Preferences Of Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Discussing health behavior change during pregnancy: co-creation of a training and conversation tool

Abstract Background Health risk behaviors during pregnancy are major risk factors for adverse health outcomes for mother and child, and they are more prevalent among vulnerable pregnant women. However, interventions often do not sufficiently meet the needs of disadvantaged groups. Changing behavior is more likely when people feel autonomous and when a behavior aligns with our identity (how we see ourselves). Despite the clear importance of identity in health behavior change, very few identity- based interventions exist for pregnant women, let alone for vulnerable pregnant women. Through co-creation, this study aims to develop an identity- and autonomy- based training program and conversation tool tailored to the needs and preferences of healthcare professionals and vulnerable pregnant women. Methods Four co-creation sessions were conducted with five professionals from medical and social domains, and five (expectant) parents in vulnerable situations. The Participatory Learning and Action research methodology was applied to ensure an equal and democratic process in designing the training and conversation tool. Results The training for professionals will focus on enhancing knowledge about the importance of identity and autonomy in behavior change, and on improving their self-efficacy through practicing the conversation tool. Example of the conversation tool, which can be integrated into daily practice, is a comic strip illustrating the conflict of being a smoker and a mother. Conclusions During intervention development, it is important to consider the needs and preferences of end-users, particularly for whom few appropriate interventions exist. Involving end-users yields valuable insights for feasible (e.g. one-consultation time frame) and accessible (e.g. easy-to-understand language) interventions. This study aligns with public health efforts toward early intervention and health promotion among vulnerable groups. Key messages • During intervention development, it is important to consider the needs and preferences of end-users. • This study aligns with public health efforts toward early intervention and health promotion among vulnerable groups.

The burden of systemic therapy administration route in treating HER2-positive breast cancer (for patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare system): a systematic literature review.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer and is the first cause of death from malignant tumors among women worldwide. New cancer therapies receive regulatory approval yearly and to avoid health disparities in society, the health systems are challenged to adapt their infrastructure, methodologies, and reimbursement policies to allow broad access to these treatments. In addition, listening to patients' voices about their therapy preferences is essential. We aim to investigate the administration route preferences [subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV)] among patients diagnosed with HER2 positive BC and healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to investigate healthcare resources utilization (quality and quantity) for each route of administration (SC or IV) for treating those patients. We conducted a systematic literature review focused on clinical trials and observational and economic studies, using PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) databases based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The literature review included 25 studies in the analysis. Studies have reported that patients and HCPs prefer the SC route of administration to IV because it saves time in terms of chair time, administration, and preparation and is less painful. In addition, SC administration might be a more cost-saving option when analyzing direct and indirect costs. As BC stands as a significant global health concern and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide, understanding and incorporating patient and HCPs preferences in the choice of administration route become paramount. The observed preference for SC administration not only aligns with the imperative of adapting health systems to facilitate broad access to new cancer therapies but also underscores the importance of considering patient experiences and economic implications in shaping treatment strategies. These insights are crucial for healthcare policymakers, clinicians, and stakeholders in optimizing healthcare resources and enhancing the overall quality of BC care.

Healthcare professional and commissioners' perspectives on the factors facilitating and hindering the implementation of digital tools for self-management of long-term conditions within UK healthcare pathways.

Physical activity is important in the self-management of long-term conditions (LTCs). However, implementing physical activity into clinical practice is challenging, due to complex barriers including access to programmes, time pressures, and transport costs, for people with comorbidities, managing multiple responsibilities. Various digital tools exist to overcome these barriers and support wide-scale implementation to help people stay physically active. We explored the experiences, needs and preferences of healthcare professionals and commissioners, regarding the use of digital tools to support people with LTCs to self-manage using physical activity. This included barriers and facilitators to implementing digital tools to support people with LTCs in NHS settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted (April 2021 to January 2022) in Wessex, southern England, UK. Purposive sampling was used to recruit general practitioners and healthcare professionals, and convenience sampling to recruit commissioners (n = 15). Transcripts were coded to develop conceptual themes allowing comparisons between and among perspectives, with the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT)'s four constructs used to aid interpretation. Results showed that most digital tools supporting physical activity for LTCs, are not well implemented clinically. Current digital tools were seen to lack condition-specificity, usability/acceptability evidence-base, and voluntary sector involvement (i.e., NPT: coherence or 'making sense'). Healthcare professionals and commissioners were unlikely to engage with use of digital tools unless they were integrated into health service IT systems and professional networks (i.e., NPT: cognitive participation), or adaptable to the digital literacy levels of service users and staff (i.e., NPT: collective action-needs for implementation). In practice, this meant being technically, easy to use and culturally accessible (i.e., NPT: collective action-promoting healthcare work). COVID-19 changed professional attitudes towards digital tools, in that they saw them being viable, feasible and critical options in a way they had not done before the pandemic. Implementation was also influenced by endorsement and trustworthiness enhancing the perception of them as secure and evidence-based (i.e., NPT: reflective monitoring). Our findings highlight that consideration must be given to ensuring that digital tools are accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients, have usability/acceptability, and are adaptable to specific LTCs. To promote clinical engagement, digital tools must be evidence-based, endorsed by professional networks, and integrated into existing health systems. Digital literacy of patients and professionals is also crucial for cross-service implementation.

Mixed methods study of attitudes on location of gynaecological oncology outpatient care: a patient and healthcare professional questionnaire

ObjectiveGynaecological oncology place of care is often based on evolution of services, along historical professional boundaries, rather than user needs or preferences. We aimed to assess existing evidence, gather views...

Factors Influencing Specialty and Training Center Choices Among Saudi Medical Residents.

This cross-sectional study aims to identify and quantify the factors influencing Saudi medical residents in selecting their desired specialty and primary training center, while examining the associations between these factors. The study received approval from an institutional ethical committee at King Abdulaziz University. An electronic questionnaire was designed and validated via content, face validity, and the Content Validity Index. The sample size was calculated based on a 95% CI and a 5% margin of error. The study targeted all current residents in the current Saudi Specialty Certificate Programs. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics, training-related information, and factors influencing the selection of a specialty and training center. Fisher's exact test and Chi-square tests were employed for data analysis. A total of 387 respondents completed the survey, with a 32.3% response rate. The majority of respondents were male (n = 232, 59.9%), and the majority were also married (n = 67.2%), with internal medicine (n = 92, 23.8%) and family medicine (n = 74, 19.1%) being the most prevalent specialties. Notably, 89.4% (n = 346) reported matching into their first-choice specialty, and 67.2% (n = 260) into their first-choice training center. Furthermore, 90.2% (n = 349) had prior training (elective/internship) in their chosen specialty, and 63% (n = 244) had previous training (elective/internship) at their primary training center. Prior exposure to both specialty and center significantly resulted in them being the resident's top choice (p < 0.01). Multiple factors influencing the choice of either the specialty or the center were found to have statistically significant associations with the gender, specialty, residency level, sector of the training center, and timing of the specialty decision (p < 0.05). This study reveals the substantial influence of early experiences on Saudi medical residents' specialty and training center choices. It also uncovers gender disparities and variations in the influence of specialty-related factors. Future research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the multifactorial decision-making processes, enabling the development of strategies to better meet the evolving needs and preferences of healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Evaluating the use of clinical decision aids in an Australian emergency department: A cross-sectional survey.

To identify healthcare professionals' knowledge, self-reported use, and documentation of clinical decision aids (CDAs) in a large ED in Australia, to identify behavioural determinants influencing the use of CDAs, and healthcare professionals preferences for integrating CDAs into the electronic medical record (EMR) system. Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses and physiotherapists) working in the ED at the Gold Coast Hospital, Queensland were invited to complete an online survey. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and where appropriate, mapped to the theoretical domains framework to identify potential barriers to the use of CDAs. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Seventy-four healthcare professionals (34 medical officers, 31 nurses and nine physiotherapists) completed the survey. Healthcare professionals' knowledge and self-reported use of 21 validated CDAs was low but differed considerably across CDAs. Only 4 out of 21 CDAs were reported to be used 'sometimes' or 'always' by the majority of respondents (Ottawa Ankle Rule for ankle injury, Wells' criteria for pulmonary embolism, Wells' criteria for deep vein thrombosis and PERC rule for pulmonary embolism). Most respondents wanted to increase their use of valid and reliable CDAs and supported the integration of CDAs into the EMR to facilitate their use and support documentation. Potential barriers impacting the use of CDAs represented three theoretical domains of knowledge, social/professional role and identity, and social influences. CDAs are used variably by healthcare professionals and are inconsistently applied in the clinical encounter. Preferences of healthcare professionals need to be considered to allow the successful integration of CDAs into the EMR.

Values and preferences of health care professionals, policy-makers, patients and family members regarding recommendations of adapted physical restraint guidelines in critical care: A survey research.

The values and preferences of stakeholders are crucial in the development of guidelines. The aim of this study was to investigate stakeholders' values and preferences regarding draft recommendations for adapted physical restraint guidelines in China. This survey research was carried out at four university-affiliated comprehensive hospitals based in the eastern, central, western, and north eastern zones of China from January 5-30, 2022. A 48-item self-report questionnaire was distributed, and values and preferences were assessed on a 10-point Likert scale. One-way ANOVA was used to compare values and preference scores among stakeholders. As effect-size measures, partial η2 and Cohen's f values are reported for ANOVA results. A total of 1155 stakeholders were enrolled in the study. The mean value and preference scores were higher than seven for 46 draft recommendations. There was either no significant difference in the values and preferences of the stakeholders for the draft recommendations or there was a significant difference (p values ranged from <0.001 ∼ .048), but the effect size was small or very small (partial η2 value ranged from 0.011 ∼ .044; Cohen's f value ranged from 0.101 ∼ .214). The mean scores of patients for items related to cyber therapy and early tracheotomy were 6.84 and 6.60, respectively, which were lower than those of family members, policy-makers, and health care professionals and were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The partial η2 and Cohen's f values of the effect size were 0.083/0.062 and 0.302/0.256, respectively, which indicated that the differences were moderate. These recommendations were in line with the values and preferences of stakeholders. Patients were more supportive of implementing cyber therapy or hypnosis for pain management but did not support early tracheotomy to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation. Guideline panels could use value and preference information to revise and endorse recommendations of adapted physical restraint guidelines in critical care. Practitioners should implement recommendations based on the values and preferences of stakeholders.

Evaluation of an information booklet on end-of-life care in dementia: a mixed-methods study assessing the preferences of family caregivers and healthcare professionals

A booklet was developed in Canada in 2005 to inform family caregivers of people with dementia about end-of-life care. A Dutch version was published in 2011 after evaluation and revision. Developments in research and society call for a second revision. The aim of this study was to map out users' (family caregivers and healthcare professionals) preferences regarding the look and feel, and content of the booklet. To this end, in addition to the current paper booklet, we created a prototype website and app, along with three illustration options. Twenty-one family caregivers and nineteen healthcare professionals completed a questionnaire about their preferences. Open ended questions were analyzed using content analysis, multiple-choice questions using descriptive analysis. The participants valued the question-answer format. They perceived the text as too medically oriented and they expressed a need for more inclusive language and broader information. The participants found images of people suitable for the booklet and they preferred the illustrations to be less focused on the medical context. The participants preferred the paper booklet and a website. By understanding family caregivers' and healthcare professionals' preferences, in the second revision, the booklet can be tailored to the user. It is expected that this tailoring will support informing family caregivers about end-of-life care.

PCR98 A Literature Review Assessing the Most Common Attributes Used in Stated-Preference Studies Assessing Influenza Vaccination: Do We Know What Health Care Professionals Value?

Several attributes may be important in flu vaccine and since Covid-19, the role of health care professionals (HCPs) may have become more important in increasing flu vaccine uptake. We conducted a literature review to assess if previous preference research could inform future flu vaccination policies. We conducted a literature review to assess the most common attributes used in stated-preference studies to determine seasonal flu vaccination preferences. PubMed with key terms such as “discrete choice“, “stated preference“ and “flu/vaccin*” was used to retrieve relevant research. In total, twelve studies investigating consumer and HCP preferences for flu vaccines using a discrete-choice experiment were included. Six studies were conducted in vaccine-eligible populations, three were conducted with parents (specifically, two focused on older adults and one elicited preferences directly from HCPs in Hong Kong). Three studies were conducted in the Netherlands, two in Japan and four in China. Vaccine efficacy was most often framed in terms of percentage (n=7). Out of pocket cost and duration of immunity were common attributes. Source of recommendation for vaccination (i.e., regulatory or public health body) was assessed in 25% of the studies. In studies assessing parental preferences for their children influenza vaccination, risks of fewer side effects were, unsurprisingly, preferred. Finally, among HCPs, vaccine effectiveness and vaccination location (staff clinic/mobile vaccination center) were most important and could increase the probability of vaccination. Information incompleteness and asymmetry could play a role in vaccine hesitation and/or aversion. To increase vaccination rates, evidence on the attributes perceived to be important to both HCPs and the general population may help the design and delivery of vaccines that match consumers’ preferences. Currently, there is a critical need for more stated-preference studies among HCPs to better understand the attributes likely to increase vaccination rates against seasonal influenza.

PCR86 Using Qualitative Methods to Develop Grounded Relevant Content for Preference Surveys in a Specific Rare Bleeding Disorder (SRBD)

Literature attributing the factors to patient and Health Care Professional (HCP) treatment preferences in a specific rare bleeding disorder (sRBD) is lacking. This study (i) explores qualitatively with key medical experts the relevance of existing factors published in the literature attributing to sRBD (ii) identifies any other factors that pertain specifically to the rare bleeding disorder and (iii) aims to inform the development of a patient and HCP preference survey.

TREATMENT PREFERENCES IN CROHN’S DISEASE PERIANAL FISTULA: PERSPECTIVES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Crohn’s perianal fistulas (CPFs) are a common complication of Crohn’s disease and treated with both medical and surgical interventions. This study aimed to characterize the experience and satisfaction of healthcare professionals (HCPs) with current CPF treatments and assess HCP preferences for future CPF treatment attributes.

Strategi Dan Rencana Implementasi CRM Dalam Menghadapi Preferensi Pelanggan Perusahaan Farmasi Di Indonesia

Customer Relationship Management in pharmaceutical industry is used to manage and maintain relationship with customers, most importantly healthcare professionals (HCP). Reassessing and improving customer engagement in light of the environment's shifting dynamics will inevitably lead to better access for patients as the final consumers of pharmaceuticals. Initially, covid-19 pandemic social restrictions created new engagement model that depended solely on digital engagement. However, covid-19 instances are declining, and pandemic recovery is accelerating. There are shifting engagement dynamic to be hybrid engagement in Indonesia HCP as well. This opportunity enables pharmaceutical companies to understand HCP’s current preferences. This research aims to build CRM Engagement Strategy with understanding the customer’s perspectives and moderated with internal stakeholders' capabilities and external forces during post-pandemic recovery using case-study approach. The primary research found that pharmaceutical companies have enabled hybrid model that aligns with flexible preferences of HCP that combine face-to-face and digital interactions that address data privacy concerns of HCPs. The result of this research is importance of building CRM arrangement strategy in light of post-pandemic HCP’s preferences.&#x0D; Keywords : customer relationship management; pharmaceutical companies; post-pandemic recovery&#x0D;

TREATMENT PREFERENCES IN CROHN’S DISEASE PERIANAL FISTULA: PERSPECTIVES OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract INTRODUCTION Crohn’s perianal fistulas (CPFs) are a common complication of Crohn’s disease and treated with both medical and surgical interventions. This study aimed to characterize the experience and satisfaction of healthcare professionals (HCPs) with current CPF treatments and assess HCP preferences for future CPF treatment attributes. METHODS A US observational study recruited gastroenterologists (GEs) and surgeons who managed at least three patients with CPF in the past 12 months and spent ≥ 70% of their professional time treating patients. Using a web-enabled questionnaire, HCP satisfaction with CPF treatments and attitudes towards CPF care were rated using a 1–9 scale (1 = not at all satisfied/strongly disagree, 9 = extremely satisfied/strongly agree). A discrete choice experiment (DCE) evaluated HCP preferences for future treatment attributes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical Bayesian modeling for DCE. RESULTS In total, 137 HCPs were recruited (GEs, n = 77; surgeons, n = 60) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 15.6 (7.8) years in active clinical practice. The mean (SD) number of patients with CPF per HCP was 29.4 (16.7), and 41% of patients had moderate disease severity. Overall, HCPs reported moderate satisfaction with current CPF treatment (medication or surgical) attributes (Table). HCP satisfaction scores for each CPF medication and surgical procedure were low to moderate (mean range [SD]: 3.4 [2.1]–6.7 [1.5]; 4.2 [2.2]–5.7 [1.6], respectively) with biologics rated highest for medications (4.7 [2.2]–6.7 [1.5]), and short- or long-term seton placement highest for surgical procedures (mean [SD]: 5.7 [1.6] and 5.5 [1.7], respectively). HCP attitudes towards current CPF interventions (mean score [SD]) revealed a need for better treatments (7.4 [1.5]), a concern for CPF recurrence despite treatment (7.2 [1.4]), that current treatments may not reduce risk of fecal incontinence (FI) (6.8 [1.4]), and that setons are a good short- but not long-term solution for CPF (6.5 [1.8]). Achieving fistula closure was the most important treatment goal for HCPs (57%), with improvement in quality of life (mean score [SD]: 7.7 [1.3]), low chance of symptom recurrence (7.5 [1.4]), minimal risk of FI (7.5 [1.4]) and sustained efficacy post treatment (7.5 [1.5]) the main attributes influencing treatment decisions. The DCE identified symptom control and/or fistula closure and low FI rates as the most important future CPF treatment attributes (Figure). CONCLUSIONS HCPs were unsatisfied with current CPF treatments, highlighting a need for better treatments. From an HCP’s perspective, future CPF therapies should control symptoms, promote fistula closure, and low rates of FI.

Present status of newborn screening in Bangladesh through the participation of health professionals

The idea of newborn screening is to discover potentially fatal or disabling problems in infants as early as possible, usually, before the baby shows any signs or symptoms of an illness or condition. As part of the government's newborn screening program, almost all infants in developed nations are checked at birth for uncommon, severe, and treatable disorders (NBS). As newborn screening remains a major difficulty in Bangladesh, there have lately been proposals for a wider voluntary strategy to aid in the early detection and treatment of a broader range of disorders. A self-administered online survey was carried out in collaboration with Bangladeshi health professionals. Using a mixed qualitative-quantitative statistical approach, the knowledge, engagement, intents, and preferences of healthcare professionals about testing methodologies, testing characteristics, hospital infrastructure, cost estimation, and parental attitudes toward newborn screening were investigated. The final analysis included 281 individuals, of which 59 percent were men and 41 percent were women. Males had a higher level of knowledge of newborn screening than females in relation to gender (79.1 percent for male participants and 77.7 percent for the female participants). Knowledge and the current occupation had a significant connection (p 0.05). Congenital Hypothyroidism disease was screened by NBS the most (18.7% of cases), numerous other diseases were also screened by NBS. The significance of this work to public health is the attribution of participants who want to reduce child mortality and improve child health in their community, as well as the potential to construct public discussion groups that recognize screening diseases, investigate hospital facilities for it, and provide information to families and health professionals about the importance of newborn screening.

Online learning for continuous professional development of healthcare workers: an exploratory study on perceptions of healthcare managers in Rwanda

Due to outbreaks of new diseases, development of new treatment regimens and requirement of evidence-based practice, health professionals continuously need to acquire updated knowledge and skills. This type of learning is known as continuous professional development (CPD). The scarcity of skilled health care professionals in developing countries further increases the need of CPD. Traditionally, face-to-face approach has been preferred as the best mode of CPD. Currently, health professionals have started using online learning for continued professional growth in different parts of the world. Consequently, research studies from different settings are needed to investigate the significance of online learning for CPD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the importance and challenges attributed to online learning by the managers of health facilities in Rwanda. Moreover, the study aimed to identify the status of infrastructures that could support online CPD, and assess the perceived enhancement and barriers for implementing online CPD. The study used a convergence mixed-method design to explore quantitative and qualitative data from 42 health care managers. A descriptive analysis was conducted on quantitative data while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to inform the study findings. It was revealed that 90.5% of managers, who participated in this study, consider positively the use of online learning for CPD. All managers acknowledged that online learning could improve the knowledge and practice skills of health care professionals. Nevertheless, 52.4% of health institutions who participated in this study currently do not use online for CPD. Participants demonstrated challenges such as the lack of access to digital devices, poor or lack of internet access, poor online learning design, low digital skills of healthcare professionals, lack of time dedicated to online learning, and heavy workload of staff. These findings indicate then that the managers of health institutions value the importance of online learning for CPD of health professionals. However, online learning should be designed to fit for the purpose and with a high consideration on needs and preferences of healthcare professionals and thereby improve information communication technology infrastructure that support online learning for CPD. Traditional in-person CPD courses are still recommended in health institutions with shortage in resources and technology. Also, the barriers of online CPD delivery such as low internet connectivity and lack of access to digital devices by healthcare professionals need to be co-creatively addressed through the pyramidal structure of the Rwandan health system.

Preferences of Healthcare Professionals on 3D-Printed Tablets: A Pilot Study.

Highlights1) What are the main findings? More than 70% of the respondents agreed about the benefits of 3D printed tablets.More than 60% of the respondents were willing to prescribe 3D printed tablets.Many of the respondents were concerned about formulation considerations, manufacturing processes, and administrative issues. 2) What is the implication of the main finding? Healthcare professionals are receptive to adopting 3D printed tablets.Addressing formulation, manufacturing process and administrative concerns is important for technology adoption.3D printing companies, healthcare professionals and regulators should closely collaborate to advance the benefits of 3D printed tablets. An inaugural study was performed to understand the perceptions of healthcare professionals toward the potential benefits of 3D printing in Singapore. This study sought to increase awareness of 3D printing applications for viable clinical applications and to elucidate the current gaps in therapy where 3D printing could play a role. A common example would be the use of 3D printing to manufacture polypills, thereby reducing the daily pill burden of patients and possibly improving medication adherence. A qualitative descriptive survey with a single-centered cross-sectional design was performed at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital with 1700 beds. This study had a total of 55 respondents comprising doctors and pharmacists. Most of the respondents viewed the 3D printing of oral dosage forms favorably and agreed about the potential advantages this technology could offer. More than 60% of the respondents were also willing to prescribe 3D printed tablets to patients. Respondents’ concerns were grouped into three main categories: formulation considerations, manufacturing processes, and administrative issues. Viewed in its entirety, this study provides a valuable starting point for understanding the perceptions of healthcare professionals in adopting 3D printing technology.

Perspectives on Subcutaneous Infliximab for Rheumatic Diseases and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Era.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted significant changes in patient care in rheumatology and gastroenterology, with clinical guidance issued to manage ongoing therapy while minimising the risk of nosocomial infection for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Subcutaneous (SC) formulations of biologics enable patients to self-administer treatments at home; however, switching between agents may be undesirable. CT-P13 SC is the first SC formulation of infliximab that received regulatory approval and may be termed a biobetter as it offers significant clinical advantages over intravenous (IV) infliximab, including improved pharmacokinetics and a convenient mode of delivery. Potential benefits in terms of reduced immunogenicity have also been suggested. With a new SC formulation, infliximab provides an additional option for dual formulation, which enables patients to transition from IV to SC administration route without changing agent. Before COVID-19, clinical trials supported the efficacy and safety of switching from IV to SC infliximab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and SC infliximab may have been selected on the basis of patient and HCP preferences for SC agents. During the pandemic, patients with rheumatic diseases and IBD have successfully switched from IV to SC infliximab, with some clinical benefits and high levels of patient satisfaction. As patients switched to SC therapeutics, the reduction in resource requirements for IV infusion services may have been particularly welcome given the pandemic, facilitating reorganisation and redeployment in overstretched healthcare systems, alongside pharmacoeconomic benefits and a reduction in exposure to nosocomial infection. Telemedicine and contactless healthcare have been pushed to the forefront during the pandemic, and a lasting shift towards remote patient management and community/home-based drug administration is anticipated. SC infliximab supports the implementation of this paradigm for future improvements of healthcare value delivered. The accumulation of real-world data during the pandemic supports the high level of confidence, with patients, physicians, and healthcare systems benefitting from its uptake.Graphical

Survey of Drug Information Database Preferences among Staff from Selected British Columbia Health Authorities

With the increasing use of electronic point-of-care resources, it is imperative to clearly understand what health professionals consider valuable when selecting a drug information database. A current analysis of the preferences of staff in selected British Columbia health authorities was deemed helpful for determining which electronic drug information database should be purchased. To determine the factors that BC hospital pharmacists, nurses, and other health professionals value in an electronic drug information database and to better understand the general preferences of staff in choosing between the Lexicomp and Micromedex databases. An electronic survey was created for data collection. The survey was open from August 10 to September 15, 2018, and again from November 11 to December 7, 2018. The survey link was sent by e-mail to staff in the following health authorities: Fraser Health, Providence Health Care, Provincial Health Services Authority, and Vancouver Coastal Health. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the survey data. A total of 247 responses were received, of which 145 (58.7%) were complete. Completed surveys were received from 77 pharmacists, 52 nurses, and 16 other health professionals. Participants ranked dosing information and ease of use as the most important factors that they considered when choosing a drug information database. There were no significant differences between the Lexicomp and Micromedex resources in terms of usability, quality, and preference. This survey provided insights into what BC health authority staff perceive as important when utilizing a drug information database. Those considering either renewing or initiating a subscription to an online drug information database can use these results to better understand the preferences of health care professionals. Survey respondents ranked dosing information and ease of use as the 2 most important factors in selecting a drug information database. Pharmacists were more particular about using their preferred database than were other health professionals.

Preferences of healthcare professionals regarding hexavalent pediatric vaccines in Italy: a survey of attitudes and expectations.

SummaryIntroductionIn Italy, three hexavalent pediatric vaccines are available: two are ready-to-use (RTU) as pre-filled syringes, while the third must be reconstituted (need-for-reconstitution [NFR]). The formulation is related to the vaccination timing, safety of preparation and administration, and possible errors in immunization. We surveyed Italian healthcare professionals (HCPs) experienced with RTU and NFR vaccines in order to investigate their opinions on key aspects of the vaccines.MethodsIn Q1 2018, a qualitative study, ethnographic observations and in-depth interviews were performed in public vaccination settings of three Italian Regions. Data on how the vaccination process was managed and perceptions about the value of the RTU formulation were collected. In Q2 2018, face-to-face interviews were carried out to explore the attitude and preferences of Italian HCPs from nine Regions, assessing advantages and disadvantages of the two formulations from a quantitative point of view. In Q3-Q4 data analysis was carried out, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.ResultsThe first phase demonstrated the following advantages of the RTU versus the NFR formulation: time-saving, lower probability of needle contamination and needle stick incidents, better handling, simpler procedure, easier disposal of waste. For the survey, 149 HCPs were interviewed; 80% and 40%, respectively, were very satisfied with the RTU and NFR vaccine.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that HCPs prefer the RTU formulation, as it simplifies vaccinations, reduces preparation time and minimizes the risk of errors. This formulation also saves time that can be spent on more in-depth counseling.

Primary health care professionals perception on the subject of cancer care in remote area

Objectives: To determine perception of primary health care professional on the subject of cancer care in area with lack of facilities. Study design: Community based cross sectional survey among primary health care professionals were performe. The questionnaire included questions measuring health care professionals preferences for involvement in managing cancer patients care in terms of detection, prevention and treatment modalities and counseling about associated factors.Results: One hundred fifty-seven practicing professionals participated in the study. Majority of the respondents felt that lack of specialty and facility, motivated the health care professional to refer the cases at higher center. Half of the participant knew that screening camps in rural areas are important means of spreading the awareness in low health literacy level population. With the same perception 85% of participants felt that lack of specialization in oncology acted as barrier in treatment at primary center. Irrespective of clinical diagnosis all participants told that they are usually involved in consulting and provide psychological support to the patients. Conclusions: Health care professional do have excellent understanding about cancer care and various related factors but in view of lack of facilities and required necessary investigation in long term follow-up turn the physician choice to adopt the referral services in favors of safety of the patient. Health care professionals occupy a challenging pivotal role in clinically detection of the cancer. It is crucial that this role should be supported by providing required facilities in remote areas.