scholarly journals P558 Medication Preference of 400 patients with mild to moderate Ulcerative Colitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S521-S522
Author(s):  
L Mackenzie-Smith ◽  
H Wüthrich ◽  
R Laoun
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Patient Preference ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Treatment Changes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Physician Perception ◽  
Negative Attributes

Abstract Background Patient adherence to his/her medication is a major challenge in the successful management of any chronic disease and it is a major challenge in Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Patient adherence is thought to be closely related to patient preference of medication and formulation used. We wanted to investigate the patient preference between tablets and granules of mesalazine and compare it to the physician perception. Methods We conducted an online survey between November and December 2020 in 4 EU countries (France, Germany, Spain, and the UK). In addition to patients and physicians from these 4 countries, the questionnaire was also addressed to IBD nurses from the UK. Patients were included if they had mild or moderate UC. Results 400 patients, 160 physicians, 20 nurses participated in this survey. 68% patients were taking tablets and 32% granules. 62% of the patients who answered the survey admitted their preference for tablet while only 38% for granules (figure 1). 63.9% of the physician would prefer to prescribe tablets for their patients. Physicians stated that patients tend to be more adherent to tablets than granules (69% vs. 31%) and patients tend to find this the most convenient formulation. When patients were asked about some positive attributes of tablets, the highest agreement was with “good size, easy to see and handle” (7.6/10) while for granules “no problem to take granules in public” (8.4/10). When asked about some negative attributes of tablets, the highest agreement was with “I would like to take fewer each day” (6.1/10) and “I wish I could take fewer at a time” (5.4/10) while for granules “you have to drink a lot of liquid for them to go down” (6.6/10) and “I wish I could take fewer” (5.1/10). 50 patients were switched to tablets after trying granules first and 45 to granules after trying tablets. Treatment changes were initiated mainly by the physician (57% of the time). Patients switching to granules almost all agreed that they wanted to take fewer tablets each day (8.1/10). Patients switching to tablets complained about the need to drink a lot of water with granules (6.5/10) or to mix them with food (6.3/10). This is also reflected in the way patients take tablets (figure 2) or granules (figure 3). While 71% of the patients swallow the tablets whole only 35% of the patients swallow all the granules at once. 37% mix the granules with food or liquid, 20% divide the portions to be able to swallow them and 8% chew the granules. Asked about adherence, only 21% (85 patients) admitted taking less than 80% of prescribed medication. Conclusion The majority of the patients prefer the tablet formulation. A high strength tablet overcoming the pill burden could be a good solution to address patient expectations.

scholarly journals Professional education among haemophilia nurses: a survey of current practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Simon Fletcher ◽  
Steve Chaplin ◽  
Cathy Harrison ◽  
Kristian Juusola ◽  
Norma Collins
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Hard Copy ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All

AbstractBackground:Guidance from the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) sets out the educational milestones haemophilia nurses should aim to achieve. However, little is known about the resources nurses use for education and current awareness.Aims:To assess the current educational level of haemophilia nurses, how and where they access ongoing education, where they feel they need extra support, and how best this teaching could be delivered.Methods:Haemophilia nurses in the Haemnet Horizons group devised and piloted a questionnaire. This was distributed in hard copy to nurses attending the 2019 EAHAD Congress and promoted as an online survey hosted by Survey Monkey.Results:Seventy-five replies were received from nurses in Europe (46 in the UK), and two from nurses in Chile and the Philippines. Most described their role as ‘specialist nurse’, with the majority having worked in haemophilia care for up to ten years. Half had a nursing degree and one quarter had a nursing diploma. Three quarters had attended at least one course specifically related to haemophilia nursing. Almost all used academic sources, study days and the websites of health profession organisations as information sources. Most also used Google or Wikipedia, but fewer used Twitter. Patient association websites were more popular among non-UK nurses. About half attended sponsored professional meetings and three quarters reported that educational meetings were available in their workplace. A clear majority preferred interactive and face-to-face activities using patient-focused content.Conclusions:The study shows that nurses, predominantly in Western Europe, access a range of educational resources, most of which are ‘traditional’. Use of online sources is high, but social media are less popular than Google or Wikipedia. Further research is needed to explore the potential of new media for haemophilia nurse education, and whether the current educational levels and needs highlighted in the survey remains the same across the whole of Europe.

scholarly journals P621 Physician preferences for biologics (originator vs. biosimilar) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in France, Germany and the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S515-S516
Author(s):  
L Huynh ◽  
S Hass ◽  
B E Sands ◽  
M S Duh ◽  
H Sipsma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Patient Preference ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Treatment Preference ◽  
Treatment Preferences ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Good Tolerability ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Although originator biologics are effective therapies for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), they can be costly and may not be widely available. Therefore, less expensive biosimilars have been developed and approved to treat and manage symptoms. In this new treatment landscape, UC-treatment preferences are unknown. Thus, this interim analysis aimed to characterise physician preferences for biologics for the treatment of UC in France, Germany and the UK. Methods As part of a broader chart review study, treatment preferences were also collected from participating gastroenterologists and general practitioners (GPs) in France, Germany and the UK who had treated patients (≥ 18 years) with moderate-to-severe UC who had received ≥ 1 UC-related biologic any time from 2014 to 25 October 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample overall, and by physician speciality and treatment preference. Results Physicians (161 gastroenterologists; 57 GPs) were from different clinical settings in France (39.9%), Germany (28.4%) and the UK (31.7%). Overall, infliximab (33.0%) and adalimumab (32.1%) were selected more often as first treatment options than their biosimilars (17.0% and 9.6%, respectively). Gastroenterologists preferred biosimilars more frequently than GPs did (35.4% vs. 1.8%). More physicians who preferred biosimilars were from France (48.3%) than Germany (17.2%) or the UK (34.5%). In France and the UK, 93.8% of physicians who selected biosimilars worked in hospital settings; in Germany, 50.0% worked in clinics and 50.0% worked in practice settings with statutory and private patients. Physicians who preferred biosimilars treated more patients with UC in the preceding 12 months than those who preferred originators did (mean ± SD: 110.3 ± 113.9 vs. 94.0 ± 93.2). Although most physicians reported efficacy as a reason for biologic preference (93.6%), physicians who preferred originators were more likely to report good tolerability (73.8%) and patient preference (20.6%) and less likely to report affordability or availability (11.9%) than physicians who preferred biosimilars (63.8%, 10.3% and 44.8%, respectively). In patients who failed anti-TNF therapy, vedolizumab was the preferred treatment (78.9%), although this preference differed by speciality (gastroenterologists: 83.2%; GPs: 66.7%). Conclusion Originator biologics for treating patients with moderate-to-severe UC dominate the treatment landscape in Europe, driven primarily by efficacy, tolerability and patient preference. However, variations and differences in preferences by speciality and clinical setting may suggest a need to explore additional treatment options to manage disease symptoms among patients with UC.

scholarly journals Where do we go from here? - Opportunities and barriers to the career development of Trial Managers: a survey of UK-based trial management professionals

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Jane Mitchell ◽  
Kirsteen Goodman ◽  
Suzanne Hartley ◽  
Helen Hickey ◽  
Alison McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Trial Management ◽  
Career Pathway ◽  
Skilled Workforce ◽  
Management Professionals ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Background Clinical trials commonly have a dedicated trial manager and effective trial management is essential to the successful delivery of high quality trials. Trial managers have diverse experience and currently there is no standardised structured career pathway. The UK Trial Managers’ Network (UKTMN) surveyed its members to understand what is important to them with respect to career development, since this would be important in the development of any initiative intended to develop a skilled workforce. Methods We conducted an online survey of UKTMN members, who are trial management professionals, working on academic-led trials in the UK. Members were asked what they perceive as opportunities and barriers to career development. Two reminders were sent to facilitate completion of the survey and responders were offered the opportunity to enter a prize draw for waived fees at the UKTMN annual meeting. Data was analysed descriptively using Stata (version 15.1) and free-text responses were reviewed for themes. Results The survey was sent to 819 UKTMN members; 433 responses were received, though 13 were from non-UKTMN members, thus 420 respondents’ data were included in analyses. Respondents were representative of UKTMN membership, however more responses were received by trial managers based in registered Clinical Trials Units (CTUs). The top three opportunities for career development were: i) training, ii) helping design trials, iii) undertake relevant qualifications. The top three barriers were: i) funding, ii) few opportunities to get involved in development activities aside from managing a trial and iii) unclear organisational career pathway. Almost all respondents (401/420, 95.4%) considered career development either very or quite important. Although all respondents had a day-to-day role in managing trials, there was huge disparity between job titles. Conclusion Career development is important to trial managers yet there is a lack of a structured pathway. The enablers and disablers to career development for trial managers should be clearly considered by the clinical trial community and, in particular, employers, sponsors and funders in order to develop a highly skilled workforce of trial managers, who are key to the delivery of trials.

scholarly journals Where do we go from here? - Opportunities and barriers to the career development of Trial Managers: a survey of UK-based trial management professionals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Jane Mitchell ◽  
Kirsteen Goodman ◽  
Suzanne Hartley ◽  
Helen Hickey ◽  
Alison McDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Trial Management ◽  
Career Pathway ◽  
Skilled Workforce ◽  
Management Professionals ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Background Clinical trials commonly have a dedicated trial manager and effective trial management is essential to the successful delivery of high quality trials. Trial managers have diverse experience and currently there is no standardised structured career pathway. The UK Trial Managers’ Network (UKTMN) surveyed its members to understand what is important to them with respect to career development, since this would be important in the development of any initiative intended to develop a skilled workforce. Methods We conducted an online survey of UKTMN members, who are trial management professionals, working on academic-led trials in the UK. Members were asked what they perceive as opportunities and barriers to career development. Two reminders were sent to facilitate completion of the survey and responders were offered the opportunity to enter a prize draw for waived fees at the UKTMN annual meeting. Data was analysed descriptively using Stata (version 15.1) and free-text responses were reviewed for themes. Results The survey was sent to 819 UKTMN members; 433 responses were received, though 13 were from non-UKTMN members, thus 420 respondents’ data were included in analyses. Respondents were representative of UKTMN membership, however more responses were received by trial managers based in registered Clinical Trials Units (CTUs). The top three opportunities for career development were: i) training, ii) helping design trials, iii) undertake relevant qualifications. The top three barriers were: i) funding, ii) few opportunities to get involved in development activities aside from managing a trial and iii) unclear organisational career pathway. Almost all respondents (401/420, 95.4%) considered career development either very or quite important. Although all respondents had a day-to-day role in managing trials, there was huge disparity between job titles. Conclusion Career development is important to trial managers yet there is a lack of a structured pathway. The enablers and disablers to career development for trial managers should be clearly considered by the clinical trial community and, in particular, employers, sponsors and funders in order to develop a highly skilled workforce of trial managers, who are key to the delivery of trials.

scholarly journals Survey of young people in one region of the UK on accessing COVID-19 information (SOCIAL)

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000942
Author(s):  
Oliver G P Lawton ◽  
Sarah A Lawton ◽  
Lisa Dikomitis ◽  
Joanne Protheroe ◽  
Joanne Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young People ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Gaps ◽  
The Uk

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.

scholarly journals Experiences and impact of international medical volunteering: a multi-country mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e041599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary McCauley ◽  
Joanna Raven ◽  
Nynke van den Broek
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medical Volunteers ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the experience and impact of medical volunteers who facilitated training workshops for healthcare providers in maternal and newborn emergency care in 13 countries.SettingsBangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, UK and Zimbabwe.ParticipantsMedical volunteers from the UK (n=162) and from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) (n=138).Outcome measuresExpectations, experience, views, personal and professional impact of the experience of volunteering on medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC.ResultsUK-based medical volunteers (n=38) were interviewed using focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=26). 262 volunteers (UK-based n=124 (47.3%), and LMIC-based n=138 (52.7%)) responded to the online survey (62% response rate), covering 506 volunteering episodes. UK-based medical volunteers were motivated by altruism, and perceived volunteering as a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teaching and communication, skills reported to be transferable to their home workplace. Medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC (n=244) reported increased confidence (98%, n=239); improved teamwork (95%, n=232); strengthened leadership skills (90%, n=220); and reported that volunteering had a positive impact for the host country (96%, n=234) and healthcare providers trained (99%, n=241); formed sustainable partnerships (97%, n=237); promoted multidisciplinary team working (98%, n=239); and was a good use of resources (98%, n=239). Medical volunteers based in LMIC reported higher satisfaction scores than those from the UK with regards to impact on personal and professional development.ConclusionHealthcare providers from the UK and LMIC are highly motivated to volunteer to increase local healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in low-resource settings. Further research is necessary to understand the experiences of local partners and communities regarding how the impact of international medical volunteering can be mutually beneficial and sustainable with measurable outcomes.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the UK: a mixed-methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048772
Author(s):  
Toby O Smith ◽  
Pippa Belderson ◽  
Jack R Dainty ◽  
Linda Birt ◽  
Karen Durrant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Social Restriction ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to explore how people adapted to these measures over time.DesignMixed-methods investigation comprising a national online longitudinal survey and embedded qualitative study.SettingUK online survey and interviews with community-dwelling individuals in the East of England.ParticipantsPeople in the UK with RMDs were invited to participate in an online survey. A subsection of respondents were invited to participate in the embedded qualitative study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe online survey, completed fortnightly over 10 weeks from April 2020 to August 2020, investigated changes in symptoms, social isolation and loneliness, resilience and optimism. Qualitative interviews were undertaken assessing participant’s perspectives on changes in symptoms, exercising, managing instrumental tasks such a shopping, medication and treatment regimens and how they experienced changes in their social networks.Results703 people with RMDs completed the online survey. These people frequently reported a deterioration in symptoms as a result of COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions (52% reported increase vs 6% reported a decrease). This was significantly worse for those aged 18–60 years compared with older participants (p=0.017). The qualitative findings from 26 individuals with RMDs suggest that the greatest change in daily life was experienced by those in employment. Although some retired people reported reduced opportunity for exercise outside their homes, they did not face the many competing demands experienced by employed people and people with children at home.ConclusionsPeople with RMDs reported a deterioration in symptoms when COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures were enforced. This was worse for working-aged people. Consideration of this at-risk group, specifically for the promotion of physical activity, changing home-working practices and awareness of healthcare provision is important, as social restrictions continue in the UK.

scholarly journals The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Pears ◽  
Susanna Kola-Palmer ◽  
Liane Beretta De Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Multiple Stepwise Regression Analysis ◽  
Previous Diagnosis ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders. Methods An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires. Results Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)]. Conclusion Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Qualitative Experiences of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Sample

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Study ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
The Uk

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.

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