Use of non-invasive diagnostic tools for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: A qualitative exploration of challenges and barriers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-invasive tests (NITs) are underutilized for diagnosis and risk stratification in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), despite good accuracy. This study aimed to identify challenges and barriers to the use of NITs in clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative exploratory study in Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and United States. Phase 1 participants (primary care physicians, hepatologists, diabetologists, researchers, healthcare administrators, payers and patient advocates; n = 29) were interviewed. Phase 2 participants (experts in MASLD; n = 8) took part in a group discussion to validate and expand on Phase 1 findings. Finally, we triangulated perspectives in a hybrid deductive/inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes hindering the use of NITs emerged: (1) limited knowledge and awareness; (2) unclear referral pathways for patients affected by liver conditions; (3) uncertainty over the value of NITs in monitoring and managing liver diseases; and (4) challenges justifying system-level reimbursement. Through these themes, participants perceived a stigma associated with liver diseases, and primary care physicians generally lacked awareness, adequate knowledge and skills to use recommended NITs. We identified uncertainties over the results of NITs, specifically to guide lifestyle intervention or to identify patients that should be referred to a specialist. Participants indicated an ongoing need for research and development to improve the prognostic value of NITs and communicating their cost-effectiveness to payers. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study suggests that use of NITs for MASLD is limited due to several individual and system-level barriers. Multi-level interventions are likely required to address these barriers.

Challenges in the care of patients with RET-altered thyroid cancer: a multicountry mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of driver oncogenes for thyroid carcinomas and the identification of genomically targeted therapies to inhibit those oncogenes have altered the treatment algorithm in thyroid cancer (TC), while germline testing for RET mutations has become indicated for patients with a family history of RET gene mutations or hereditary medullary TC (MTC). In the context of an increasing number of selective RET inhibitors approved for use, this paper aims to describe challenges and barriers affecting providers' ability to deliver optimal care for patients with RET-altered TC across the patient healthcare journey. METHODS: A mixed-method educational and behavioral needs assessment was conducted in Germany (GER), Japan (JPN), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) prior to RET-selective inhibitor approval. Participants included medical oncologists (MO), endocrinologists (EN) and clinical pathologists (CP) caring for patients affected with TC. Data collection tools were implemented in three languages (English, German, Japanese). Qualitative data were coded and thematically analyzed in NVivo. Quantitative data were analyzed via frequency and crosstabulations in SPSS. The findings presented here were part of a broader study that also investigated lung cancer challenges and included pulmonologists. RESULTS: A total of 44 interviews and 378 surveys were completed. Suboptimal knowledge and skills were self-identified among providers, affecting (1) assessment of genetic risk factors (56%, 159/285 of MOs and ENs), (2) selection of appropriate genetic biomarkers (59%, 53/90 of CPs), (3) treatment plan initiation (65%, 173/275 of MOs and ENs), (4) management of side effects associated with multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (78%, 116/149 of MOs and ENs), and (5) transfer of patients into palliative care services (58%, 160/274 of MOs and ENs). Interviews underscored the presence of systemic barriers affecting the use of RET molecular tests and selective inhibitors, in addition to suboptimal knowledge and skills necessary to manage the safety and efficacy of targeted therapies. CONCLUSION: This study describes concrete educational needs for providers involved in the care of patients with RET-altered thyroid carcinomas. Findings can be used to inform the design of evidence-based education and performance improvement interventions in the field and support integration into practice of newly approved RET-selective inhibitors.

Challenges in diagnosis and biomarker testing for RET-altered lung and thyroid cancer care: an international mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of new targeted therapies for RET-altered lung and thyroid cancers (LC/TC) has impacted pathologists' practice by making genomic testing more relevant. Variations in health systems and treatment access result in distinct clinical challenges and barriers. This study aimed to assess practice gaps and challenges experienced by pathologists involved in the diagnosis of RET-altered LC/TC, including biomarker testing, to inform educational solutions. METHODS: Pathologists in Germany, Japan, the UK, and US participated in this ethics-approved mixed-methods study, which included interviews and surveys (data collected January-March 2020). Qualitative data was thematically analysed, quantitative data was analysed with chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H-tests, and both were triangulated. RESULTS: A total of 107 pathologists took part in this study. Knowledge gaps were reported regarding genomic testing for LC/TC in Japan (79/60%), the UK (73/66%), and the US (53/30%). Skill gaps were reported when selecting genomic biomarker tests to diagnose TC in Japan (79%), the UK (73%) and US (57%) and when performing specific biomarker tests, especially in Japan (82% for RET) and in the UK (75% for RET). Japanese participants (80%) reported uncertainty about what information to share with the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient-centered care. At the time of data collection, pathologists in Japan faced access barriers to using RET biomarker tests: only 28% agreed that there are relevant RET genomic biomarker tests available in Japan, versus 67% to 90% in other countries. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified areas where pathologists need additional continuing professional development opportunities to enhance their competencies and better support delivery of care to patients with RET-altered lung or thyroid tumours. Addressing identified gaps and improving competencies of pathologists in this field should be emphasised in continuing medical education curricula and through quality improvement initiatives. Strategies deployed on an institutional and health system level should aim to improve interprofessional communication and genetic biomarker testing expertise.

Exploring leadership in health professionals following an industry-based leadership program: A cross-sectional survey.

AIM: To evaluate the self-reported leadership practices and behaviours of health professionals following a leadership program and explore factors that impacted leadership style. DESIGN: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2022. METHODS: The survey was disseminated via email to leadership program graduates. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Form-6S was used to measure leadership style. RESULTS: Eighty completed surveys were included in the analysis. Participants scored highest on transformational leadership and lowest on passive/avoidant leadership style. Participants with higher qualifications scored significantly higher in the inspirational motivation scores (p = 0.03). As years in their profession increased, there was a significant decrease in contingent reward scores (p = 0.04). The younger participants scored significantly higher on the management-by-exception than older participants (p = 0.05). There were no significant associations with the year the leadership program was completed, gender or profession and Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Form - 6S scores. Most participants (72.5%) strongly agreed that the program enhanced their leadership development and 91.3% strongly agreed or agreed that they routinely apply the skills and knowledge learnt in the program in their workplace. CONCLUSION: Formal leadership education is important in developing a transformational nursing workforce. This study found that program graduates had adopted a transformational leadership style. Education, years of experience and age impacted the specific leadership elements. Future work needs to incorporate longitudinal follow-up to relate changes in leadership with impact on clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: Transformational leadership as a dominant style can contribute to nurses and other disciplines positively contributing to innovative and person-centred approaches to health service delivery. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What already is known-Leadership amongst nurses and other health professionals impacts patients, staff, organizations and ultimately healthcare culture. What this paper adds-Formal leadership education is important in developing a transformational healthcare workforce. Implications for practice/policy-Transformational leadership can enhance nurses and other disciplines commitment to innovative and person-centred approaches. IMPACT STATEMENT: This research identifies that lessons learnt from formal leadership education are retained over time by healthcare providers. This is important for nursing staff, and other healthcare providers, who are leading teams and overseeing care delivery, can ensure leadership behaviours and practices are enacted to influence a transformational workforce and culture. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to STROBE guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Preparing the Leaders of Tomorrow: Learnings from a Two-Year Community of Practice in Fragility Fractures.

To facilitate the development of leadership competencies in a multidisciplinary group of 18 emerging bone experts from 6 European Countries and Brazil, to face future scenarios in the evolving field of fragility fractures, and to support secondary fracture prevention and improve patient outcomes. Changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have further highlighted this need. A 2.5-year community of practice (CoP) programme was established with two senior bone experts acting as mentors. The content was adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The education impact of the programme was assessed using an ethics-approved mixed-method design consisting of multiple sources of qualitative and quantitative data collected longitudinally. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data underwent a thematic analysis. After participating in the programme, participants reported increased interprofessional collaboration and communication skills, better understanding of health economics and negotiation, application of adult learning principles to their work setting, development of competencies to critically appraise guidelines, enhanced abilities to facilitate behaviour change in others, and improved confidence leading their team through crisis situations. Although time was required for some physicians to get accustomed to the CoP concept and develop trust with other members, it was described as a beneficial real-world learning experience. An educational real-world CoP programme was effective in enhancing leadership competencies among future leaders in the bone field to improve care of fragility fracture patients. The results presented could guide the development of other CoPs in fragility fracture care as leadership competencies are increasingly required in that field.

Challenges associated with the integration of immuno-oncology agents in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: The availability of new immuno-oncology therapeutics markedly impacts oncology clinicians' treatment decision-making. To effectively support healthcare professionals (HCPs) in their practice, it is important to better understand the challenges and barriers that can accompany the introduction of these agents. This study aimed to establish the types and causes of clinical challenges posed by the introduction of new immuno-oncology agents. METHODS: The mixed-methods design included qualitative in-depth interviews and group discussions with HCPs, in which participants discussed clinical challenges and potential underlying reasons for these challenges. Qualitative findings informed a quantitative survey. This survey investigated the extent and distribution of challenges using HCPs' self-rating of knowledge, skill, confidence, and exposure to system-level effects. These two phases were conducted sequentially with distinctly stratified samples of oncologists, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), pathologists, clinical pharmacists, interventional radiologists, rheumatologists, pulmonologists, and emergency department physicians. Participants were from the United States and had various levels of clinical experience and represented both academic and community-based settings. RESULTS: The final sample included 107 HCPs in the qualitative phase and 554 in the quantitative phase. Analyses revealed clinical challenges related to the use of pharmacodiagnostics. For example, 47% of pathologists and 42% of oncologists reported skill gaps in identifying the appropriate marker and 46% of oncologists, 61% of PAs, 66% of NPs, 74% of pulmonologists and 81% of clinical pharmacists reported skill gaps in selecting treatment based on test results. Challenges also emerged regarding the integration of immuno-oncology agents, as oncologists, rheumatologists, pulmonologists, clinical pharmacists, PAs, and NPs reported knowledge gaps (74-81%) of the safety profiles of recently approved agents. In addition, 90% of clinical pharmacists reported skill gaps weighing the risks and benefits of treating patients with immuno-oncology agents while affected by lupus. Finally, patient communication challenges were identified: HCPs reported difficulties discussing essential aspects of immunotherapy to patients as well as how they might compare to other types of therapies. CONCLUSION: The challenges highlighted in this study reveal substantial educational gaps related to the integration of immuno-oncology agents into practice for various groups of HCPs. These findings provide a strong base of evidence for future educational initiatives.

Clinical practice gaps and challenges in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis care: An international physician needs assessment.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Even as several pharmacological treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are in development, the incidence of NASH is increasing on an international scale. We aim to assess clinical practice gaps and challenges of hepatologists and endocrinologists when managing patients with NASH in four countries (Germany/Italy/United Kingdom/United States) to inform educational interventions. METHODS: A sequential mixed-method design was used: qualitative semi-structured interviews followed by quantitative online surveys. Participants were hepatologists and endocrinologists practising in one of the targeted countries. Interview data underwent thematic analysis and survey data were analysed with chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Most interviewees (n = 24) and surveyed participants (89% of n = 224) agreed that primary care must be involved in screening for NASH, yet many faced challenges involving and collaborating with them. Endocrinologists reported low knowledge of which blood markers to use when suspecting NASH (56%), when to order an MRI (65%) or ultrasound/FibroScan® (46%), and reported sub-optimal skills interpreting alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 37%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 38%) blood marker test results, causing difficulty during diagnosis. Participants believed that more evidence is needed for upcoming therapeutic agents; yet, they reported sub-optimal knowledge of eligibility criteria for clinical trials. Knowledge and skill gaps when managing comorbidities, as well as skill gaps facilitating patient lifestyle changes were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Educational interventions are needed to address the knowledge and skill gaps identified and to develop strategies to optimize patient care, which include implementing relevant care pathways, encouraging referrals and testing, and multidisciplinary collaboration, as suggested by the recent Global Consensus statement on NAFLD.

Hosting an Educational Careers Day Within the Virtual Paradigm: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group Experience.

INTRODUCTION:  To explore our experience of hosting the 10th Annual Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group-Society of British Neurological Surgeons (NANSIG-SBNS) Neurosurgery Careers Day, held virtually for the first time. METHODS:  Reflective feedback and review of an international, virtual neurosurgery careers day. The authors reflect on the logistics of organizing the event, and the pre- and post-event feedback provided by delegates. Recommendations have been made on how to successfully host a virtual event. The key themes that permeated the event have been outlined and discussed in the context of the feedback received. RESULTS:  The event was attended by 231 delegates from 20 countries worldwide. Knowledge of neurosurgery as a career and the application process increased after attending the careers day (4.27/5 to 4.51/5, p=0.003 and 3.12/5 to 4.31/5, p<0.001 respectively). The key themes identified from the event include attendance, networking, and education. Qualitative feedback was positive and indicated a positive perception of the careers day. CONCLUSIONS:  The future of educational events is unclear, and a hybrid approach is recommended to retain the benefits of the online space when in-person events eventually return.

Imagining the Future of Learning in Healthcare: The GAME 2019 #FuturistForum.

The GAME 2019 #FuturistForum involved an exchange of ideas and perspectives on the future of learning in healthcare and necessary evolutions to sustain future health systems. This event allowed for reflection and discourse around a) what medical learning or learning in healthcare may look like 10-15 years from now, b) how technology would impact that evolution, and c) what collaborative roles distinct stakeholders would play. Seventy-five (75) key stakeholders, experts from various fields, participated in the two-day event. Four multifaceted themes were uncovered from the qualitative analysis, which are: learning will be lifelong and outcome-based, the health system will follow a preventive care model, technology will be an enabler of evolution in education and health systems, and that multi-level collaboration will support and sustain future progress. Future implications, exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and study limitations are described.

Educational needs of fertility healthcare professionals using ART: a multi-country mixed-methods study.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the most pressing educational needs of fertility healthcare professionals using assisted reproductive technologies (ART)? DESIGN: This mixed-methods study combined qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys. Participants included physicians and nurses specialized in reproductive endocrinology or in obstetrics/gynaecology, and laboratory specialists, with a minimum of 3 years of experience, practising in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain or the UK. Maximum variation purposive sampling was used to ensure a mix of experience and settings. Interviews were transcribed and coded through thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency tables, cross-tabulations and chi-squared tests to compare results by reimbursement context. RESULTS: A total of 535 participants were included (273 physicians, 145 nurses and 117 laboratory specialists). Knowledge gaps, skills gaps and attitude issues were identified in relation to: (i) ovarian stimulation (e.g. knowledge of treatments and instruction protocols for ovarian stimulation), (ii) embryo culture and cryopreservation/vitrification (e.g. diverging opinions on embryo freezing, (iii) embryo assessment (e.g. performing genetic testing), (iv) support of luteal phase and optimizing pregnancy outcomes (e.g. knowledge of assessment methods for endometrial receptivity), and (v) communication with patients (e.g. reluctance to address emotional distress). CONCLUSIONS: This descriptive, exploratory study corroborates previously reported gaps in fertility care and identifies potential causes of these gaps. Findings provide evidence to inform educational programmes for healthcare professionals who use ART in their practice and calls for the development of case-based education and interprofessional training programmes to improve care for patients with fertility issues.

Barriers to shared decision-making with women of reproductive age affected by a chronic inflammatory disease: a mixed-methods needs assessment of dermatologists and rheumatologists.

OBJECTIVES: The main study objective was to identify challenges and barriers experienced by dermatologists and rheumatologists when engaging women of reproductive age in shared decision-making (SDM) related to treatment and management of chronic inflammatory disease (CID) before, during and after pregnancy. DESIGN: A mixed-methods study was conducted, employing (1) semistructured interviews, (2) an online survey and (3) triangulation of findings. PARTICIPANTS: 524 dermatologists and rheumatologists entered the study; 495 completed it; 388 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Participants were included if actively practising in Germany (GER), the UK or the USA; had a minimum 5% caseload of female patients of reproductive age with either axial spondyloarthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis; and had experience prescribing biologics. RESULTS: 48 interviews and 340 surveys were analysed. Interviews underscored dermatologists and rheumatologists' suboptimal integration of SDM in clinical practice. In the survey, 90% (n=305) did not know about SDM models. A perceived lack of competency counselling patients on pregnancy and family planning was also identified during interviews. Among the survey sample, 44% (n=150) of specialists agreed they preferred leaving pregnancy-related discussions to obstetricians and/or gynaecologists and 57% (n=189) reported having suboptimal skills discussing contraceptive methods with patients. Another finding that emerged from interviews was the perception that all biologics are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Suboptimal knowledge was noted among 57% (n=95) of dermatologists and 48% (n=83) of rheumatologists surveyed in that regard, with a statistically significant difference by country among dermatologists (GER: 42% vs UK: 71% vs USA: 57%, p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified low levels of knowledge, skill and confidence, as well as attitudinal issues, that explain why SDM is not fully integrated in dermatology and rheumatology clinical practice. Blended-learning interventions are recommended to assist CID specialists in developing effective communication and patient engagement competencies.

Challenges in multiple sclerosis care: Results from an international mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying treatment (DMT) selection for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is challenging. Neurologists and advanced practice nurses (APNs) in MS care may be facing knowledge and confidence gaps when screening patients to initiate or switch between DMTs, assessing the safety of new DMTs and monitoring for adverse events. Healthcare providers are required to demonstrate enhanced patient communication skills, to share treatment decisions and assess treatment adherence. To better inform educational interventions, there is a need to better understand these challenges and uncover their causalities. We undertook an international study across seven countries to identify challenges for neurologists and APNs that may impact DMT choices and optimum care for people with MS (pwMS). METHODS: This mixed methods study involved two concurrent data collection phases, a qualitative phase with semi-structured interviews and a quantitative phase using an online survey. Neurologists (n=333) and APNs (n=135) were recruited from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. All participants had to have a minimum of two years' experience in the care of pwMS and be currently active in clinical practice. RESULTS: A triangulated analysis of qualitative and quantitative data identified multiple challenges. For APNs, these mainly related to diagnosing MS, integrating new agents in their practice, sequential DMT selection, treatment monitoring and providing personalized care. Specifically, two-thirds of APNs reported no or basic knowledge of the 2017 McDonald criteria and over half reported a knowledge gap of new DMTs available (51%) and a skill gap when integrating them into practice (58%). APNs expressed a knowledge gap of treatment sequencing (46%) and a skill gap in making decisions about sequencing (62%). Forty-four percent of APNs reported a gap in their skills of integrating patient's goals into treatment recommendations. For neurologists, the main challenges included managing side effects, aligning care to their patient's personal goals and quality of life (QoL). Specifically, over a third of neurologists reported no or basic knowledge of the characteristics of treatment failure (35%), and 32% reported no or basic skills identifying treatment failure. Skills needed to integrate patient's individual goals into treatment recommendations were reported as none or low by 39% of neurologists. In addition, there were significant differences according to years of practice in the majority (9 out of 14) of confidence items with respect to discussing specific MS-related topics with patients. Significant differences between countries were also identified. CONCLUSION: The complexity of diagnosing MS and the variety of available DMTs for pwMS lead to uncertainties, even among specialized healthcare professionals. These should be addressed through focused education and training to optimize care for pwMS.

Needs and challenges among physicians and researchers in thrombosis and hemostasis: Results from an international study.

BACKGROUND: Specialty societies, such as the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), are a key source of support for clinical and scientific communities, through the provision of educational activities, tools, and resources to support evidence-based care and high-quality, relevant basic science and clinical research. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify areas where the thrombosis and hemostasis (T&H) community is facing challenges and could benefit from the support of ISTH. METHODS: A 3-phase, mixed-methods study consisting of semistructured individual interviews (phase 1), an online survey (phase 2), and discussion groups (phase 3) was conducted on the challenges experienced by the T&H community. Participants included physicians, clinical and basic science researchers, residents, fellows, students, and industry representatives. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency tables and chi-squares. RESULTS: The study included 468 participants in interviews (n = 45), surveys (n = 404), and discussion groups (n = 19). Nine themes emerged that describe areas where the T&H community may benefit from additional support. Three areas were related to diagnosis and testing: thrombosis risk assessment, genetic testing, and diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD). Another 3 were related to treatment decision making: use of anticoagulants with certain patients, preventive treatments in bleeding disorders, and VWD treatment. The remaining 3 were related to research: collaboration with/among researchers, collaboration between teams to collect data from human subjects, and promotion of basic science research. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive picture of priorities within the T&H community, which should inform the ISTH in its future interventions, including educational offerings and networking opportunities.

National Trends in Prescription Opioid Risk Mitigation Practices: Implications for Prescriber Education.

OBJECTIVES: To assess national trends in selected prescription opioid risk mitigation practices and associations with prescriber type, state-specific opioid overdose severity, and required pain education. METHODS: Analysis of the national SCOPE of Pain registrants' baseline self-report of five safer opioid prescribing practices over three years (March 2013-Februrary 2016). RESULTS: Of 6,889 registrants for SCOPE of Pain, 70-94% reported performing each of five opioid risk mitigation practices for "most or all" patients, with 49% doing so for all five practices. Only 28% performed all five practices for "all" patients prescribed opioids. There were few differences among three yearly cohorts. Advanced practice nurses reported performing practices for "all" patients more often than physicians or physician assistants. Clinicians from states with high opioid overdose rates reported significantly higher implementation of most practices, compared with clinicians from states with low rates. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribers report low levels of employing five opioid risk mitigation practices for all patients prescribed opioids before attending a safer opioid prescribing training. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Safer opioid prescribing education should transition from knowledge acquisition toward universal implementation of opioid risk mitigation practices.

Education needs of nurses in thrombosis and hemostasis: An international, mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: The need for a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach to care for individuals with bleeding or clotting disorders has been highlighted in recent years. Evidence-based education adapted to nurses' needs is essential for a successful evolution. However, limited data currently exist on the clinical challenges nurses face in this specialty area. OBJECTIVES: Identify barriers and challenges faced by specialty nurses, and determine possible causes, to develop appropriate educational interventions. METHODS: A mixed-methods study, combining qualitative (semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (online survey) data was conducted on the challenges experienced by hemostasis nurses in nine countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Spain, the UK, and the US), and deployed in five languages (English, French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency tables, chi-squares and standard deviations. RESULTS: Participants (n = 234) included nurses (n = 212; n = 22 qualitative; n = 190 quantitative); and patients receiving care for bleeding or clotting conditions or their caretakers (n = 22 qualitative phase only). Through triangulated data analysis, six challenging areas emerged: (a) Understanding of von Willebrand disease (VWD); (b) Anticoagulant safety profile in specific patients; (c) Understanding the treatment of patients with inhibitors; (d) Patient risk assessments; (e) Individualization of care and communication with patients; and (f) Accessing and implementing relevant professional education. CONCLUSIONS: This needs assessment provides a comprehensive illustration of the current challenges faced by nurses in the field of bleeding and clotting disorders, and indicates where gaps in skills, knowledge or confidence would benefit from nurse-specific educational programming.

A multi-stakeholder perspective on asthma care in Canada: findings from a mixed methods needs assessment in the treatment and management of asthma in adults.

BACKGROUND: Although several aspects of asthma care have been identified as being sub-optimal in Canada, such as patient education, practice guideline adoption, and access to care, there remains a need to determine the extent to which these gaps remain, so as to investigate their underlying causes, and potential solutions. METHODS: An ethics-approved mixed methods educational needs assessment was conducted in four Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec), combining a qualitative phase (45-min semi-structured interviews with community-based healthcare providers and key stakeholders) and a quantitative phase (15-min survey, healthcare providers only). RESULTS: A total of 234 participants were included in the study, 44 in semi-structured interviews and 190 in the online survey. Five clinical areas were reported to be suboptimal by multiple categories of participants, and specific causes were identified for each. These areas included: Integration of guidelines into clinical practice, use of spirometry, individualisation of asthma devices to patient needs, emphasis on patient adherence and self-management, and clarity regarding roles and responsibilities of different members of the asthma healthcare team. Common causes for gaps in all these areas included suboptimal knowledge amongst healthcare providers, differing perceptions on the importance of certain interventions, and inadequate communication between healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a better understanding of the specific causes underlying common gaps and challenges in asthma care in Canada. This information can inform future continuing medical education, and help providers in community settings obtain access to adequate materials, resources, and training to support optimal care of adult patients with asthma.

Identifying the educational needs of physicians in pediatric epilepsy in order to improve care: results from a needs assessment in Germany, Spain, and the United States.

The objective of this study was to gather evidence-based data on the educational needs of neuropediatricians. A needs assessment was conducted to identify the clinical challenges of physicians when diagnosing, medically treating, and managing pediatric patients with epilepsy; which could be addressed through educational interventions. A two-phase mixed-methods approach was used to conduct the needs assessment in Germany, Spain, and the US. Phase 1 consisted of qualitative data collection through multiple sources: a literature review, semi-structured interviews with clinicians and nurses working in pediatric epilepsy, and interpretation and input from faculty experts. Qualitative data were coded (NVivo) and analyzed using a thematic analysis, and findings were then used to design the second phase. Phase 2 consisted of quantitative data collection through an online survey that aimed to validate the identified challenges and underlying causes using a larger sample than in Phase 1. Data from the survey were analyzed using frequency tabulations and chi-square tests (SPSS). A total of 267 participants were included in the study. Phase 1 included 88 participants (neurologists, pediatricians, neuropediatricians, and nurses). Phase 2 included 179 participants (neurologists, pediatricians, and neuropediatricians). The main areas of challenge which emerged from the triangulated data included: the integration of guidelines into practice, identification of epilepsy and epilepsy events, integration of genetic testing into practice, integration of non-pharmacological treatments, transition from pediatric to adult care, and involvement and engagement with caregivers. Underlying causes of these challenges are reported, along with supporting qualitative findings. This study identified the educational needs of physicians working in pediatric epilepsy in Germany, Spain and the USA. Increasingly, educational interventions are required to be evidence-based. The results of this study could be used to design such interventions to support neuropediatricians who wish to specialize in pediatric epileptology, in order to manage the identified challenges.

Major knowledge gaps and system barriers to guideline implementation among European physicians treating patients with atrial fibrillation: a European Society of Cardiology international educational needs assessment.

Aims: Guideline-adherent treatment is associated with improved prognosis in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients but is insufficiently implemented in clinical practice. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) performed a multinational educational needs assessment study among cardiologists, general practitioners/family physicians (GPs/FPs), and neurologists in order to evaluate knowledge and skills of physicians and system factors related to AF care delivery. Methods and results: A total of 561 physicians (294 cardiologists, 131 neurologists, and 136 GPs/FPs) from six European countries participated. This mixed-methods study included exploratory semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 30) and a quantitative survey that included two clinical cases (n = 531). We identified eight key knowledge gaps and system barriers across all domains of AF care. A majority across all specialties reported skills needing improvement to classify AF pathophysiologically, rather than based on duration of episodes, and reported lack of availability of long-term electrocardiogram recording. Skills interpreting the CHA2DS2-VASc and the HAS-BLED scores were reported as needing improvement by the majority of neurologists (52% and 60%, respectively) and GPs/FPs (65% and 74%). Cardiologists calculated the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores in 94%/70% in a presented case patient, but only 60%/49% of neurologists and 58%/42% of GPs/FPs did. There was much uncertainty on how to deal with anticoagulant therapy in complex patients. There was also a high disparity in using rate or rhythm control strategies, and indications for ablation. Information delivery to patients and communication between different specialties was often considered suboptimal, while national regulations and restrictions often hamper international guideline implementation. Conclusion: We identified major gaps in physicians' knowledge and skills across all domains of AF care, as well as system factors hampering guideline-compliant care implementation and communication. These gaps should be addressed by targeted educational and advocacy efforts.

Educational needs and application of guidelines in the management of patients with mitral regurgitation. A European mixed-methods study.

Aims: To assess the knowledge and application of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines in the management of mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods and results: A mixed-methods educational needs assessment was performed. Following a qualitative phase (interviews), an online survey was undertaken using three case scenarios (asymptomatic severe primary MR, symptomatic severe primary MR in the elderly, and severe secondary MR) in 115 primary care physicians (PCPs), and 439 cardiologists or cardiac surgeons from seven European countries. Systematic cardiac auscultation was performed by only 54% of clinicians in asymptomatic patients. Cardiologists appropriately interpreted echocardiographic assessment of mechanism and quantification of primary MR (≥75%), but only 44% recognized secondary MR as severe. In asymptomatic severe primary MR with an indication for surgery, 27% of PCPs did not refer the patient to a cardiologist and medical therapy was overused by 19% of cardiologists. In the elderly patient with severe symptomatic primary MR, 72% of cardiologists considered mitral intervention (transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair in 72%). In severe symptomatic secondary MR, optimization of medical therapy was advised by only 51% of PCPs and 33% of cardiologists, and surgery considered in 30% of cases (transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in 64%). Conclusion: Systematic auscultation is underused by PCPs for the early detection of MR. Medical therapy is overused in primary MR and underused in secondary MR. Indications for interventions are appropriate in most patients with primary MR, but are unexpectedly frequent for secondary MR. These gaps identify important targets for future educational programs.