A pilot study to assess the feasibility and uptake of MindDEC, a mindfulness-based self-management course for type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a remote mindfulness based self-management intervention for individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is important to further our understanding of how to improve self-management to improve health outcomes and low levels of uptake to self-management courses.

METHOD

29 participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited from the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS trust. Three groups of participants engaged with a remote mindfulness based self-management intervention, which were delivered sequentially. After each intervention was complete, patient feedback was retrieved and implemented into the following intervention. The quantitative analysis comprised of descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test and multiple regression analysis. A qualitative analysis was also conducted through reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) to understand participant's perspective on the intervention.

RESULTS

There was a total of 17 who attended the course (59 %) and a total drop out of 12 participants over the three courses (41 %). The qualitative findings reported three main themes: (1) Eating to manage my emotions rather than my diabetes (2) Implementing mindfulness has helped me manage my emotions (3) Medication rather than self-management behaviours control my diabetes. The focus group feedback included participants' appreciation of the community aspect of the intervention and their perception that the current course was more interactive compared to previous interventions. In addition, participants highlighted the importance of offering the course at an earlier stage of diagnosis to provide further support at the beginning of their diabetes journey. No significant findings were reported for the independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test and multiple regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

The qualitative findings suggested that the course was beneficial, especially in demonstrating how mindfulness could aid self-management for individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Further funding and trials are warranted to improve the quality of technology used and to assess impact on diabetes control and mental health.

Exploring management and outcomes of elderly patients with glioblastoma using data from two randomised trials (GEINO1401/EX-TEM)

PURPOSE

The impact of age on optimal management of glioblastoma remains unclear. A recent combined analysis of two randomised trials, GEINO14-01 and EX-TEM, found no benefit from extending post-radiation temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Here, we explore the impact of age.

METHODS

Relevant intergroup statistics were used to identify differences in tumour, treatment and outcome characteristics based on age with elderly patients (EP) defined as age 65 years and over. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method.

RESULTS

Of the combined 205 patients, 57 (28%) were EP. Of these, 95% were ECOG 0-1 and 65% underwent macroscopic resection compared with 97% and 61% of younger patients (YP) respectively. There were numerically less MGMT-methylated (56% vs. 63%, p = 0.4) and IDH-mutated (4% vs. 13%, p = 0.1) tumours in EP vs. YP. Following surgery, EP were more likely to receive short course chemoradiation (17.5% vs. 6%, p = 0.017). At recurrence, EP tended to receive or best supportive care (28.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.09) or non-surgical options (96.2% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.06), but were less likely to receive bevacizumab (23.1% vs. 49.5%, p < 0.01). Median PFS was similar at 9.3months in EP and 8.5months in YP, with similar median OS at 20months.

CONCLUSION

In this trial population of predominantly fit EP, survival was similar to YP despite a proportion receiving less aggressive therapy at diagnosis and recurrence. Advancing age does not appear to be an adverse prognostic factor for glioblastoma when patients are fit for treatment, and a less aggressive approach in selected patients may not compromise outcomes.

Tibetans exhibit lower hemoglobin concentration and decreased heart response to hypoxia during poikilocapnia at intermediate altitude relative to Han Chinese

Background

High-altitude populations exhibit distinct cellular, respiratory, and cardiovascular phenotypes, some of which provide adaptive advantages to hypoxic conditions compared to populations with sea-level ancestry. Studies performed in populations with a history of high-altitude residence, such as Tibetans, support the idea that many of these phenotypes may be shaped by genomic features that have been positively selected for throughout generations. We hypothesize that such traits observed in Tibetans at high altitude also occur in Tibetans living at intermediate altitude, even in the absence of severe sustained hypoxia.

Methodology

We studied individuals of high-altitude ancestry (Tibetans, n = 17 females; n = 12 males) and sea-level ancestry (Han Chinese, n = 6 females; n = 10 males), both who had been living at ∼1300 m (∼4327 ft) for at least 18 months. We measured hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), and hypoxic heart rate response (HHRR) with end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) held constant (isocapnia) or allowed to decrease with hypoxic hyperventilation (poikilocapnia). We also quantified the contribution of CO2 on ventilation and heart rate by calculating the differences of isocapnic versus poikilocapnic hypoxic conditions (Δ V ˙ I /ΔPetCO2 and ΔHR/ΔPetCO2, respectively).

Results

Male Tibetans had lower [Hb] compared to Han Chinese males (p < 0.05), consistent with reports for individuals from these populations living at high altitude and sea level. Measurements of ventilation (resting ventilation, HVR, and PetCO2) were similar for both groups. Heart rate responses to hypoxia were similar in both groups during isocapnia; however, HHRR in poikilocapnia was reduced in the Tibetan group (p < 0.03), and the heart rate response to CO2 in hypoxia was lower in Tibetans relative to Han Chinese (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

These results suggest that Tibetans living at intermediate altitude have blunted cardiac responses in the context of hypoxia. Hence, only some of the phenotypes observed in Tibetans living at high altitude are observed in Tibetans living at intermediate altitude. Whereas blunted cardiac responses to hypoxia is revealed at intermediate altitudes, manifestation of other physiological adaptations to high altitude may require exposure to more severe levels of hypoxia.

A combined analysis of two prospective randomised studies exploring the impact of extended post-radiation temozolomide on survival outcomes in newly diagnosed glioblastoma

PURPOSE

The optimal duration of post-radiation temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma remains unclear, with no published phase III randomised trials. Standard-of-care stipulates 6 months. However, in routine care, it is often extended to 12 months, despite lacking robust supporting data.

METHODS

GEINO14-01 (Spain) and EX-TEM (Australia) studies enrolled glioblastoma patients without progression at the end of 6 months post-radiation temozolomide. Participants were randomised 1:1 to six additional months of temozolomide or observation. Primary endpoint was 6-month progression free survival from date of randomisation (6mPFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and toxicity. 204 patients were required to detect an improvement in 6mPFS from 50 to 60% (80% power). Neither study recruited sufficient patients. We performed a combined analysis of individual patient data.

RESULTS

205 patients were recruited: 159 in GEINO14-01 (2014-2018) and 46 in EX-TEM (2019-2022). Median follow-up was 20.0 and 14.5 months. Baseline characteristics were balanced. There was no significant improvement in 6mPFS (57.2% vs 64.0%, OR0.75, p = 0.4), nor across any subgroups, including MGMT methylated; PFS (HR0.92, p = 0.59, median 7.8 vs 9.7 months); or OS (HR1.03, p = 0.87, median 20.1 vs 19.4 months). During treatment extension, 64% experienced any grade adverse event, mainly fatigue and gastrointestinal (both 54%). Only a minority required treatment changes: 4.5% dose delay, 7.5% dose reduction, 1.5% temozolomide discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

For glioblastoma patients, extending post-radiation temozolomide from 6 to 12 months is well tolerated but does not improve 6mPFS. We could not identify any subset that benefitted from extended treatment. Six months should remain standard-of-care.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

A Repurposing Programme Evaluating Transdermal Oestradiol Patches for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer Within the PATCH and STAMPEDE Trials: Current Results and Adapting Trial Design

AIMS

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), usually achieved with luteinising hormone releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa), is central to prostate cancer management. LHRHa reduce both testosterone and oestrogen and are associated with significant long-term toxicity. Previous use of oral oestrogens as ADT was curtailed because of cardiovascular toxicity. Transdermal oestrogen (tE2) patches are a potential alternative ADT, supressing testosterone without the associated oestrogen-depletion toxicities (osteoporosis, hot flushes, metabolic abnormalities) and avoiding cardiovascular toxicity, and we here describe their evaluation in men with prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PATCH (NCT00303784) adaptive trials programme (incorporating recruitment through the STAMPEDE [NCT00268476] platform) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of tE2 patches as ADT for men with prostate cancer. An initial randomised (LHRHa versus tE2) phase II study (n = 251) with cardiovascular toxicity as the primary outcome measure has expanded into a phase III evaluation. Those with locally advanced (M0) or metastatic (M1) prostate cancer are eligible. To reflect changes in both management and prognosis, the PATCH programme is now evaluating these cohorts separately.

RESULTS

Recruitment is complete, with 1362 and 1128 in the M0 and M1 cohorts, respectively. Rates of androgen suppression with tE2 were equivalent to LHRHa, with improved metabolic parameters, quality of life and bone health indices (mean absolute change in lumbar spine bone mineral density of -3.0% for LHRHa and +7.9% for tE2 with an estimated difference between arms of 9.3% (95% confidence interval 5.3-13.4). Importantly, rates of cardiovascular events were not significantly different between the two arms and the time to first cardiovascular event did not differ between treatment groups (hazard ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.80-1.53; P = 0.54). Oncological outcomes are awaited.

FUTURE

Efficacy results for the M0 cohort (primary outcome measure metastases-free survival) are expected in the final quarter of 2023. For M1 patients (primary outcome measure - overall survival), analysis using restricted mean survival time is being explored. Allied translational work on longitudinal samples is underway.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Vaporized nicotine use among patients in HIV care who smoke tobacco: perceived health effects and effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool

Evidence suggests adverse health effects from vaporized nicotine (VN) use, such as electronic "e" cigarettes, and limited efficacy to aid tobacco cessation. People with HIV (PWH) smoke tobacco at higher rates than the general population, with greater morbidity, highlighting the necessity of effective tobacco cessation tools. PWH may be more vulnerable to adverse effects of VN. Using semi-structured 1:1 interviews, we examined health beliefs regarding VN, patterns of use, and perceived effectiveness for tobacco cessation among PWH in HIV care at three geographically diverse U.S. sites. PWH (n = 24) had limited understanding of VN product content or health effects, presuming VN less harmful than tobacco cigarettes (TC). VN failed to adequately replicate the psychoactive effects or desired ritual of smoking TC. Concurrent TC use, and continuous VN use throughout the day, was common. Satiety using VN was elusive, and consumption quantity was difficult to track. VN had limited desirability and durability as a TC cessation tool among the interviewed PWH.

Protothecosis in four dogs in New Zealand

CASE HISTORIES

Medical records of four dogs diagnosed with protothecosis in New Zealand were reviewed. The dogs were aged between 4 and 9 years and three of the four dogs were female. Breeds were one Labrador, one Miniature Schnauzer and two crossbreeds. The reasons for initial veterinary evaluation were a cough and opaque appearance of the right eye (Case 1), diarrhoea (Cases 2 and 3), and cutaneous disease (Case 4).

CLINICAL FINDINGS

The ocular signs were characterised by panuveitis, retinal detachment and secondary glaucoma. Gastrointestinal signs included chronic haemorrhagic diarrhoea due to colitis. Three cases had disseminated infection and developed both bilateral, blinding, ocular disease and chronic gastrointestinal disease. Cutaneous signs consisted of draining fistulae over the olecranon, multifocal cutaneous nodules, and ulceration and tracts of the foot pads. Disseminated protothecosis was confirmed by histopathology of biopsied ocular tissues in Cases 1 and 2 and by gastrointestinal biopsies in Case 3. Prototheca spp. were also identified in cytological specimens from Cases 1 and 4 and recovered by culture in Cases 2 and 4. Cutaneous protothecosis was diagnosed in Case 4 initially by cytology and histopathology of skin lesions, and Prototheca zopfii was confirmed by PCR of cultured organisms.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Prior to diagnosis of protothecosis, a variety of treatments were prescribed to treat the gastrointestinal and ocular signs. After diagnosis, only Cases 2 and 4 received medication aimed at treating the protothecal infection, which was itraconazole in both cases. Following the progression of clinical signs and concerns about quality of life, all four dogs were euthanised.

DIAGNOSIS

Disseminated protothecosis in three dogs, cutaneous protothecosis in one dog.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Canine protothecosis is rarely reported, despite the ubiquity of the causal algae, and the disease usually carries an extremely grave prognosis when infection is generalised. In New Zealand, protothecosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with panuveitis, chorioretinitis or retinal detachment, colitis, or nodular, ulcerative or fistulating cutaneous lesions.

Rapid Roll Out of a Pacemaker Home Monitoring Programme: A Patient Perspective

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of a pacemaker home monitoring (HM) service.

METHODS

All patients receiving a new Biotronik (Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) pacemaker between March 2020 and February 2021 were contacted for participation. Participants were surveyed on their experience of pacemaker HM. HM alerts and remote wound monitoring rates were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of the patients contacted, 77% responded, with a mean age of 80.6±9.9 years. Of these, 95.8% agreed that the home monitoring (HM) has been beneficial. Two thirds preferred HM to face-to-face follow-up and two thirds felt safe with HM. Three themes were identified from the comments: reassurance, technology and data security. Forty-one percent (41%) of respondents would like more reassurance that their HM is working, 18% mentioned technology with mixed responses, and 4.7% cited cybersecurity or the use of their personal data as a concern. The average one-way patient journey saved was 24.3±16.7 km (15.1±10.4 miles). One in three HM alerts required action but only 3.4% were urgent. Remote wound review was successful in 59%.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients prefer HM and almost all think it has been beneficial. It saves significant travel time and provides actionable alerts. The patient experience could be improved by reassuring patients that their device is being monitored.

Beliefs, behaviour, and blood pressure: preliminary analysis from a pharmacy-based hypertension visualisation intervention to support medication adherence

Introduction

Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with an estimated prevalence of 31% worldwide1. Antihypertensive medication reduces both blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk; however, approximately 50% of patients become nonadherent to antihypertensives within a year of treatment initiation2. Nonadherence can be considered as either intentional or unintentional. Research suggests that rather than being a solely passive process, illness beliefs and treatment perceptions may influence nonintentional nonadherence3, highlighting the importance of considering patients’ beliefs when supporting adherence. The use of visuals is one method to aid understanding of complex health information and influence treatment beliefs.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a community pharmacy-based visualisation intervention (ViSTA-BP) and explore the preliminary effect on patients’ perceptions of hypertension, medication adherence and blood pressure.

Methods

ViSTA-BP is a digital intervention that allows users, through real-time animations, to visualise both the condition that is hypertension and how blood pressure affects the circulatory system. The purpose of ViSTA-BP was to improve patients’ understanding of hypertension, increase perceived necessity of treatment and ultimately support medication adherence. A mixed-methods pre-post design pilot study was conducted. NHS Research Ethics Committee Wales Rec 5 (reference 20/WA/0280) and Cardiff Metropolitan University (reference PGR-3806) granted ethical approval. The intervention was consultation-based and researcher-facilitated. Outcomes were recorded at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at three-months. Validated questionnaires were used to measure illness and treatment beliefs (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ)/Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)), adherence captured using self-report measures (Medicines Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-5)/recent adherence questionnaire) and medication dispensing/collection data. BP was measured at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Semi-structured interviews with patients and pharmacists explored intervention acceptability.

Results

Pharmacists recruited 69 patients with hypertension across five community pharmacies (CP) in South Wales; 54 attended the three-month follow-up. The ease of participant recruitment and high retention rates demonstrated the feasibility of delivering ViSTA-BP in this setting. ViSTA-BP content and the CP location were acceptable to patients and pharmacists. Time to deliver the intervention was a concern for pharmacists but not patients. There was no statistically significant change in adherence outcomes at three-month follow-up; however, the median scores for both self-report questionnaires were maximal at baseline. Changes were seen in illness belief scores, with a significant improvement in total B-IPQ score over time (p=0.04). Significant changes in B-IPQ treatment control (p=0.01), illness coherence (p&lt;0.001) and BMQ Necessity subscale scores (p=0.003) were reported at all time-points. There was a statistically significant improvement in both systolic (SBP) (p&lt;0.01) and diastolic BP (DBP) (p=0.03) three-months post-intervention. At baseline, 31% of participants had SBP at or below the UK target; however, at three-month follow-up, 59% were at or below the UK target.

Discussion/Conclusion

ViSTA-BP was considered a feasible researcher-facilitated intervention in this CP setting. Improvements seen in blood pressure control, patients’ understanding of hypertension, and perceptions of utility and necessity of treatment highlight the potential for the ViSTA-BP intervention to help reduce cardiovascular risk in the future. While preliminary analysis shows promise, further adequately powered research studies are necessary to evaluate future ViSTA-BP impact.

References

1. Mills KT, Stefanescu A, He J. The global epidemiology of hypertension. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2020;16(4):223-237. doi:10.1038/s41581-019-0244-2

2. Vrijens B, Antoniou S, Burnier M, de la Sierra A, Volpe M. Current situation of medication adherence in hypertension. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00100

3. Gadkari AS, McHorney CA. Unintentional non-adherence to chronic prescription medications: how unintentional is it really? BMC Health Serv Res. 2012;12(1):98. doi:10.1186/1472-6963-12-98

Exploring the impact of attending an online CPPE return to prescribing (RTP) programme

Introduction

Within the Interim NHS people plan, pharmacist prescribers are described as a central part of the multi professional team across primary care networks.1 Non-medical prescribers (NMP) constitute a small proportion of the pharmacy workforce and a proportion of NMPs do not use their qualification.2 CPPE has designed a series of three online workshops to support return to prescribing by improving NMP’s knowledge of law and ethics, improve confidence and discuss barriers and solutions with peers in a safe supportive environment. We routinely evaluate all of our programmes and used this data to inform this study.

Aim

To explore the learner’s feedback following attendance at the online CPPE RTP series of workshops by asking for their views on: the impact of the course on their knowledge of the topic, how exploring the barriers and solutions influenced their prescribing practice and the usefulness of the programme and resources.

Methods

Between March 2020 and July 2022, 119 people attended the CPPE RTP online workshops. Using online post workshop evaluation surveys sent to all attendees, participants were asked to share feedback on their experience of the programme via a course specific survey adapted from the CPPE standard post workshop evaluation. In July 2022 there were 59 responses. The data was analysed using thematic analysis3 to highlight common themes from the free text survey comments. This evaluation considered the intentions of learners at the sessions, follow up surveys would permit the exploration of the impact on sustained practice change. Ethical approval was not required as this was a course evaluation

Results

98% of participants felt that the workshops increased their knowledge of the topic and 97% of participants felt the workshops were thought provoking. Barriers to prescribing were identified included: no defined role (26%), no support (32%), no personal confidence (26%), lack of understanding of prescribing role from GP colleagues (10%), prescribing not in job description, therefore not covered by indemnity (6%). After attending the RTP workshops 70% of pharmacists were using their prescribing qualification and 40% were prescribing more often. The programme evaluation showed 56% of participants felt that sharing and listening to others experiences gave them confidence and support to consider starting to prescribe, 21% of participants found the knowledge and enthusiasm of the CPPE tutors supportive and 16% found discussion of the case studies to be useful. 7% of participants found sign posting to resources helpful.

Discussion/Conclusion

This evaluation demonstrated that the RTP programme helped pharmacists to identify barriers to prescribing and facilitated peer discussion of solutions and of sharing best practice. The course was shown to increase the confidence of participants and facilitate their journey to start prescribing again. Increasing the number of pharmacist prescribers using their qualification has a positive impact on patient care.1 Our research shows that participating in the CPPE return to prescribing workshop series enables pharmacists to return to or start prescribing in practice.

References

1. Interim NHS People plan: the future pharmacy workforce. https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Interim-NHS-People-Plan_June2019.pdf (accessed 19/7/22)

2. Graham-Clarke E, Rushton A, Noblet T, Marriott J (2018) Facilitators and barriers to nonmedical prescribing – A systematic review and thematic synthesis. PLoS ONE 13(4): e0196471. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.019647tics (accessed 19/7/22)

3. Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research a practical guide for beginners. London: SAGE publishers Ltd.

Enhancing Coordination Around Cancer Biomarker and Hereditary Genetic Testing Among Members of the Multidisciplinary Care Team

Introduction/Objective

Advances in precision medicine necessitate a closer integration across pathologists, genetic counselors, and other members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team (MDT). Recognizing that physical distancing and fragmented communication may hinder care delivery, the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) ran a multi-year initiative to explore ways to improve MDT care coordination.

Methods/Case Report

ACCC held a multistakeholder leadership summit to identify and discuss critical issues regarding biomarker and hereditary genetic testing and the ways in which pathology and genetic counseling professionals interface with the cancer MDT. Through a consensus-driven process, participants identified key opportunities for achieving optimal integration. ACCC also conducted a national survey to explore barriers around biomarker and hereditary genetic testing. Building off these insights, ACCC conducted virtual workshops at three community cancer programs to improve processes around biomarker testing and targeted treatment planning.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

The pathology leadership summit identified the following priorities: 1) streamline and standardize the biomarker test ordering process; 2) improve tissue handling to optimize timely biomarker testing; 3) strengthen communication between pathologists and genetic counselors; 4) empower pathologists with leadership opportunities. In the ACCC survey (n=659), 57% indicated that some or most of their pathologists were generalists. 21% only held one general tumor board. 6% indicated that pathologists often do not attend tumor boards or cancer committee meetings. 64% indicated that pathologists can directly access some or all medical oncology patient records. 67% sent some or most biopsy samples out for biomarker testing. In the ACCC workshops, cancer programs in KS, NC, and NV identified ways to improve the timeliness of genetic counseling referrals and coordinate biomarker testing. Following the workshops, 64% indicated they planned to make moderate or significant changes in their processes.

Conclusion

Improving collaboration across pathologists, genetic counselors, and the rest of the cancer MDT may lead to more timely and comprehensive biomarker and hereditary genetic testing. These findings may help cancer programs refine processes of care.

P11.64.A Long-term follow up and translational data from the ReoGlio phase Ib trial of GM-CSF and intravenous pelareorep (Reovirus) alongside standard of care in GBM

BACKGROUND

We previously reported safety data from a phase Ib, open-label study of intravenous oncolytic virus pelareorep with GM-CSF alongside standard chemoradiotherapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma confirming that the combination is well tolerated. We now report on long-term follow up and analysis of translational samples from tumour and blood in a subset of patients.

METHODS

15 patients with newly diagnosed GBM were treated with GM-CSF 50μg subcutaneously on days 1-3 and intravenous pelareorep on days 4-5 in weeks 1 and 4 of chemoradiotherapy, and subsequently in week 1 of each adjuvant temozolomide course: 7 patients received 1x1010TCID50 (dose level 1); 8 received 3x1010TCID50 (dose level 2). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of pelareorep and GM-CSF with standard chemoradiotherapy. Following a protocol amendment we also collected survival data in all patients up to August 2021. Serial blood samples were taken from three patients, at baseline, during chemoradiotherapy and in the first adjuvant cycle. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analysed for immune checkpoint expression by flow cytometry, RNAseq gene expression and T-cell receptor clonality, whilst plasma cytokines were quantified by Luminex.

RESULTS

This combination was well tolerated with 87% of patients completing treatment as planned. Survival data analysis showed that median OS was 12.6 months in dose level 1 and 16.1 months in dose level 2, median OS for all patients was 13.1 months. The 24-month survival estimate for all patients was 25.0%, 16.7% for dose level 1 and 33.3% for dose level 2. One patient in dose level 1 remains alive at 43 months post registration without further treatment. Laboratory data showed that pelareorep infusion resulted in inflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion, immune checkpoint modulation, and upregulation of inflammatory pathways. There was also increased peripheral clonal tumour-specific T-cell proliferation following pelareorep infusion.

CONCLUSION

Although based on small numbers, these long-term follow up data suggest this may be an active combination in a subset of GBM patients. Translational data confirm that pelareorep potentially activates tumour-targeting immune pathways in GBM, with consequential immune checkpoint modulation. These data support a combination clinical trial of pelareorep, radiotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade in GBM.

362 The Scarlet Pimpernel: A Case of Polyarteritis Nodosa Presenting as a Left Hepatic Artery Aneurysm

A 54-year-old female presented to a secondary care hospital with right upper quadrant pain, headache, and persistent dysuria after empirical antibiotic treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Her brother had died under the age of 50 from aneurysmal disease associated with Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Urinalysis demonstrated erythrocytes, leucocytes, and nitrites. Her CRP was 428mg/L and ESR 102 mm/hr. CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed reduced attenuation within both kidneys, and she was treated as acute bilateral pyelonephritis with IV antibiotics. Her abdominal pain changed, she described a “pop” in her right hypochondrium, and she developed a new visual disturbance, despite normalisation of her inflammatory markers. This warranted a repeat CT scan which showed an occlusion of the left hepatic artery with surrounding inflammation and an 8mm aneurysm proximally. MRI and CT venogram of the head was unremarkable. PAN was diagnosed on remote consultation with a tertiary care hospital. It is a necrosing vasculitis affecting small to medium sized arteries with aneurysmal dilatation. There is no genetic cause known, though familial cases have been described. The patient was started on treatment dose Dalteparin and transferred to a tertiary hospital. Selective embolisation of the hepatic artery aneurysm was not undertaken, but she was treated with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. This case highlights a rare condition presenting similarly to a treatment refractory UTI requiring multidisciplinary patient care and the need for repeat imaging following clinical deterioration/change.

Impact of omitting post-transplant minidose-methotrexate doses in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Given prophylactic methotrexate (MTX) is often held in the setting of toxicity we investigated the impact of omitting minidose-MTX dose(s). Outcomes were compared between patients who had 1-3 doses omitted and those who received all four planned doses of minidose-MTX. Of 370 consecutive patients, 50 had MTX dose(s) omitted. When MTX was omitted, initial management was mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; 36/50 patients) with or without corticosteroids (14/50 patients). Rates of grade 3-4 acute GVHD were similar between groups. Omission of minidose-MTX resulted in an increased risk of chronic GVHD (cGVHD; HR 2.27; p = .024) and decreased overall survival (HR 1.61; p = .024). However, other transplant-related outcomes were comparable. In summary, omission of minidose-MTX doses was not associated with an increased risk of acute GVHD when an alternative was added (e.g. MMF ± corticosteroids). This did not abrogate the increased risk of cGVHD or decreased overall survival.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Very low event rate and few device implants in drug-induced brugada. A seven-year experience of ajmaline challenge at a district general hospital

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Patients with a drug-induced Brugada electrocardiogram (ECG) are thought to have a lower risk of sudden cardiac death than those with a spontaneous type 1 ECG. Despite having a Brugada ECG, most patients do not need an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Purpose

To report a district general hospital experience on referral and outcomes of ajmaline challenge (AC) with medium term follow up.

Methods

92 consecutive patients (50 males, mean age 41 ±17) had an AC in a single centre from 2014-2021. High ventricular leads were used from 2015. Ajmaline (1m/kg) was administered intravenously over 10-minutes. Data were collected from the electronic health record.

Results

The AC was positive in 18 (20%) patients. The yield from high leads was higher (7% vs 22%) p=0.28) but not statistically significant. There were no deaths or documented ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in AC positive patients during a median follow up of 3.2 years (1.7-4.9).

The resting ECG was normal in 46.7%. A type 1 pattern had been provoked by fever or electrolyte derangements in 3.3%, type 2 pattern in 8.7% and a type 3 pattern in 5.4%. An RSR pattern (not in keeping with a BrS ECG) was seen in 26.4%. The test was stopped prematurely due to QRS widening &gt;150ms in 1 patient. No adverse arrhythmic events occurred (table 1).

In our cohort, positive AC patients were older (48y vs 37y p= 0.05) and more likely to have a type 2 (28% vs 4% p=0.007) or type 3 ECG (17% vs 3% p=0.05). Asymptomatic patients were more likely to have a normal ECG (22% vs 78% p=0.05)

Of those with a positive AC, nine patients had symptoms of palpitations or syncope (table 2). A subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) was implanted for syncope in two patients. No device therapies have occurred during a follow up of 2.5 years and 3.9 years respectively. Of those with a positive AC but asymptomatic, one S-ICD was initially implanted due to patient preference. A second S-ICD was implanted in a patient who experienced a collapse and brief seizure in the context of modest alcohol consumption.

In seven positive patients (39%) and 18 negative patients (23%) an ILR was implanted. 1 episode of complete heart block was detected in an ajmaline negative patient during a median follow up of 2.7 years (1.7-3.9).

There were no device related complications or adverse events.

Conclusion

AC is safe with a low number of device implants and ICD shocks. The yield from ILR implants was very low. A single patient had a potentially adverse outcome after consuming alcohol, a known trigger for VA in BrS. Our findings are in keeping with contemporary evidence that suggests the risk of adverse cardiac events in drug-induced BrS is low. However, time to first ICD shock may occur after ten years or more from diagnosis so long term follow up is required.