Everyday life experiences of spouses of patients who suffer from pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Change in health-related quality of life at early follow-up in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Symptoms associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) impact patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Studies on change and if a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in HRQoL is reached within a year after diagnosis are lacking. The aim was to investigate the change in HRQoL as well as the proportion of patients that reached MCID at an early postdiagnosis visit. The study included adult patients from the Swedish PAH & CTEPH registry, diagnosed 2008-2021, with Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) at time of diagnosis and a follow-up. Data were analyzed as total population and dichotomized for sex, age (<65 vs. ≥65 years), time of diagnosis (≤2015 vs. >2015) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) subgroups. Data reported as median, interquartile range (IQR), and proportions (%). There were 151 patients (PAH = 119, CTEPH = 32) with an available CAMPHOR score at diagnosis and follow-up. CAMPHOR total sum was 31 (IQR: 21-43) and 25 (14-36); (p < 0.001) at diagnosis and follow-up, respectively. At follow-up, 56% had reached MCID in total sum, while for domains activity, symptoms, and QoL 27%, 33%, and 39% reached MCID, respectively. These results were independent of PH subgroup, diagnosis before or after 2015 and sex. Age below 65 years was related to improvements in activity and worsening of symptoms. In conclusion on a group level, improvements in CAMPHOR total sum as well as all domains were seen in the first year after diagnosis, however, only slightly more than half of the patients reached MCID for CAMPHOR total sum.

A New Normality Illuminated by Past and Present! A Qualitative Study: Experiences and Challenges of Everyday Life in Patients With Advanced Heart or Lung Failure

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the phenomena of everyday life as experienced and coped with by patients living with advanced heart or lung failure. We employed a qualitative design using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Data derived from 10 nursing consultations in a holistic setting. Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation inspired the text analysis. The study emphasizes time (past, present, and future) as an overall everyday life theme, playing an essential role associated with improvements or poor outcomes related to physical, mental, and intersubjective challenges. Patients accepted and lived with the challenges, experiencing changes, as transition, but also coped with their new normal, which involved improvements or poor outcomes, some invisible to the community. Assumptions about everyday life changed significantly, the changes possibly essential for intersubjective relations. A reflective approach, can help patients to evolve, using knowledge from the past and present to cope with the future.

Examining the impact of pulmonary hypertension on nonprofessional caregivers: A mixed‐methods systematic review

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition, associated with a high symptom burden and high rates of disability. While nonprofessional caregivers are essential in helping patients live better, little is known about the impact on caregivers and support that is currently available. This review has synthesised evidence examining experiences of caregivers of adults with PH. Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched for all types of study design. Articles were evaluated and analysed using a Joanna Briggs Institute approach. Eight articles primarily focussed on pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic PH were identified investigating 456 caregivers from at least 10 countries. Four categories were identified describing caregiver demographics, responsibilities, impact, and support. Four integrated themes emerged identifying possible unmet needs and therapeutic targets: (1) Change, reflecting the various demands caring had on people as they attempted to balance the needs of the patient and their own; (2) Preparedness, discussing how caregivers could feel uncertain and unskilled for their duties and unsupported; (3) Isolation, with caregivers often encountering challenges to gaining information on PH turning to PH organisations and others affected for support and connection; and (4) Physical and mental demands, reflecting the multifaceted impact of caring. Findings add to the evidence demonstrating that PH can have a considerable impact on patients' support network. Providing support for caregivers of people with PH is an unmet need and may have a positive impact on patients and is an area that requires further research.

A model for estimating the health economic impact of earlier diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background

Diagnostic delay of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) exceeds 1 year, contributing to higher mortality. Health economic consequences of late CTEPH diagnosis are unknown. We aimed to develop a model for quantifying the impact of diagnosing CTEPH earlier on survival, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and healthcare costs.

Material and methods

A Markov model was developed to estimate lifelong outcomes, depending on the degree of delay. Data on survival and quality of life were obtained from published literature. Hospital costs were assessed from patient records (n=498) at the Amsterdam UMC – VUmc, which is a Dutch CTEPH referral center. Medication costs were based on a mix of standard medication regimens.

Results

For 63-year-old CTEPH patients with a 14-month diagnostic delay of CTEPH (median age and delay of patients in the European CTEPH Registry), lifelong healthcare costs were estimated at EUR 117 100 for a mix of treatment options. In a hypothetical scenario of maximal reduction of current delay, improved survival was estimated at a gain of 3.01 life-years and 2.04 QALYs. The associated cost increase was EUR 44 654, of which 87% was due to prolonged medication use. This accounts for an incremental cost–utility ratio of EUR 21 900/QALY.

Conclusion

Our constructed model based on the Dutch healthcare setting demonstrates a substantial health gain when CTEPH is diagnosed earlier. According to Dutch health economic standards, additional costs remain below the deemed acceptable limit of EUR 50 000/QALY for the particular disease burden. This model can be used for evaluating cost-effectiveness of diagnostic strategies aimed at reducing the diagnostic delay.

This constructed model based on the Dutch healthcare setting can be used for evaluating cost-effectiveness of diagnostic strategies aimed at reducing the diagnostic delay of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertensionhttps://bit.ly/35yXPM3

The Odyssey from Symptom to Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension from the Patients and Spouses Perspective

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE

Diagnostic delays in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are related to increased morbidity and mortality. The risk of a delayed, or even a missed, diagnosis is high as the conditions are rare. The aim was to describe patients' and spouses' experiences of the journey from the first symptom to an established diagnosis.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of 31 transcripts, based on 2 primary datasets containing interviews with 17 patients and 14 spouses, was carried out and analyzed according to qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

One overarching category was revealed from the content analysis; "The journey from doubt and hope to receive the diagnosis." Five subcategories were identified as: overall experiences; ignoring symptoms; seeking primary care/hospital specialty care; blame and stigma; and finding a pulmonary hypertension specialist clinic. The main finding was that both patients and spouses experienced that waiting for a diagnosis and the deteriorating state of health led to anxiety and frustration. The knowledge about rare diseases among health professionals needs to be improved to enable a timelier diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients' and spouses' lives were negatively affected by having to search for a correct diagnosis. In order for health care to identify rare diseases earlier, a well-functioning and responsive health care system, in primary care as well as in specialist care, is needed. Symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue are often unspecific but should not be ignored. Keeping the patient and spouse in the loop, and providing information that the search for an answer might take time is essential for health care providers to create trust.

Adherence to disease-specific drug treatment among patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) require lifelong treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate adherence to disease-specific treatment in patients with PAH or CTEPH.

METHODS

The study comprised an adult population diagnosed with PAH (n=384) or CTEPH (n=187) alive in 2016-2017. The study utilised three registries: the Swedish PAH registry, the National Board of Health and Welfare, and Statistics Sweden. Withdrawals from pharmacies of disease-specific oral treatments were studied. Adherence was assessed as: 1) Number of days covered defined as the difference between the total number of daily dosages dispensed and the total number of days covered; and 2) Manual assessment by two persons that independently reviewed each patient's prescription fill history to detect anomalies or patterns of deteriorating or improving adherence over time.

RESULTS

The mean age was 61±16 years, 61% were female and mean time since diagnosis was 4.6 years. Adherence was 62% using the Number of days covered method and 66% by the Manual assessment method. Drug-specific adherence varied from 91% for riociguat to 60% for sildenafil. Good adherence was associated with shorter time since diagnosis in patients with PAH and with lower number of concomitant other chronic treatments in patients with CTEPH. Age, sex, socioeconomic status or number of pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatments were not associated with adherence.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to oral disease-specific treatment was 60-66% and associated with time since diagnosis and number of concomitant chronic treatments. Sex, age or socioeconomic factors did not affect adherence.

Novel Insight into How Nurses Working at PH Specialist Clinics in Sweden Perceive Their Work

Outpatient pulmonary hypertension (PH) specialist centers have an important role in the optimal management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of the present study was to gain an understanding of the work facing nurses at the outpatient PH specialist centers in Sweden. All nurses (n = 14) working at the outpatient PH specialist centers in Sweden were included. Qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze the interviews, wherein an overarching theme emerged: "Build and maintain a relationship with the patient". Three categories described the nurses' experiences: "Ambiguous satisfaction regarding information and communication", "Acting as a coordinator" and "Professional and personal development". To provide good patient care, the nurses described the key components as the ability to give information on all aspects of the disease and their availability by phone for patients, their relatives, and other healthcare resources. This requires evidence-based, specialist knowledge about the disease, its care, and treatments as well as experience. In conclusion, working as a nurse at the outpatient PH specialist centers highlight the advantages, expectations, and difficulties in working with patients with a rare and life-threatening illness. The overall knowledge and skills were high, but the nurses expressed a need for in-depth and continued training.