What makes patients tick? Vaccine preferences against tick-borne encephalitis in four European countries.

BACKGROUND: We explored vaccine motivation and preferences for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine attributes among participants in TBE-endemic countries in Europe. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among the general public in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. Participants were ≥ 18 years old, open to receiving vaccines, and living in, or regularly traveling to, TBE-endemic regions in the aforementioned countries. Participants were asked about their general vaccine knowledge and motivations for vaccination, before rating the importance of TBE vaccine attributes, such as efficacy, safety, dosing schedule, and booster interval. Thereafter, participants were shown three hypothetical TBE vaccine profiles with different combinations of attributes. Assuming equal efficacy and safety, participants were asked to select their preferred profile from 12 screens as part of a discrete-choice conjoint analysis. Utility scores were calculated to show the importance of each attribute. Data are presented for the overall survey group and by age and gender, using t-tests to compare means. RESULTS: For 73% of participants (n = 1003/1379), self-protection was among the top three reasons to get vaccinated. Disease severity, protection of children or family, and advice or recommendation from a doctor/healthcare professional (HCP) were top three reasons for over half of participants. The majority (58-69%) agreed or strongly agreed that they trust their doctor/HCP on the subject of vaccines, they rely on their doctor/HCP's vaccine knowledge, and they prefer their doctor/HCP to make recommendations on which vaccines they or their families should take. Efficacy and safety were the most important standalone TBE vaccine attributes; however, among TBE vaccine profiles including 3-, 5- and 10-year booster intervals, the 10-year booster interval was the most influential attribute level when choosing a preferred vaccine profile (utility score: 0.58 [standard error: 0.01]). Differences in motivators and preferences were observed between age and gender subgroups. CONCLUSION: The high level of doctor/HCP reliance highlights the key role doctors/HCPs play in influencing vaccine decision-making. Booster interval was the biggest driver of choice when selecting a hypothetical TBE vaccine profile, with the strongest preference for a 10-year booster interval. These findings could be used to inform TBE vaccination recommendations and in the further development of TBE vaccines.

Community Pharmacist-Centered training program improves confidence in delivering epilepsy care.

RATIONALE: Incorporating pharmacists into interdisciplinary healthcare teams can improve patient outcomes across disease states; however, there is little evidence describing pharmacists' contributions to epilepsy care. Previous research from our group revealed that community pharmacists are well positioned to serve as patient advocates, monitor medications, and provide education for people living with epilepsy. However, pharmacists would like to receive additional training in epilepsy management. Advanced training in neurology is not a practical approach for community pharmacists who engage daily with patients having a variety of conditions and medications. OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a flexible, community pharmacist-centered training program to improve both confidence and competence in delivering epilepsy care. METHODS: The training program consisted of five 1-hour, self-paced online modules and two 90-minute synchronous virtual sessions. Topics included the classification of the epilepsies, comorbid conditions, antiseizure medicine (ASM) therapy, special populations (pregnancy, people of childbearing potential, older adults), seizure emergencies, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), as well as social determinants of health. The training program was delivered over 6 weeks to pharmacists located at two community pharmacies in Washington State. Learning was assessed using a pre- and post-training questionnaire containing questions that evaluated knowledge and confidence in the training material. RESULTS: The training program did not significantly change pharmacists' mastery of the material. However, the pharmacists' confidence in delivering the material significantly improved in 14 of the 16 areas that were evaluated. Pharmacists' mastery and confidence were strongest in areas around ASM management, SUDEP and seizure emergencies, people of child-bearing potential and older adults with epilepsy, and comorbidities, whereas social health disparities in epilepsy care remained an area that required further training. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the idea that community pharmacists are well positioned with the knowledge to play an important role in epilepsy care. However, dedicated training tailored to community pharmacists' needs may improve their confidence in providing such care.

Sickle cell anaemia control mission: Implementation of a comprehensive care model in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh.

Background & objectives Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common genetic disorder, predominantly found in the tribal population of India. The examples of models providing comprehensive care and management to individuals with SCD in public health facilities are sparse. The Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Mission is one such model implemented by Jan Swasthya Sahyog, a non-profit organization in collaboration with the National Health Mission in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. This article aimed to identify the key learnings from this programme that can guide the public health system strengthening with respect to SCD. Methods The Sickle Cell Anemia Control Mission Programme included door to door screening for anaemia, SCD and blood group. SCD cases were included in the programme and other individuals with Anemia were referred for further care. Care for individuals with SCD included counselling, provision of hydroxyurea, regular follow up of clinical parameters and management of complications. Care for individuals with SCD was provided through monthly patient support group (PSG) meetings and regular outpatient /in-patient care at public health facilities. Quantitative data on programme design, screening and patient management collected during programme implementation were used for analysis. Results A total of 39421 persons were screened in 18 months (August 2018-March 2020). Of these 81.9 per cent persons were anaemic, 16.9 per cent had sickle cell trait and 779 (1.98%) had SCD. Eighty-six already diagnosed individuals joined the programme for care. People from all caste categories were diagnosed with SCD. Out of 865 individuals with SCD, 157 underwent regular 9-11 months follow up and showed improvement in clinical symptoms and drug compliance. Interpretation & conclusions Central India has a significant burden of anaemia and SCD. This study found that SCD is present in non-tribals as well. PSGs are an efficient way to deliver non-emergency care for chronic diseases such as SCD.

Outcomes of a patient support programme for subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy is important in the treatment of primary (PID) and secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Patient support programmes (PSPs) help patients self-administer medication regimens and play a more active role in the self-management of their medical conditions. AIM: To describe the effectiveness of the CSL Behring CARES PSP in optimising the quality use of SCIg in a hospital-free environment. DESIGN: This retrospective, observational study analysed records of patients enroled in the CSL Behring CARES PSP. Key outcomes were accessibility and effectiveness. Data were extracted from the patient database and analysed using descriptive methods. RESULTS: Seven hundred eighty-nine patients with PID (30.8%), SID (53.4%) and CIDP (15.8%) were enroled in the CARES PSP, 92.8% of whom were referred from public hospitals and the remaining from private hospitals. Of the total patient population, 697 (88.3%) received the nurse-led SCIg self-administration training and education (COACH), out of which 656 (94.1%) completed training and achieved competency after an average of 2.3 training sessions. The proportions of patients who achieved competency were similar across age groups and prior SCIg hospital education status. CONCLUSION: This is the largest real-world evidence study that describes the effectiveness of SCIg PSPs across three therapeutic disease states. These PSPs can optimise hospital resources such as infusion nurse time and allocation of infusion chairs that were once used for intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, improve patient access to SCIg therapy and enable patients self-administer SCIg outside a hospital environment.

Enhancing ICU care with nurse-written diaries.

BACKGROUND: Patient diaries are a supportive intervention aiding intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and their families post-critical illness. Despite their growing acceptance, ICU diary usage varies across settings. AIM: This study explored themes in nurse-written ICU diaries and their impact on nursing work and communication. STUDY DESIGN: This qualitative study employed an interpretative narrative methodology to explore the experiences of ICU nurses. The narrative approach enabled the synthesis of diverse events and impressions into coherent stories, facilitating a deeper understanding of participants' perspectives. Data collection involved thematic analysis of diaries following Braun and Clarke's methodology. The analysis included familiarization, coding, theme identification and validation by the research team. The findings were reviewed by participants and translated into English using the WHO's cultural adaptation guidelines, ensuring reliability and credibility in the study's outcomes. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 28 ICU nurses, each with professional experience ranging from 1 to 23 years. The hospitalized subjects for whom our sample wrote the diary consist of 13 participants aged 23-79 years. Two main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) simplifying the intensive care situation with specific minimization strategies and (2) attention to nonverbal communication. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the role of nurse-written ICU diaries in making the ICU environment more understandable and less intimidating for patients. Nurse-written ICU diaries contribute to improved communication and emotional support within the ICU environment. Further research is needed to explore these effects more fully and to assess the broader implications of ICU diaries on patient outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse-written intensive care unit (ICU) diaries have a significant impact on both patient care and nursing practice in ICUs. ICU diaries serve as a crucial tool for enhancing communication, emotional support and empathetic care within these high-stress environments. By simplifying complex medical information and focusing on nonverbal communication, nurses can make the ICU experience more comprehensible and less intimidating for patients. This approach reduces patient anxiety and psychological stress while fostering a stronger nurse-patient relationship, ultimately improving care quality.

Multidisciplinary working in a community HIV specialist service.

OBJECTIVE: A documentation audit was performed to explore the multidisciplinary working of a community HIV specialist service (CHSS). The audit identified the wide range of services to which people living with HIV are referred as part of the care they receive within the CHSS. DESIGN: A retrospective documentation audit was used. SETTING: The CHSS, consisting of three teams covering a wide geographical area across West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. A total of 30 patients' notes were audited, including 10 patients from each team to ensure the results were representative of the service as a whole. RESULTS: The audit showed that, on average, each person received five onward referrals to other health care, social care, or HIV-specific services, with a range of between 1 and 12, as a result of being under the care of the CHSS. The types of referrals varied, with 46% being to HIV specialist services and the remaining 54% to non-HIV specific services, including GPs, social services and other health services. Overall, the audit showed not only the holistic care and assessments completed but also the benefit and increased access to other services and care as a result of community HIV team involvement. CONCLUSION: The audit highlights the importance of continuing to develop HIV community services to cater for this changing population, as well as identifying possible areas of development. The results also demonstrate the vital role that CHSSs have in supporting hard-to-reach patients.

Effectiveness of self-financing patient-led support groups in the management of hypertension and diabetes in low- and middle-income countries: Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: There is insufficient evidence on the role of self-financing patient support groups in the control of blood pressure (BP) and/or diabetes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effectiveness of these groups in BP and glycaemic control. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Global Health, African Journals Online, CINAHL and African Index Medicus for published peer-reviewed articles from inception up to November 2021. Grey literature was obtained from OpenGrey. Studies on patient support groups for hypertension and/or diabetes with a component of pooling financial resources, conducted in LMICs, were included. Narrative reviews, commentaries, editorials and articles published in languages other than English and French were excluded. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality assessment tool and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Results are reported according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of 724 records screened, three studies met the criteria: two trials conducted in Kenya and a retrospective cohort study conducted in Cambodia. All studies reported improvement in BP control after 12 months follow-up with reductions in systolic BP of 23, 14.8, and 16.9 mmHg, respectively. Two studies reported diabetes parameters. The first reported improvement in HbA1c (reduction from baseline 10.8%, to 10.6% at 6 months) and random blood sugar (baseline 8.9 mmol/L, to 8.5 mmol/L at 6 months) but these changes did not achieve statistical significance. The second reported a reduction in fasting blood glucose (baseline-216 mg/dl, 12 months-159 mg/dl) in diabetic patients on medication. CONCLUSION: Self-financing patient support groups for diabetes and hypertension are potentially effective in the control of BP and diabetes in LMICs. More studies are needed to add to the scarce evidence base on the role of self-financing patient support groups.

A tripartite approach toward ending cancer as we know it, for everyone: An American Cancer Society perspective.

Gaps in the cancer care continuum are vast, both in the United States and globally. The American Cancer Society orchestrates an integrated, tripartite approach toward improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through research, advocacy, and patient support. With a focus on eradicating cancer disparities, the American Cancer Society aims to scale and deploy best practices worldwide through partnerships, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

The role of facebook support groups for women with benign urologic conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the availability and content of patient support groups on social media platforms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five prevalent benign, urologic conditions affecting adult women were selected for analysis. Facebook support groups for these conditions were identified. Groups specific to one urologic condition and with at least 400 members were included, and groups for pediatric and malignant conditions were excluded. Each support group was analyzed for member count, posts per month, and period of activity. The 100 most recent posts in the largest support groups were manually reviewed and further categorized into content subsections. RESULTS: A total number of 56 Facebook support groups were identified that satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Interstitial cystitis (IC) had 25 groups (68 466 members; 4825 posts), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) had 14 groups (72 342; 3067), UTI had nine groups (36 414; 3204), overactive bladder and/or urinary incontinence (OAB/UI) had seven groups (8246; 306), urinary retention had one group (1168; 118). Across all groups, post content was predominantly informational support (77.6%). Remaining post content was both informational and emotional support (10.0%), emotional support only (7.6%), or unrelated to either informational or emotional support (4.8%). CONCLUSION: Individuals with benign urologic conditions are utilizing social media support groups predominantly to seek and share informational support from patient peers. The number of existing groups as well as the level of activity and number of members within individual support groups varies significantly between different urologic conditions. This suggests that there is an unmet need for accessible informational content for patients who suffer with benign urological conditions.

Real-world evaluation of an acceptance and commitment therapy-based group programme for breast cancer survivors with fear of cancer recurrence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a 6-week acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based group programme on participants' fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), quality of life (QoL), psychological distress and psychological flexibility at the end of the programme and 12-week follow-up. METHODS: A one-group, post-test service evaluation of a real-world psychological programme was carried out to evaluate collected outcome measures and attendance for a total of 21 groups facilitated between 2017 and 2019. Participants were breast cancer survivors who attended a 6-week group programme led by NHS clinicians. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA analyses were carried out for each outcome measure. Attendance levels were examined to assess acceptability. RESULTS: A total of 97 group participants who had completed curative treatment for breast cancer took part. Of whom, 89% completed at least 4 of the 6 weekly group sessions and 76% attended the 12-week follow-up session. Eighty-four (87%) participants returned outcome measures at all three time points relative to group participation (T1 = pre, T2 = post T3 = 12-week follow-up). Group participants were female, mean age 51.9 years. FCR was highest at T1 (mean 25.2, SD 4.7), reduced T2 (mean 21.2, SD 5.4) and further lowered T3 (mean 19.5, SD 6.2). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). QoL was lowest at T1 (mean 62.4, SD 15.7), increased T2 (mean 71.7, SD 18.1) and further increased at T3 (mean 75.9, SD 17.5). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Psychological distress measures were shown to reduce, and psychological flexibility increased. CONCLUSIONS: This real-world evaluation of an ACT-based group programme led to improvements in FCR, QoL, psychological distress and psychological flexibility in this population. This evaluation provides basis for further investigation to determine if these results can be replicated by controlled research design across diverse populations.

Data collection within patient support programs in Canada and implications for real-world evidence generation: the authors' perspective.

Patient support programs (PSPs) offer a unique opportunity to collect real-world data that can contribute to improving patient care and informing healthcare decision making. In this perspective article, we explore the collection of data through PSPs in Canada, current advances in data collection methods, and the potential for generating acceptable real-world evidence (RWE). With PSP infrastructure already in place for most specialized drugs in Canada, adding and strengthening data collection capacities has been a focus in recent years. However, limitations in PSP data, including challenges related to quality, bias, and trust, need to be acknowledged and addressed. Forward-thinking PSP developers have been taking steps to strengthen the PSP datasphere, such as engaging third parties for data analysis, publishing peer-reviewed studies that utilize PSPs as a data source and incorporating quality controls into data collection processes. This article illustrates the current state of PSP data collection by examining six PSP RWE studies and outlining their data characteristics and the health outcomes collected from the PSP. A framework for collecting real-world data within a PSP and a checklist to address issues of trust and bias in PSP data collection is also provided. Collaboration between drug manufacturers, PSP vendors, and data specialists will be crucial in elevating PSP data to a level acceptable to healthcare decision makers, including health technology assessors and payers, with the ultimate beneficiary being patients.

Online support group for patients with inflammatory eye disease: Characterisation of members and assessment of benefits.

BACKGROUND: Support groups in ophthalmology may be of utmost importance for patients and caregivers. We aimed to characterise members of an online support group for patients and parents of children with inflammatory eye disease and assess the members' expectations and perceived benefits. METHODS: A survey based on a voluntary, anonymous web questionnaire was distributed to the members of the 'Lirot' association online support group. The questionnaire included demographic, ocular and systemic information, functional and psychosocial data, support group use patterns, expectations and perceived benefits. Analysis was done for patients and parents. RESULTS: Out of 67 respondents, 43 (64%) were patients, and 24 (36%) were parents. Fifty-eight (88%) were women. The mean age of respondents was 42.9 ± 1.34 years. Anterior uveitis was the most common, and most patients had good visual acuity (<0.3 logMAR). Parents reported higher anxiety levels (p = 0.044) and a more significant effect of their child's disease on their general function (p = 0.005). Most members sought several experts' opinions, psychological treatments and alternative medicine. All members used the WhatsApp group, while only approximately half used Facebook (p < 0.001). Members' expectations were fulfilled for social support, a sense of shared experience and being able to help others, but not for receiving information (p < 0.001). All members reported being willing to recommend the group to others. CONCLUSIONS: Support group participation benefited group members. We suggest that ophthalmologists encourage their inflammatory eye disease patients to use online support groups, which may significantly improve their well-being.

Inverse association between blood pressure and pulse oximetry accuracy: an observational study in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

BACKGROUND: Pulse oximeters are a standard non-invasive tool to measure blood oxygen levels, and are used in multiple healthcare settings. It is important to understand the factors affecting their accuracy to be able to use them optimally and safely. This analysis aimed to explore the association of the measurement error of pulse oximeters with systolic BP, diastolic BP and heart rate (HR) within ranges of values commonly observed in clinical practice. METHODS: The study design was a retrospective observational study of all patients admitted to a large teaching hospital with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection from February 2020 to December 2021. Data on systolic and diastolic BPs and HR levels were available from the same time period as the pulse oximetry measurements. RESULTS: Data were available for 3420 patients with 5927 observations of blood oxygen saturations as measured by pulse oximetry and ABG sampling within 30 min. The difference in oxygen saturation using the paired pulse oximetry and arterial oxygen saturation difference measurements was inversely associated with systolic BP, increasing by 0.02% with each mm Hg decrease in systolic BP (95% CI 0.00% to 0.03%) over a range of 80-180 mm Hg. Inverse associations were also observed between the error for oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry and with both diastolic BP (+0.03%; 95% CI 0.00% to 0.05%) and HR (+0.04%; 95% CI 0.02% to 0.06% for each unit decrease in the HR). CONCLUSIONS: Care needs to be taken in interpreting pulse oximetry measurements in patients with lower systolic and diastolic BPs, and HRs, as oxygen saturation is overestimated as BP and HR decrease. Confirmation of the oxygen saturation with an ABG may be appropriate in some clinical scenarios.

Drink and injection spiking: how to approach an increase in presentations?

In 2021, there was a significant increase in the number of reported drink spiking incidents across the UK. The new phenomenon of spiking via injection also emerged, which gained significant media attention. Campaigns encouraged potential spiking victims to attend an ED for testing. However, there is limited published research on drink spiking and no published studies on injection spiking. One UK guideline for the management of spiking exists, advising testing 'if clinically indicated' and is likely underused. Therefore, patients are often managed without drug testing, psychological support or a clear onward referral pathway. This practice review will explore the background of spiking, discuss drug testing options and highlight the psychological sequelae of spiking. An example guideline for the management of spiking incidents is attached.

Impact on all-cause mortality of a case prediction and prevention intervention designed to reduce secondary care utilisation: findings from a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Health coaching services could help to reduce emergency healthcare utilisation for patients targeted proactively by a clinical prediction model (CPM) predicting patient likelihood of future hospitalisations. Such interventions are designed to empower patients to confidently manage their own health and effectively utilise wider resources. Using CPMs to identify patients, rather than prespecified criteria, accommodates for the dynamic hospital user population and for sufficient time to provide preventative support. However, it is unclear how this care model would negatively impact survival. METHODS: Emergency Department (ED) attenders and hospital inpatients between 2015 and 2019 were automatically screened for their risk of hospitalisation within 6 months of discharge using a locally trained CPM on routine data. Those considered at risk and screened as suitable for the intervention were contacted for consent and randomised to one-to-one telephone health coaching for 4-6 months, led by registered health professionals, or routine care with no contact after randomisation. The intervention involved motivational guidance, support for self-care, health education, and coordination of social and medical services. Co-primary outcomes were emergency hospitalisation and ED attendances, which will be reported separately. Mortality at 24 months was a safety endpoint. RESULTS: Analysis among 1688 consented participants (35% invitation rate from the CPM, median age 75 years, 52% female, 1139 intervention, 549 control) suggested no significant difference in overall mortality between treatment groups (HR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.62, 1.08), pr(HR<1=0.92), but did suggest a significantly lower mortality in men aged >75 years (HR (95% CI): 0.57 (0.37, 0.84), number needed to treat=8). Excluding one site unable to adopt a CPM indicated stronger impact for this patient subgroup (HR (95% CI): 0.45 (0.26, 0.76)). CONCLUSIONS: Early mortality in men aged >75 years may be reduced by supporting individuals at risk of unplanned hospitalisation with a clear outreach, out-of-hospital nurse-led, telephone-based coaching care model.

Humans not heroes: Canadian emergency physician experiences during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic has upended much clinical care, irrevocably changing our health systems and thrusting emergency physicians into a time of great uncertainty and change. This study is a follow-up to a survey that examined the early pandemic experience among Canadian emergency physicians and aimed to qualitatively describe the experiences of these physicians during the global pandemic. The study was conducted at a time when Canadian COVID-19 case numbers were low. METHODS: The investigators engaged in an interview-based study that used an interpretive description analytic technique, sensitised by the principles of phenomenology. One-to-one interviews were conducted, transcribed and then analysed to establish a codebook, which was subsequently grouped into key themes. Results underwent source triangulation (with survey data from a similar period) and investigator-driven audit trail analysis. RESULTS: A total of 16 interviews (11 female, 5 male) were conducted between May and September 2020. The isolated themes on emergency physicians' experiences during the early pandemic included: (1) disruption and loss of emergency department shift work; (2) stress of COVID-19 uncertainty and information bombardment; (3) increased team bonding; (4) greater personal life stress; (5) concern for patients' isolation, miscommunication and disconnection from care; (6) emotional distress. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian emergency physicians experienced emotional and psychological distress during the early COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when COVID-19 prevalence was low. This study's findings could guide future interventions to protect emergency physicians against pandemic-related distress.

Branded Care: The Policy Implications of Pharmaceutical Industry-Funded Nursing Care Related to Specialty Medicines.

An increasing proportion of new drugs approved for market worldwide are now high cost, specialty medicines. Pharmaceutical marketers face the challenge of convincing payers, prescribers, and patients that the cost and complexity of care associated with specialty medicines is worth the trouble, and now offer patient support programs, free of charge, to patients prescribed their drug. We conducted a secondary, qualitative, interpretive analysis of 24 interviews with leaders of patient groups and members of hospital formulary committees in Australia to describe the work of pharmaceutical company-employed or contracted nurses who provide support to patients prescribed specialty medicines, and to prompt discussion around the policy implications of relying on industry-funded nursing care within publicly funded health systems. Participants affirmed the value of specialist, holistic, person-centered nursing care, but perceived gaps within the public health system related to the availability and provision of nursing care for people living with chronic disease. Consequently, participants described the pharmaceutical industry as addressing health system gaps through sponsorship or direct provision of medication-related nursing care, but recognized that care was contingent on commercial interest. Participants highlighted a number of ethical and policy concerns stemming from industry-funded nursing care of people prescribed specialty medicines related to patient safety, continuity of care, inducement to prescribe, and health equity. This analysis suggests that outsourcing necessary medication-related care to pharmaceutical companies has implications for the health system and equitable, sustainable pharmaceutical policy that extend far beyond the care encounter.

Shared decision-making and the lessons learned about decision regret in cancer patients.

The commentary presents reflections on the literature on post-treatment cancer patient regret. Even though a lot of effort has been made to increase patient satisfaction by engaging them in medical decisions, patient regret remains present in clinical settings. In our commentary, we identify three main aspects of shared decision-making that previously have been shown to predict patient regret. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for physicians involved in the shared decision-making process. In addition, we make methodological suggestions for future research in the field.

A quantitative analysis of risk-sharing agreements with patient support programs for improving medication adherence.

Medication adherence is a challenge for patients, drugmakers, and payers. To promote adherence, some payers adopt a form of pay-for-success value-based risk-sharing agreements. Drugmakers reduce prices for meaningful improvement in adherence and share patient information and resources with payers; as a return, payers run patient support programs and put drugs on a tier with lower copays. We use a game-theoretic approach to investigate the optimal program effect and the optimal prices with and without improvement in adherence, measured by Proportion of Days Covered, under such an agreement. Since negotiation power impacts how prices are determined, we consider several pricing settings: the payer or the drugmaker sets both prices or sets one price simultaneously or sequentially. Although a discount for improved adherence tends to promote adherence, it may not always be achievable nor guarantees better adherence. The drugmaker with strong negotiation power can align its interest with social welfare but the payer may not. The payer with strong negotiation power can improve more adherence than the drugmaker. Balanced negotiation power contributes either the most or the least to adherence depending on contract form and decision sequence. Although cost-sharing by the drugmaker expects to increase program efforts, it may not be true. We find that the policymaker prefers different levels of cost-sharing under different pricing settings. The payer may have a first-mover advantage when setting the price without improved adherence; the drugmaker, however, does not have such an advantage.

Impact of a resident and student-led video visitation navigation program.

BACKGROUND: Many institutions implemented telehealth initiatives to provide social support for patients during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. Little is known about the impact of these programs on patient support persons and the trainees who facilitated them. OBJECTIVE: To assess perceptions of a resident physician and medical student-driven video visit program. METHODS: We designed and implemented a trainee-led video visit navigation program across three affiliated urban hospitals to facilitate video visits between patients and their support persons. We used descriptive statistics to understand the patient population served by the program and employed surveys for support persons and trainees to assess attitudes on the program. RESULTS: From April to June 2020, a total of 443 video visits were completed. Surveys were conducted for 101 out of 184 (54.9%) support persons and 39 out of 65 (60.0%) of medical trainees. Surveys demonstrated that video visits helped alleviate the stress and anxiety of support persons having a hospitalized loved one they could not visit. For trainees, facilitating these connections helped mitigate stress and provided a mechanism to contribute to the pandemic response. CONCLUSION: Telehealth navigation programs provide high levels of connection for patients and their support persons during the COVID-19 pandemic and potentially beyond. Residents and medical students involved in these initiatives mobilized telehealth modalities to improve experiences with care delivery.