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Mittal A, Moore S, Navani V, Jiang DM, Stewart DJ, Liu G, Wheatley-Price P. What Is Ailing Oncology Clinical Trials? Can We Fix Them? Curr Oncol 2024; 31:3738-3751. [PMID: 39057147 PMCID: PMC11276279 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31070275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence from phase three clinical trials helps shape clinical practice. However, a very small minority of patients with cancer participate in clinical trials and many trials are not completed on time due to slow accrual. Issues with restrictive eligibility criteria can severely limit the patients who can access trials, without any convincing evidence that these restrictions impact patient safety. Similarly, regulatory, organizational, and institutional hurdles can delay trial activation, ultimately making some studies irrelevant. Additional issues during trial conduct (e.g., mandatory in-person visits, central confirmation of standard biomarkers, and inflexible drug dosage modification) contribute to making trials non-patient-centric. These real-life observations from experienced clinical trialists can seem nonsensical to investigators and patients alike, who are trying to bring effective drugs to patients with cancer. In this review, we delve into these issues in detail, and discuss potential solutions to make clinical trials more accessible to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhenil Mittal
- North East Cancer Center, Health Sciences North, Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM U), Sudbury, ON P3E5J1, Canada;
| | - Sara Moore
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8L6, Canada
| | - Vishal Navani
- Tom Baker Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N4N2, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N2, Canada
| | - Di Maria Jiang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G2M9, Canada (G.L.)
| | - David J. Stewart
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8L6, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G2M9, Canada (G.L.)
| | - Paul Wheatley-Price
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8L6, Canada
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Keegan D, Heffernan E, Clarke B, Deasy C, O'Donnell C, Crowley P, Hughes A, Murphy AW, Masterson S. Tools and methods for evaluating the change to health service delivery due to pandemics or other similar emergencies: A rapid evidence review. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2024; 102:102378. [PMID: 37856938 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease COVID-19, were declared a pandemic in March 2020. Countries developed rapid response activities within their health services to prevent spread of the virus and protect their populations. Evaluating health service delivery change is vital to assess how adapted practices worked, particularly during times of crisis. This review examined tools and methods that are used to evaluate health service delivery change during pandemics and similar emergencies. Five databases were searched, including PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The SPIDER tool informed the inclusion criteria for the articles. Articles in English and published from 2002 to 2020 were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse the studies. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Many evaluation tools, methods, and frameworks were identified in the literature. Only one established tool was specific to a particular disease outbreak. Others, including rapid-cycle improvement and PDSA cycles were implemented across various disease outbreaks. Novel evaluation strategies were common across the literature and included checklists, QI frameworks, questionnaires, and surveys. Adherence practices, experience with telehealth, patient/healthcare staff safety, and clinical competencies were some areas evaluated by the tools and methods. Several domains, including patient/practitioner safety and patient/practitioner experience with telemedicine were also identified in the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Keegan
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Eithne Heffernan
- Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK; Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - Bridget Clarke
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Conor Deasy
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland; Emergency Department, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland; University College Cork, Cork, County Cork, Ireland.
| | - Cathal O'Donnell
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Philip Crowley
- National Quality Improvement Team, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Angela Hughes
- National Quality Improvement Team, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Andrew W Murphy
- Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Siobhán Masterson
- Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland.
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Varma R, Staab JP, Matey ET, Wright JA, Deb B, Lazaridis KN, Szarka LA, Bailey KR, Bharucha AE. Most patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction receive pharmacotherapy with major or moderate drug-gene interactions. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 36:e14722. [PMID: 38072827 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND How variations predicted by pharmacogenomic testing to alter drug metabolism and therapeutic response affect outcomes for patients with disorders of gut- brain interaction is unclear. AIMS To assess the prevalence of pharmacogenomics-predicted drug-gene interactions and symptom outcomes for patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction. METHODS Patients who were treated in our clinical practice for functional dyspepsia/bowel disorder underwent pharmacogenomic testing. The change in symptoms from baseline to 6 months was compared for patients with variations in CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, which metabolize neuromodulators, and SLC6A4, which encodes the sodium- dependent serotonin transporter. RESULTS At baseline, 79 of 94 participants (84%) had at least one predicted major drug- gene interaction, and all 94 (100%) had at least one predicted moderate interaction. For the 44 participants who completed a survey of their symptoms at 6 months, the mean (SD) irritable bowel syndrome-symptom severity score decreased from 284 (71) at baseline to 231 (95) at 6 months (p < 0.001). Among patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the decrease in symptom severity (p = 0.03) and pain (p = 0.002) scores from baseline to 6 months was greater for patients with a homozygous SLC6A4 long/long genotype (n = 30) (ie, increased serotonin transporter activity) than for patients with homozygous short/short or heterozygous long/short genotypes (n = 64). Symptom outcomes were not affected by CYP2D6 or CYP2C19 variations. CONCLUSIONS The homozygous SLC6A4 long/long genotype confers better symptom resolution for patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than do the homozygous short/short or heterozygous long/short genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revati Varma
- Research Fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Staab
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eric T Matey
- Department of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Brototo Deb
- Research Fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Lawrence A Szarka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kent R Bailey
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Adil E Bharucha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Cummins MR, Soni H, Ivanova J, Ong T, Barrera J, Wilczewski H, Welch B, Bunnell BE. Narrative review of telemedicine applications in decentralized research. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e30. [PMID: 38384915 PMCID: PMC10880018 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine enables critical human communication and interaction between researchers and participants in decentralized research studies. There is a need to better understand the overall scope of telemedicine applications in clinical research as the basis for further research. This narrative, nonsystematic review of the literature sought to review and discuss applications of telemedicine, in the form of synchronous videoconferencing, in clinical research. We searched PubMed to identify relevant literature published between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2023. Two independent screeners assessed titles and abstracts for inclusion, followed by single-reviewer full-text screening, and we organized the literature into core themes through consensus discussion. We screened 1044 publications for inclusion. Forty-eight publications met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. We identified six core themes to serve as the structure for the narrative review: infrastructure and training, recruitment, informed consent, assessment, monitoring, and engagement. Telemedicine applications span all stages of clinical research from initial planning and recruitment to informed consent and data collection. While the evidence base for using telemedicine in clinical research is not well-developed, existing evidence suggests that telemedicine is a potentially powerful tool in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie R. Cummins
- University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me Inc., Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hiral Soni
- Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me Inc., Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Triton Ong
- Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me Inc., Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Janelle Barrera
- Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me Inc., Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Brandon Welch
- Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me Inc., Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Brian E. Bunnell
- Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me Inc., Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Naseer B, Ali M, Azhar N. COVID-19 research in South Asia: a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2023; 18:Doc22. [PMID: 37829254 PMCID: PMC10566035 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Background With the surge in the number of infected individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was also a surge observed in the number of publications discussing its epidemiology, characteristics, path-o-phys-i-ol-o-gy, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. This bibliometric analysis focuses on the papers published on COVID-19 in South Asia. Methods We searched articles in the Scopus database from December 2019 to October, 2022. After manual screening, a list of the 100 most-cited articles was obtained, which was analyzed for various factors, including the type of article, citation count, author's affiliation, country of origin, funding bodies, etc. Results The majority of the top 100 articles (n=79) in South Asia were published during 2020. India was affiliated with the highest number of articles (n=68), followed by Bangladesh (n=18) and Pakistan (n=12). However, 7 articles were authored by a researcher in Bangladesh. Female authors were under represented (32.38%), with no female author in lists of authors with 4 or more articles. The average number of citations for each of the top 100 most-cited articles was 180.8. Original articles constituted the major portion of the publications (82%), followed by letters (11%) and reviews (4%). Half of the publications belonged to the field of medicine (n=49), while others were contributed by science, psychology, social sciences, and biochemistry and allied sciences (n=8). Vaccine trials were under-represented. Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh was affiliated with the maximum number of articles. Most articles were published in Science of The Total Environment (n=8) while Indian Council of Medical Research (n=4) was the top funding body. Conclusion These findings highlight that South Asia has a great potential to conduct research addressing its challenging health problems. But lack of funds hinders conducting trials of new medications and vaccines. Thus, there is need for allocation of sufficient funds for research and clinical trials by governments and the private sector to enhance the research productivity of this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisal Naseer
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mohsan Ali
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Neha Azhar
- Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan
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Ballatore Z, Goudas A, Bozzi F, Lucarelli A, Burattini M, Ricci G, Savino F, Berardi R. A single experience in the conduction of clinical trial during COronaVIrusDisease-2019 pandemic. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:793-800. [PMID: 37970207 PMCID: PMC10645463 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim From the start of the pandemic, several aspects of healthcare policies changed, not least the clinical trials management from recruiting capabilities to the protocol compliance in terms of schedule of procedures, follow-up visits, staff constraints and monitoring. This study aims to assess the impact of the COronaVIrusDisease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the conduction of clinical trials at the site of clinical oncology, Ancona (Italy), to identify the strengths and weaknesses upfront the past emergency, and to select better strategies for future similar situations. Methods Data from February to July of the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 were collected and three practical parameters of the trial unit were investigated: milestones, performance, and impact. Results The trials mean numbers were 18, 24, and 23, in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively. The pre-Site Initiation Visit (PRE-SIV) rate grew from 66.6% in 2019 to 95.5% in 2021 with a deflection in 2020. Protocol deviations were 40 in the period February-July 2019, in the same period of 2020 the number of deviations increased due to COVID related ones, then there was a significant total decrease in February-July 2021. In 2020 and 2021, all the investigator meetings were online. Conclusions The growing number of remote Site Initiation Visit (SIV) and meetings over the last 3 years suggests the feasibility of the on-line processes. The significant reduction in protocol deviations during 2021 is probably due to an under check of data during a pandemic. But that is also a possible key indicator of the coping strategy made out by clinical oncology to guarantee the continuity of care in clinical trials and to offer new opportunities of cancer care in a bad scenario such as a pandemic one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelmira Ballatore
- Department of Medical Oncology, AOU della Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Amalia Goudas
- Department of Medical Oncology, AOU della Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Bozzi
- Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Michela Burattini
- Department of Medical Oncology, AOU della Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Medical Oncology, AOU della Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Savino
- Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Department of Medical Oncology, AOU della Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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Thomas E, Lee CMY, Norman R, Wells L, Shaw T, Nesbitt J, Frean I, Baxby L, Bennett S, Robinson S. Patient Use, Experience, and Satisfaction With Telehealth in an Australian Population (Reimagining Health Care): Web-Based Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45016. [PMID: 37590037 PMCID: PMC10472164 DOI: 10.2196/45016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a rapid scale-up of telehealth services in Australia as a means to provide continued care through periods of physical restrictions. The factors that influence engagement in telehealth remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to understand the experience of Australian people who engaged in a telehealth consultation during the pandemic period (2020-2021) and the demographic factors that influence engagement. METHODS A web-based survey was distributed to Australians aged over 18 years that included 4 questions on frequency and type of clinical consultation, including with a general practitioner (GP), specialist, allied health, or nurse; 1 question on the experience of telehealth; and 2 questions on the quality of and satisfaction with telehealth. Statistical analysis included proportion of responses (of positive responses where a Likert scale was used) and regression analyses to determine the effect of demographic variables. RESULTS Of the 1820 participants who completed the survey, 88.3% (1607/1820) had engaged in a health care consultation of some type in the previous 12 months, and 69.3% (1114/1607) of those had used telehealth. The most common type of consultation was with a GP (959/1114, 86.1%). Older people were more likely to have had a health care consultation but less likely to have had a telehealth consultation. There was no difference in use of telehealth between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan regions; however, people with a bachelor's degree or above were more likely to have used telehealth and to report a positive experience. A total of 87% (977/1114) of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they had received the information they required from their consultation, 71% (797/1114) agreed or strongly agreed that the outcome of their consultation was the same as it would have been face-to-face, 84% (931/1114) agreed or strongly agreed that the doctor or health care provider made them feel comfortable, 83% (924/1114) agreed or strongly agreed that the doctor or health care provider was equally as knowledgeable as providers they have seen in person; 57% (629/1114) of respondents reported that they would not have been able to access their health consultation if it were not for telehealth; 69% (765/1114) of respondents reported that they were satisfied with their telehealth consultation, and 60% (671/1114) reported that they would choose to continue to use telehealth in the future. CONCLUSIONS There was a relatively high level of engagement with telehealth over the 12 months leading up to the study period, and the majority of participants reported a positive experience and satisfaction with their telehealth consultation. While there was no indication that remoteness influenced telehealth usage, there remains work to be done to improve access to older people and those with less than a bachelor's degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Thomas
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Richard Norman
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Leanne Wells
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Canberra, Australia
| | - Tim Shaw
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julia Nesbitt
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Canberra, Australia
| | - Isobel Frean
- Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Suzanne Robinson
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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Noor NM, Siegel CA. Leveraging Virtual Technology to Conduct Clinical Trials in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2023; 19:468-474. [PMID: 37772152 PMCID: PMC10524427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Clinical trials have led to major advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care over the last few decades, yet in that time most clinical trial protocols in IBD have remained markedly the same. Many IBD protocols often still require face-to-face visits and monitoring, hospital-based medication administration, paper-based forms and questionnaires, and short follow-up periods resulting in limited long-term data. These factors have recently been recognized as likely contributors to the low recruitment and lack of diversity of participants across clinical trials in IBD. However, with increasing technological advances, there is now an opportunity for improvement. This article assesses a range of virtual innovations for how they may offer digital solutions to challenges currently encountered in IBD clinical trials. Such solutions include consideration for increasing patient diversity, digital invitation, remote consent and recruitment, virtual visits, remote patient monitoring and data collection, remote medication delivery and administration, remote clinical trial monitoring, and routinely collected health data for long-term follow-up. Adoption of virtual technology may drive the field toward patient centricity and more efficient trial protocols to allow for a new era in IBD clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurulamin M. Noor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Corey A. Siegel
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
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Glaze K, Sward A, Lenne E, Brown S, Rogers L, Frankel KA, Klawetter S. Impact of COVID-19 on Referral Patterns and Service Delivery for an Integrated Behavioral Health Program. FAMILIES IN SOCIETY : THE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY HUMAN SERVICES 2023; 104:142-153. [PMID: 38587508 PMCID: PMC9791057 DOI: 10.1177/10443894221133500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The emergence and rapid spread of COVID-19 led to unprecedented changes for families and systems of care. This study sought to understand the needs of families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) before and during the pandemic and considers the impact remote service delivery has on access to an integrated behavioral health intervention to support the psychosocial needs of children and caregivers. Needs for referral varied significantly pre- and post-pandemic onset. Analyses revealed that significantly more referrals were made regarding social determinants of health after the onset of COVID-19 (13.8%) compared with prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (4.1%, p < .05). Providers' transition to telehealth services sufficiently served WIC families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Glaze
- PsyD, assistant professor, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ashley Sward
- PsyD, assistant professor, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Eline Lenne
- MOT, OTR/L, PhD student, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Samantha Brown
- PhD, assistant professor, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lindsey Rogers
- PsyD, instructor, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karen A Frankel
- PhD, professor, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Susanne Klawetter
- PhD, LCSW, assistant professor, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
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Dupuy-McCauley K, Benzo R, Barwise A. Designing a program to support weight loss for patients attending the sleep medicine clinic: a qualitative study. J Clin Sleep Med 2023; 19:459-471. [PMID: 36458729 PMCID: PMC9978432 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Excess body weight is the most important risk factor in sleep-disordered breathing. Weight loss is a treatment alternative to positive airway pressure therapy, but there is a knowledge gap of what is feasible, acceptable, and sustainable in this population. We seek to add the voices of sleep medicine patients and providers to the medical literature to understand what makes this population unique when considering weight loss, and what we can do differently to create more sustainable weight loss interventions. METHODS We conducted one-on-one semistructured interviews with 12 patients with obstructive sleep apnea/obesity hypoventilation syndrome and obesity and with 9 sleep medicine providers regarding previous weight loss efforts, perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of weight loss, and potential components of a program to support those with sleep apnea and excess weight. RESULTS Patients indicated they appreciated direct conversation with their sleep physician regarding weight loss and providers felt the patient population was generally very receptive to weight loss conversations. Patients emphasized the most important aspects of a future weight loss program would be personalized diet, exercise, accountability, integration of technology, and an individualized approach to addressing the psychological aspects of eating. CONCLUSIONS This is a unique population of patients who are very receptive to conversations about weight loss. We plan to use this data to inform a future weight loss program based in health coaching to address the specific needs of this population. CITATION Dupuy-McCauley K, Benzo R, Barwise A. Designing a program to support weight loss for patients attending the sleep medicine clinic: a qualitative study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(3):459-471.
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Lu M, Liao X. Telehealth utilization in U.S. medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:368. [PMID: 36803677 PMCID: PMC9942377 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15263-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has become a serious public health concern for older adults and amplified the value of deploying telehealth solutions. The purpose of this study was to investigate telehealth offered by providers among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older using data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, Winter 2021 COVID-19 Supplement ([Formula: see text]). We identified variables that were associated with telehealth offered by primary care physicians and beneficiaries' access to the Internet through a multivariate classification analysis utilizing Random Forest machine learning techniques. FINDINGS For study participants interviewed by telephone, 81.06% of primary care providers provided telehealth services, and 84.62% of the Medicare beneficiaries had access to the Internet. The survey response rates for each outcome were 74.86% and 99.55% respectively. The two outcomes were positively correlated ([Formula: see text]). The Our machine learning model predicted the outcomes accurately utilizing 44 variables. Residing area and race/ethnicity were most informative for predicting telehealth coverage, and Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility and income were most informative for predicting Internet access. Other strong correlates included age, ability to access basic needs and certain mental and physical health conditions. Interactions were found among statuses of residing area, age, Medicare Advantage and heart conditions that intensified the disparity of outcomes. CONCLUSIONS We found that telehealth offered by providers likely increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for older beneficiaries, providing important access to care for certain subgroups. Policymakers must continue to identify effective means of delivering telehealth services, modernize the framework of regulatory, accreditation and reimbursement, and address disparities in access to telehealth with a particular focus on underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Xinyi Liao
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Upadhyay N, Kamble A, Navare A. Virtual healthcare in the new normal: Indian healthcare consumers adoption of electronic government telemedicine service. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION QUARTERLY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.giq.2022.101800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Community engaged research to measure the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable community member's well-being and health : A mixed methods approach. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2022; 135:221-227. [PMID: 36469122 PMCID: PMC9734981 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-022-02113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing income inequality and health disparities in the United States (US). The objective of this study was to conduct timely, community-engaged research to understand the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on historically under-resourced communities with the goal of improving health equity. The initiative focused on priorities identified by Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) conducted every 3 years per Federal funding requirements. These were access to healthcare, maternal/child health, obesity/food insecurity/physical activity, and mental health/addiction. METHODS In the first three quarters of 2021, we developed and employed mixed methods in three simultaneous phases of data collection. In phase 1, we used purposive sampling to identify key informants from multiple stakeholder groups and conducted semi-structured interviews. In phase 2, we held focus groups with community members from historically marginalized demographics. In phase 3, we developed a survey using validated scales and distributed it to diverse communities residing in the geographic areas of our healthcare system across four states. CONCLUSION Healthcare systems may use the methodology outlined in this paper to conduct responsive community engagement during periods of instability and/or crisis and to address health equity issues. The results can inform sustainable approaches to collaborate with communities to build resilience and prepare for future crises.
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Yusof MYPM, Teo CH, Ng CJ. Electronic informed consent criteria for research ethics review: a scoping review. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:117. [DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The research shows a growing trend in using an electronic platform to supplement or replace traditional paper-based informed consent processes. Instead of the traditionally written informed consent document, electronic informed consent (eConsent) may be used to assess the research subject’s comprehension of the information presented. By doing so, respect for persons as one of the research ethical principles can be upheld. Furthermore, these electronic methods may reduce potential airborne infection exposures, particularly during the pandemic, thereby adhering to the beneficence and nonmaleficence principle. This scoping review aims to identify the ethics related criteria that have been included in electronic informed consent processes and to synthesize and map these criteria to research ethics principles, in order to identify the gaps, if any, in current electronic informed consent processes.
Methods
The search was performed based on internet search and three main databases: PubMed, SCOPUS and EBSCO. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation guideline was used to report this work.
Results
Of 34 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 242 essential original constructs were collated, and 7 concepts were derived. Digital content showed the highest percentage of collated original constructs (27%, n = 65) followed by accessibility (24%, n = 56), comprehension engagement (18%, n = 43), autonomy (14%, n = 34), confidentiality (11%, n = 25), language (5%, n = 13), and parental consent (1%, n = 2). Twenty-five new items were synthesized for eConsent criteria which may provide guidance for ethical review of research involving eConsent.
Conclusion
The current study adds significant value to the corpus of knowledge in research ethics by providing ethical criteria on electronic informed consent based on evidence-based data. The new synthesized items in the criteria can be readily used as an initial guide by the IRB/REC members during a review process on electronic informed consent and useful to the future preparation of a checklist.
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Martin S, Parlier-Ahmad AB, Eglovitch M, Ondersma SJ, Svikis DS, Martin CE. Project BETTER: Preliminary Feasibility and Acceptability of a Technology-Delivered Educational Program for Pregnant and Postpartum People with Opioid Use Disorder. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2022; 3:834-843. [PMID: 36340476 PMCID: PMC9629978 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Postpartum people with opioid use disorder (OUD) report feeling underprepared for the pregnancy to postpartum transition. We developed a novel, technology-delivered educational intervention for pregnant and parenting people with OUD to address this gap. This study provides a theoretically grounded assessment of the feasibility and acceptability of a new technology-delivered educational intervention (Project BETTER) for pregnant and parenting people receiving medication for OUD (MOUD). Materials and Methods Pregnant and postpartum people receiving MOUD were recruited from a perinatal addiction clinic research registry to pilot test the technology-delivered intervention. Participants completed one of three modules (Postpartum Transition, Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, or Child Welfare Interactions) and a survey assessing acceptability based on the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA). We measured feasibility using process, resource, management, and scientific assessments. Demographics were self-reported. Clinical characteristics were abstracted from the medical record. Results Feasibility was promising, with 17 of 28 participants approached (61%) agreeing to participate; 70% of these participants (N = 12; 58% White and 23% Black, all with public insurance) completed an intervention module and the study assessments, and all reported understanding how the modules worked. Acceptability was strong, with median ratings of 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale for all positively scored TFA domains. Compared to learning from a provider, participants also reported feeling more comfortable and less stigmatized learning from the intervention. Conclusion Our theoretically grounded assessment suggests high feasibility and acceptability for Project BETTER, and provides justification for further evaluation in a clinical trial setting. Technology-delivered educational interventions may help reduce stigma and enhance prenatal education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Martin
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Michelle Eglovitch
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Steven J. Ondersma
- Division of Public Health and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Dace S. Svikis
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Caitlin E. Martin
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Coffin TB, Kenner BJ. Challenges in Recruitment and Retention: Leveraging Health-Related Antecedents and Information Carrier Factors to Improve Patient Participation in Pancreatic Cancer Research-A Review Article. Pancreas 2022; 51:1074-1082. [PMID: 37078928 PMCID: PMC10144271 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Advancements in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) prevention, diagnosis, and treatment rely on representative and robust clinical trial participation. Given the severity of PDAC, along with the lack of effective early detection approaches, the need for accessible screening tools and new treatments is dire. Unfortunately, enrollment barriers often result in low participant accrual rates for PDAC studies and illustrate the challenging terrain researchers are facing. Research participation along with access to preventative care has been further impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In this review, we use the Comprehensive Model for Information Seeking to discuss underexplored factors that influence patient participation in clinical studies. Adequate staffing, flexible scheduling, effective patient and physician communication, and culturally responsive messaging, along with the use of telehealth, can support enrollment objectives. Clinical research studies are a key component of health care, informing medical advancements, and improving outcomes. By leveraging health-related antecedents and information carrier factors, researchers can more effectively address barriers to participation and implement potential evidence-based mitigating strategies. While this work focuses on the PDAC research context, the lessons delineated here are applicable to the wider cancer research setting.
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De Sutter E, Lalova-Spinks T, Borry P, Valcke P, Kindt E, Negrouk A, Verhenneman G, Derèze JJ, Storme R, Huys I. Rethinking informed consent in the time of COVID-19: An exploratory survey. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:995688. [PMID: 36237540 PMCID: PMC9552958 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.995688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Owing to the infectious nature of COVID-19, alternative solutions, such as electronic informed consent (eIC), needed to be implemented to inform research participants about study-related information and to obtain their consent. This study aimed to investigate stakeholders' experiences with alternative consenting methods as well as their views on any regulatory or legal guidelines for eIC implementation in clinical research. Results may serve as the cornerstone to rethink the informed consent process in clinical research. Materials and methods This study consisted of an online survey among three stakeholder groups across European Union (EU) Member States and the United Kingdom. The stakeholder groups included (i) investigators, (ii) data protection officers (DPOs) or legal experts working in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and academic biobanks, and (iii) ethics committee (EC) members. Data collection occurred between April and December 2021. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The online survey was completed by 191 respondents, of whom 52% were investigators. Respondents were active in 24 out of the 27 EU Member States and the United Kingdom. The majority of each stakeholder group considered validated electronic methods moderately or extremely useful to re-consent previously enrolled research participants upon study amendments or to obtain consent from COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, this exploratory survey identified that only 13% of DPOs/legal experts, 26% of investigators, and 41% of EC members had experience with eIC. In addition, results suggest that the legal acceptance of eIC across EU Member States and the United Kingdom is variable and that a definition of eIC, issued by national law or policy, is rarely available. The results also showed that the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges to inform participants and to obtain their consent; for example, related to travel restrictions. Conclusion A number of alternative consenting methods were recommended, for example by the European Medicines Agency, to ensure clinical study continuation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although stakeholders support the use of eIC in clinical research, it seems that the experience with eIC is low. To harmonize eIC practices as much as possible, further investments in multi-stakeholder, multi-national guidance are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien De Sutter
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Teodora Lalova-Spinks
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for IT and IP Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peggy Valcke
- Centre for IT and IP Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Els Kindt
- Centre for IT and IP Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Griet Verhenneman
- Centre for IT and IP Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ruth Storme
- Ethics Committee Research, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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de Jong AJ, Grupstra RJ, Santa-Ana-Tellez Y, Zuidgeest MGP, de Boer A, Gardarsdottir H. Which decentralised trial activities are reported in clinical trial protocols of drug trials initiated in 2019-2020? A cross-sectional study in ClinicalTrials.gov. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063236. [PMID: 36038171 PMCID: PMC9438113 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Decentralised clinical trial activities-such as participant recruitment via social media, data collection through wearables and direct-to-participant investigational medicinal product (IMP) supply-have the potential to change the way clinical trials (CTs) are conducted and with that to reduce the participation burden and improve generalisability. In this study, we investigated the decentralised and on-site conduct of trial activities as reported in CT protocols with a trial start date in 2019 or 2020. DESIGN We ascertained the decentralised and on-site conduct for the following operational trial activities: participant outreach, prescreening, screening, obtaining informed consent, asynchronous communication, participant training, IMP supply, IMP adherence monitoring, CT monitoring, staff training and data collection. Results were compared for the public versus private sponsors, regions involved, trial phases and four time periods (the first and second half of 2019 and 2020, respectively). SETTING Phases 2, 3 and 4 clinical drug trial protocols with a trial start date in 2019 or 2020 available from ClinicalTrials.gov. OUTCOME MEASURES The occurrence of decentralised and on-site conduct of the predefined trial activities reported in CT protocols. RESULTS For all trial activities, on-site conduct was more frequently reported than decentralised conduct. Decentralised conduct of the individual trial activities was reported in less than 25.6% of the 254 included protocols, except for decentralised data collection, which was reported in 68.9% of the protocols. More specifically, 81.9% of the phase 3 protocols reported decentralised data collection, compared with 73.3% and 47.0% of the phase 2 and 4 protocols, respectively. For several activities, including prescreening, screening and consenting, upward trends in reporting decentralised conduct were visible over time. CONCLUSIONS Decentralised methods are used in CTs, mainly for data collection, but less frequently for other activities. Sharing best practices and a detailed description in protocols can drive the adoption of decentralised methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos J de Jong
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renske J Grupstra
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yared Santa-Ana-Tellez
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mira G P Zuidgeest
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anthonius de Boer
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Helga Gardarsdottir
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Division Laboratory and Pharmacy, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Hamadi HY, Zhao M, Haley DR, Dunn A, Paryani S, Spaulding A. Medicare and telehealth: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic. J Eval Clin Pract 2022; 28:43-48. [PMID: 34786796 PMCID: PMC8657362 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
STUDY RATIONALE The swift progression of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to facilitate the increase in telehealth utilization. However, it is clear neither how telehealth was offered by providers nor how it was used by patients during this time of unusual and rapid change within the health industry. AIM To investigates the telehealth utilization patterns of Medicare beneficiaries during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND MATERIALS A cross-sectional study design was used to examine the responses of 9686 Medicare beneficiaries to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, Fall 2020 COVID-19 Supplement. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between telehealth offering and beneficiaries' sociodemographic variables. RESULTS Over half (58%) of primary care providers provided telehealth services, while only 26%-28% of specialists did. Less than 8% of Medicare beneficiaries reported that they were unable to obtain care because of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS This research found that changes in Medicare policy, associated with CMS' declaration of telehealth waivers during the Public Health Emergency (PHE), likely increased the proliferation and utilization of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing important access to care for certain populations. With the impending conclusion of the PHE, policymakers must 1) ascertain which elements of the new telehealth landscape will be retained, 2) modernize the regulatory, accreditation and reimbursement framework to maintain pace with care model innovation and 3) address disparities in access to broadband connectivity with a particular focus on rural and underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanadi Y. Hamadi
- Department of Health Administration, Brooks College of HealthUniversity of North FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Health Administration, Brooks College of HealthUniversity of North FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Donald Rob Haley
- Department of Health Administration, Brooks College of HealthUniversity of North FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Ajani Dunn
- Advanced Care at Home and Digital Practice StrategyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Shyam Paryani
- Department of Health Administration, Brooks College of HealthUniversity of North FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Aaron Spaulding
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern, Center for the Science of Health Care DeliveryMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
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Modifying UTAUT2 for a cross-country comparison of telemedicine adoption. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022; 130:107183. [PMID: 35017788 PMCID: PMC8739826 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID19 pandemic has put digital health technologies in the spotlight. To gain a deeper understanding of patients’ usage intentions of virtual doctor appointments, the present research adapts the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) by integrating perceived security and perceived product advantage, two known barriers to successful telemedicine adoption. Applying age-stratified sampling, an online survey was distributed to 800 citizens in Germany and the United States of America. 710 completed and valid questionnaires were subsequently analyzed using SPSS and AMOS (versions 24). Significant, direct, and positive effects of performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, perceived security, and perceived product advantage on the behavioral intention to use virtual doctor appointments were found. The analysis of the moderating variables, age and gender, showed significant differences in user's performance expectancy and effort expectancy, and perceived product advantage, respectively. With virtual health care models on the rise, these results are important for stakeholders such as policymakers, governments, employers, but also physicians, and insurance companies as they offer clear recommendations to design telemedicine adoption strategies to ensure successful patient engagement.
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Participation of rural patients in clinical trials at a multisite academic medical center. J Clin Transl Sci 2021; 5:e190. [PMID: 34849264 PMCID: PMC8596068 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2021.813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Clinical trials, which are mainly conducted in urban medical centers, may be less accessible to rural residents. Our aims were to assess participation and the factors associated with participation of rural residents in clinical trials. Methods: Using geocoding, the residential address of participants enrolled into clinical trials at Mayo Clinic locations in Arizona, Florida, and the Midwest between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, was categorized as urban or rural. The distance travelled by participants and trial characteristics was compared between urban and rural participants. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate whether study location and risks were associated with rural participation in trials. Results: Among 292 trials, including 136 (47%) cancer trials, there were 2313 participants. Of these, 731 (32%) were rural participants, which is greater than the rural population in these 9 states (19%, P < 0.001). Compared to urban participants, rural participants were older (65 ± 12 years vs 64 ± 12 years, P = 0.004) and travelled further to the medical center (103 ± 104 vs 68 ± 88 miles, P < 0.001). The proportion of urban and rural participants who were remunerated was comparable. In the multivariable analysis, the proportion of rural participants was lower (P < 0.001) in Arizona (10%) and Florida (18%) than the Midwest (38%) but not significantly associated with the study-related risks. Conclusions: Approximately one in three clinical trial participants were rural residents versus one in five in the population. Rural residents travelled further to access clinical trials. The study-associated risks were not associated with the distribution of rural and urban participants in trials.
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