilia from 6 studies were evaluated. Median age was 12.2 years) (range 4.0-18.0), 87.3% had severe haemophilia and 80.3% received prophylaxis. Median (IQR) pedHAL sum score was 96.7 (88.0-100). After a stepwise procedure, 31 items were removed, resulting in a pedHALshort of 22 items, representing all original 7 domains. Most remaining items belonged to the domains 'sitting/kneeling/standing' and 'functions of the legs'. The pedHALshort sum score was similar to the original pedHAL sum score, with small differences in 5 domains. CONCLUSION: This clinimetric study resulted in >50% reduction of the length of the pedHAL. The 22-item pedHALshort reduces patient burden and is expected to capture the information on activities and participation. The pedHALshort needs validation in other populations.

European principles of care for women and girls with inherited bleeding disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Despite increasing awareness of issues faced by women and girls with inherited BDs (WGBD), standards of care are lacking, with disparities in diagnosis and treatment for WGBD across Europe. We aimed to develop practical principles of care (PoC) to promote standardization of care for WGBD within European Haemophilia Treatment and Comprehensive Care Centres (HTC/CCCs). METHODS: The co-creation process, supported by the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders, consisted of four multidisciplinary meetings with health care providers (HCPs) experienced in WGBD care, and European Haemophilia Consortium representatives, combined with broad patient and HCP consultations in the European haemophilia community. Relevant medical societies outside Europe were contacted for confirmation. RESULTS: We developed ten PoC for WGBD, stressing the importance and benefits of a centralized, multidisciplinary, comprehensive, family-centred approach to support and manage WGBD during all life stages. These PoC emphasise the right to equitable access and quality of care for all people with BDs, irrespective of gender. Multiple medical societies outside Europe also confirmed their support for endorsement. CONCLUSIONS: Ten PoC for WGBD evolved from an iterative process among stakeholders, supported by relevant medical societies worldwide. These PoC can serve as a benchmark for diagnosis and comprehensive multidisciplinary management of WGBD, and improve awareness of their unique challenges. They offer a framework to guide HTC/CCCs in providing equitable care for all WGBD, both in their own services and in other healthcare settings. Implementation of these principles aims to positively impact the health, wellbeing and quality of life for WGBD.

The UK haemophilia specialist nurse: Competencies fit for practice in the 21st century.

INTRODUCTION: Nurses play a central co-ordinating role in delivering comprehensive care for people with haemophilia and allied bleeding disorders, for which they need a broad range of competencies. The UK Haemophilia Nurses Association (HNA) published a role description in 1994 which was developed into a competency framework in 2014. This has now been updated to reflect current educational and clinical practice. AIM: To summarize the evidence supporting the nurse's advanced role within haemophilia care and develop new competencies to deliver comprehensive care within a multidisciplinary team. METHODS: Systematic reviews were identified by PubMed literature search. The HNA conducted workshops to consult its membership, and the authors incorporated this input to update its competency framework within the structure outlined by Health Education England in multiprofessional framework for advanced clinical practice in England (2017). RESULTS: The proposed framework includes five domains (Clinical knowledge, Clinical/direct care, Communication and support, Collaborative practice and Research) supported by indicators for four levels of practice (beginner, competent, proficient and expert). The framework is a tool which nurses and their managers can use to assess skills and knowledge, and identify learning needs appropriate to personal development and improve patient care and outcomes. CONCLUSION: The HNA has developed a new competency framework to provide a strong foundation for haemophilia specialist nurses to continue improving services for people living with bleeding disorders and their families, as well as supporting personal development alongside new therapeutic options, models of care and follow-up.

Physiotherapy interventions for pain management in haemophilia: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Approximately 35%-50% of people with haemophilia (PWH) report living with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Although exercise based rehabilitation is effective for pain in other arthritises, there are no published guidelines for management of chronic pain in PWH. This review aims to evaluate and appraise the current evidence of effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions on (a) pain intensity, (b) quality of life (QoL) and (c) function in PWH. METHODS: A systematic review of five databases AMED and CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE and PEDro, as well as trial registries, grey literature and hand searching key journals was completed. Included studies were critically appraised and evaluated for risk of bias. The GRADE approach was used to rate the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Nine trials consisting of 235 participants met the inclusion criteria. All studies had an overall risk of bias with low methodological quality. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity across trials. Studies comparing a range of physiotherapy interventions against no intervention showed no clear beneficial effect on pain intensity or QoL. Only one study, investigating hydrotherapy or land-based exercise against control, showed positive effect for pain intensity, but rated very low on GRADE assessment. Studies comparing one physiotherapy intervention against another showed no clear benefit on pain intensity, QoL or function. LASER with exercise and hydrotherapy were shown to have some positive effects on pain intensity, but no clear benefit on function. CONCLUSIONS: At present, there is limited evidence for the use of physiotherapy interventions in addressing the issue of pain in PWH. Better designed trials with higher quality and explicit methodology along with user involvement are needed to assess the efficacy of any proposed intervention.

Assessing the supportive care needs of parents with a child with a bleeding disorder using the Parental Needs Scale for Rare Diseases (PNS-RD): A single-centre pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Inherited bleeding disorders are rare, for some such as haemophilia, there is a growing body of evidence about caregiver burden and associated support needs. Whilst for other disorders, which may be present with less clinically significant bleeding, there is a paucity of data about parents support needs. AIMS: To evaluate the supportive care needs of parents of children with a range of inherited bleeding disorders. METHODS: A single-centre pilot study using the validated Parental Needs Scale for Rare Diseases to measure the overall support needs of parents of children with a bleeding disorder. RESULTS: 231 parents, including 99/231 (42.9%) fathers, completed the survey; half had a bleeding disorder themselves. Parents reported a good understanding of their child's condition, and overall were happy with the care provided by the specialist haemophilia team but reported a lack of knowledge in non-specialist settings. More than half of parents reported experiencing significant emotional issues relating to their child's condition. 42.6%-46.7% reported financial concerns related to paying for medical care and respite, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, parents are confident about dealing with their child's bleeding disorder and are satisfied with the level of support and care that they and their child are receiving. The emotional and psychological impacts of having a child with a bleeding disorder remain a significant burden for many parents. The financial costs associated with caring for their child further impact on their ability to cope. Regular assessment of parental support needs should be part of routine clinical care.

HOw Patients view Extended half-life products: Impressions from real-world experience (The HOPE study).

INTRODUCTION: Extended half-life (EHL) clotting factors have been shown to offer people with haemophilia (PwH) protection from bleeding with fewer infusions, which might reduce treatment burden. AIM: The HOw Patients view Extended half-life products (HOPE) study aimed to explore, understand and describe patient expectations around the prophylactic use of EHL products and to establish whether these expectations were met through individual follow-up analysis. METHODS: The HOPE study was a prospective, qualitative cohort study conducted among PwH who had switched to Fc fusion protein EHL products in routine clinical care and who had not been recruited to clinical trials of these products. Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews were undertaken over two time points; transcripts were analysed to systematically generate theory from data that contains both inductive and deductive thinking. RESULTS: Forty-three interviews were conducted with 25 participants. Most participants were positive about EHL treatment and intended to continue using them. Reduced frequency of infusions meant lives were less disrupted or dominated by haemophilia, and there was less perceived stress on overused veins. For those PwH who did not reduce infusion frequency, there were other perceived benefits from EHLs with respect to greater protection with higher trough levels and fewer bleeds. CONCLUSION: Patients switching to EHL treatments believe these products will result in fewer infusions and less disruption of everyday life, leaving them feeling more protected with fewer bleeds and increased activity levels, as well as enhanced well-being and mental health. Understanding patient expectation and experience around using products adds real-world data to clinical trial experience.

The burden of bleeds and other clinical determinants on caregivers of children with haemophilia (the BBC Study).

INTRODUCTION: Treatment burden for the people with haemophilia has been documented, as has the burden of caring for a child with a common chronic disease such as asthma or diabetes. However, there remains a paucity of data about caregiver burden in haemophilia. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of bleeding on caregivers of children with haemophilia. Caregiver burden was stratified by the clinical status of their child. METHODS: A multinational, non-interventional study of caregivers of children with severe or moderate haemophilia, using the HEMOCABquestionnaire to evaluate caregiver burden. RESULTS: A total of 144 caregivers from seven EU countries participated in the study. Differences in caregiver burden were identified based on the clinical situation of the child. Greater burden was seen in caregivers of children who experienced joint bleeding in the preceding 12 months, or had target joints or reduced range of motion in most domains of the HEMOCAB. Caring for a child with a current inhibitor also caused significantly higher burden for caregivers when compared to caring for a child with tolerized inhibitor or without inhibitor. Caregivers of children with chronic pain reported significantly higher burden in all domains of the HEMOCAB except for "interaction with the father." CONCLUSION: Caregiver burden can be affected by the child's haemophilia status, particularly if joint health is impacted (eg bleeds, decreased mobility) or if the child suffers from chronic pain which was moderately correlated with joint bleeds.

The impact of psychosocial determinants on caregivers' burden of children with haemophilia (results of the BBC study).

INTRODUCTION: Caring for a child with haemophilia is burdensome and impacting on caregivers' emotional and financial status. This paper assesses the impact of psychosocial determinants on caregivers' burden across European countries. METHODS: This non-interventional study enrolled caregiver/child dyads at haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) using the "HEMOphilia associated CAregiver Burden scale" (HEMOCAB). Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 144 dyads from Germany (n = 19), Italy (n = 19), Netherlands (n = 19), Turkey (n = 20), Sweden (n = 21), UK (n = 21) and Poland (n = 25) participated. Caregivers' mean age was 39.84 ± 7 (range 24-57); 81.3% were mothers, married (80.4%), living with a partner (86.6%), had a college/university degree (66.5%) and worked (74.2%). Around two thirds of caregivers (66.2%) reported that haemophilia affected their life; 26.8% reported an economic impact; 57.6% reported their child cannot do certain things because of his condition. Caregivers lost an average of 8.35 ± 14.5 days due to haemophilia. The highest burden was reported in the HEMOCAB domains "Perception of Child" (37.9 ± 24.7), "Emotional Stress" (37.4 ± 22.6) and "Medical Management" (33.1 ± 22.8). Significantly, higher burden was found in caregivers who reported that haemophilia "affects their life" (P < 0.0001), "has an economic impact" (P < 0.0001), "their child cannot do certain things" (P < 0.0001), "they spent ≥5 h/mo infusing" (P < 0.003) and "they needed ≥3 h/mo to reach the HTC" (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This "snapshot" analysis of burden related to caring for a child with haemophilia across Europe revealed the greatest burdens are economic, including days lost from work, and things that a child cannot do, impacting on both child and caregiver.

Burden on parents of children with haemophilia: The impact of sociodemographic and child's medical condition.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the perceived burden on parents of children with severe or moderate haemophilia and the impact of sociodemographic aspects and the child's medical condition on this. BACKGROUND: Parents of children with haemophilia face a multitude of demands. The child needs frequent intravenous injections, hospital visits, extra supervision and care. The child's illness and related management might have psychosocial effects on the parents. DESIGN: A multicentre, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Caregiver burden was evaluated in 102 parents of children with haemophilia, using the HEMOCAB questionnaire which consists of 54 items divided into 13 domains which are to be answered on a 5-point Likert scale. To assess the impact of sociodemographic aspects and clinical data on parental burden, linear regression analyses were undertaken. The study followed the STROBE checklist throughout the research process. RESULTS: Greater burden was seen in parents of children with past or present inhibitors, in parents of younger children, if a family member administered the clotting factor and in parents of children with overweight/obesity. No significant differences in burden were observed for type of haemophilia, if the child had bleeding in the past 12 months, if the child self-infused, had another family member with haemophilia or if the parent had more children. CONCLUSIONS: Parental perceived burden can be negatively affected by the child's medical condition; our results underline that healthcare professionals need to be aware of increased parental burden if the child is young, has or had inhibitors and has overweight/obesity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: More psychosocial support from the healthcare professionals needs to be directed towards parents of younger children and particularly the parents of young children with inhibitors, thus decreasing the parental burden. Parental burden may be reduced if healthcare professionals more actively treat overweight and refer children to appropriate specialists.