scholarly journals Patient and clinician experiences and opinions of the use of a novel home use medical device in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease - a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. Sedgwick ◽  
Charlotte Growcott ◽  
Shehnaz Akhtar ◽  
Daniel Parker ◽  
Erik Mulder Pettersen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Peripheral vascular diseases have a significant impact on functional quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated the complex, limiting and costly economic implications of these conditions such as lower limb ulceration chronicity and ischaemic amputation. These complex, limb and life threatening conditions demand the development of novel interventions with objective research as part of that development. Hence, a novel intermittent negative pressure medical device in the form of a wearable boot (FlowOx™) was developed. As part of the development process, this study aimed to explore patient and clinician opinions of the boot. Methods A qualitative approach was used to collect patient and clinician experiences in Norway. An advisory group informed the semi-structured questions used in seven patient interviews and one clinician focus group (n = 5). The data were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Patient and clinician data were analysed as distinct groups using a thematic process. Results Data analysis resulted in five themes from the patients which gave insight into; the impact of the disease process; practicalities of using the boot, positive experiences of use; perceived outcomes; reflecting on use. Six themes were created from the clinicians. These gave insight into; ideal outcomes and how to measure them; ways to potentially use the boot; using research in healthcare; positives of the device; observed effects and next steps; potential improvements to the device. Conclusion This study provides insight into the experiences and opinions of FlowOx™. Patients and clinicians were positive about the device due to its ease of use. Those patients with peripheral arterial disease experienced significantly more benefit, especially for ischaemic ulceration than those with a chronic venous condition. Clinicians placed value on the patient reported outcomes in the treatment decision-making process. This preliminary study into experiences of FlowOx™ use provides valuable feedback that will inform design modification and ongoing research into implementation points and prospective user groups. FlowOx™ demonstrates potential as a conservative therapy offering users a convenient, home use, self-care management solution for improving symptomatic peripheral arterial disease and quality of life.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E Sedgwick ◽  
Charlotte Growcott ◽  
Shehnaz Akhtar ◽  
Daniel Parker ◽  
Erik Mulder Pettersen ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundPeripheral vascular diseases have a significant impact on functional quality of life (QoL). Previous research has demonstrated the complex, limiting and costly economic implications of these conditions such as lower limb ulceration chronicity and ischaemic amputation. These complex, limb and life threatening conditions demand the development of novel interventions with objective research as part of that development. Hence, a novel intermittent negative pressure medical device in the form of a wearable boot (FlowOx™) was developed. As part of the development process, this study aimed to explore patient and clinician opinions of the boot.MethodsA qualitative approach was used to collect patient and clinician experiences in Norway. An advisory group informed the semi-structured questions used in seven patient interviews and one clinician focus group (n = 5). The data were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Patient and clinician data were analysed as distinct groups using a thematic process.ResultsData analysis resulted in five themes from the patients which gave insight into; the impact of the disease process; practicalities of using the boot, positive experiences of use; perceived outcomes; reflecting on use. Six themes were created from the clinicians. These gave insight into; ideal outcomes and how to measure them; ways to potentially use the boot; using research in healthcare; positives of the device; observed effects and next steps; potential improvements to the device.ConclusionThis study provides insight into the experiences and opinions of FlowOx™. Patients and clinicians were positive about the device due to its ease of use. Those patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) experienced significantly more benefit, especially for ischaemic ulceration than those with a chronic venous condition. Clinicians placed value on the patient reported outcomes in the treatment decision-making process. This preliminary study into experiences of FlowOx™ use provides valuable feedback that will inform design modification and ongoing research into implementation points and prospective user groups. FlowOx™ demonstrates potential as a conservative therapy offering users a convenient, home use, self-care management solution for improving symptomatic PAD and quality of life (QoL).


Author(s):  
Kim Smolderen ◽  
Carole Decker ◽  
Brian Garavalia ◽  
Kathryn M Scott ◽  
Emily G Chhatriwalla ◽  
...  

Background: While peripheral arterial disease (PAD) greatly impacts patients’ health status (symptoms, function and quality of life) and risk for cardiovascular events, no prospective studies have examined the impact of treatments in routine clinical practice on these outcomes. To create a future, multi-center PAD registry focused on health status outcomes over time, we prospectively engaged PAD patients in a qualitative study to explore the optimal study design. Methods: In the PORTRAIT Phase I study, a multidisciplinary team (nurse, anthropologist, psychologist) conducted 6 focus groups in 2 US sites (May-Dec 2012). Groups were organized by their demographic characteristics: females, males, elderly mixed females/males, African-American females, African-American males, and Hispanic mixed females/males involving 22 PAD patients. Sessions were recorded, transcribed and coded using descriptive content analysis until thematic saturation occurred. Input was solicited on the patients’ experience with PAD (diagnosis, treatment, life-style impact), preferred outcomes, topics to measure, and study organization. Results: Participants’ ages ranged from 51-86 and included 12 females, 8 African Americans, and 3 Hispanics. Patients had undergone percutaneous (n=7), surgical (n=2), both (n=3) or neither (n=10) types of revascularization. Three main themes emerged: 1) PAD symptom unawareness in both patients and doctors caused significant delays in receiving both a diagnosis and treatment (e.g. a 56yo female: “He said you basically have no blood flow in either leg. If you would have waited another week, you would have lost both of your legs.”). 2) Patients reported substantial impact of PAD on daily functioning and prioritized symptom relief, improved walking and quality of life as key outcomes (e.g. a 52yo male said: “And then the improvement in quality of life¼ There was just no question about whether to do it [surgery]¼”). And 3) Inadequate patient-physician communication and information deficiency about treatment options and outcomes were frequently reported (e.g. an 85yo female said: “No, there was never any idea of what I should do or why I shouldn’t do it. Just if you want some stents, we’ll put them in.”). With regards to optimal study design, facilitators of study participation included encouragement by their doctor to participate, and phone follow-up, while barriers included the cost of transportation and time taken off by family member (e.g. an 82yo female stated: “My daughter does not work on Fridays, but doctors don’t want to give appointments on Fridays.”). Conclusion: Insights from a diverse sampling of PAD patients can guide registry development by defining what outcomes PAD patients value most, how best to develop the screening and research design, and how to be maximally inclusive of a wide variety of PAD patients.


Author(s):  
Susan Matthews ◽  
Martin Fox ◽  
Sarah Coy ◽  
Jane Whittaker ◽  
Gail Brough ◽  
...  

Background/Aims Peripheral arterial disease is common among those aged 60 years or above and can cause debilitating intermittent claudication. This impacts quality of life and is a marker for increased morbidity and mortality, mainly from cardiovascular disease. Access to recommended exercise programmes for people with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease is poor in most areas of the UK. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of expanding an established cardiac rehabilitation service to accommodate supervised exercise for people with peripheral arterial disease Methods The study evaluated 11 participants peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication who were referred by the Manchester leg circulation service. Participants underwent the programme involving eight weekly 1.5 hour sessions of supervised exercise and cardiovascular education with support, reassurance and motivation. The participants' blood pressure, walking impairment, quality of life, anxiety and depression were monitored and reviewed. Results Overall, the participants' walking distance, intermittent claudication, quality of life and blood pressure had improved. The participants' overall satisfaction with the programme was excellent. The programme also demonstrated clinical and cost-effectiveness. Conclusions A structured, supervised exercise programme can have considerable benefits for people with peripheral arterial disease, improving their symptoms and quality of life. It may also help to reduce the morbidity and mortality risks associated with inactivity in this patient group.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 395-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena Remes ◽  
Raimo Isoaho ◽  
Tero Vahlberg ◽  
Matti Viitanen ◽  
Markku Koskenvuo ◽  
...  

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