Assessing outcomes of enhanced chronic disease care through patient education and a value-based formulary study (ACCESS)-study protocol for a 2×2 factorial randomized trial

Navigating the challenges of clinical trial professionals in the healthcare sector

Clinical trials (CTs) are essential for medical advancements but face significant challenges, particularly in professional training and role clarity. Principal investigators, clinical research coordinators (CRCs), nurses, clinical trial pharmacists, and monitors are key players. Each faces unique challenges, such as maintaining protocol compliance, managing investigational products, and ensuring data integrity. Clinical trials' complexity and evolving nature demand specialized and ongoing training for these professionals. Addressing these challenges requires clear role delineation, continuous professional development, and supportive workplace environments to improve retention and trial outcomes. Enhanced training programs and a collaborative approach are essential for the successful conduct of clinical trials and the advancement of medical research.

Patient Perspectives on a Tailored Self-Management Education and Support Intervention for Low-Income Seniors With Chronic Health Conditions

Background

The Assessing Outcomes of Enhanced Chronic Disease Care Through Patient Education and a Value-based Formulary Study (ACCESS) was a 2 x 2 factorial randomized trial that tested the impact of a tailored self-management education support (SMES) program, which demonstrated a 22% reduction in adverse clinical events. We sought to qualitatively explore participants' perspectives on the SMES intervention, and the ways in which it may have improved self-management skills.

Methods

We used a qualitative descriptive approach and conducted individual semistructured interviews. We conducted inductive and deductive thematic analysis using NVivo 12 (QSR International, Burlington, MA).

Results

We interviewed 20 participants who had recently completed the 3-year SMES intervention. The following 3 main themes emerged from the data: (i) empowerment; (ii) intervention acceptability; and (iii) suggestions for improvement. Regarding empowerment, we identified subthemes of health literacy, self-efficacy, self-management, and active role in health. Several participants reported that empowerment promoted health behaviour change or improved confidence in self-management. Regarding acceptability, we identified subthemes of ease of use and presentation style. Most participants expressed positive feelings toward the intervention and felt that it was easy to understand. Finally, we identified subthemes of learning style, content, and engagement strategies, within the theme of suggestions for improvement. Some participants said that the messages were too general and did not fully address the complex health concerns they had.

Conclusions

Our results highlighted key strategies to promote patient engagement and self-management behaviours and demonstrated how they may have been used to improve clinical endpoints. Additionally, we demonstrated the novel use of marketing principles in SMES interventions.

Barriers and Facilitators in Access to Diabetes, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemia Medicines: A Scoping Review

Objective: Identify barriers and facilitators in access to medicines for diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, considering patient, health provider, and health system perspectives.

Methods: Scoping review based on Joanna Briggs methodology. The search considered PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Academic Search Ultimate, Web of Science, SciELO Citation Index, and grey literature. Two researchers conducted screening and eligibility phases. Data were thematically analyzed.

Results: The review included 219 documents. Diabetes was the most studied condition; most of the evidence comes from patients and the United States. Affordability and availability of medicines were the most reported dimension and specific barrier respectively, both cross-cutting concerns. Among high- and middle-income countries, identified barriers were cost of medicines, accompaniment by professionals, long distances to facilities, and cultural aspects; cost of transportation emerges in low-income settings. Facilitators reported were financial accessibility, trained health workers, medicines closer to communities, and patients’ education.

Conclusion: Barriers and facilitators are determined by socioeconomic and cultural conditions, highlighting the role of health systems in regulatory and policy context (assuring financial coverage and free medicines); providers’ role bringing medicines closer; and patients’ health education and disease management.

Factors Affecting the Reception of Self-Management Health Education: A Cross-Sectional Survey Assessing Perspectives of Lower-Income Seniors with Cardiovascular Conditions

INTRODUCTION

Self-management education and support (SMES) programs can prevent adverse chronic disease outcomes, but factors modifying their reception remain relatively unexplored. We examined how perceptions of an SMES program were influenced by the mode of delivery, and co-receipt of a paired financial benefit.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

Using a cross-sectional survey, we evaluated the perceived helpfulness of a SMES program among 446 low-income seniors at high risk for cardiovascular events in Alberta, Canada. Secondary outcomes included frequency of use, changes in perspectives on health, satisfaction with the program, and comprehensibility of the material. Participants received surveys after engaging with the program for at least 6 months. We used modified Poisson regression to calculate relative risks. Open-ended questions were analyzed inductively.

RESULTS

The majority of participants reported that the SMES program was helpful (>80%). Those who also received the financial benefit (elimination of medication copayments) were more likely to report that the SMES program was helpful (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11-1.39). Those who received the program electronically were more likely to use the program weekly (RR 1.51, 1.25-1.84). Both those who received the intervention electronically (RR 1.18, 1.06-1.33), and those who also received copayment elimination (RR 1.17, 1.05-1.31) were more likely to state that the program helped change their perspectives on health.

CONCLUSION

When designing SMES programs, providing the option for electronic delivery appears to promote greater use for seniors. The inclusion of online-delivery and co-receipt of tangible benefits when designing an SMES program for seniors results in favorable reception and could facilitate sustained adherence to health behavior recommendations. Participants also specifically expressed that what they enjoyed most was that the SMES program was informative, helpful, engaging, and supportive.

Pharmacist and patient perspectives on recruitment strategies for randomized controlled trials: a qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Although recruitment is a major challenge for most randomized controlled trials, few report on the difficulties of recruitment, or how it might be enhanced. The objective of our study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of both patients and pharmacists related to recruitment for ACCESS, a large trial involving low-income seniors, given that two of our most successful recruitment strategies were direct patient recruitment materials and use of community pharmacists.

METHODS

Using qualitative descriptive methods, we collected data from pharmacists and study participants. Pharmacists were asked about their impressions of the study, as well as challenges they faced and methods they used to recruit potential participants. Focus groups with trial participants centered on the patient recruitment materials. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Pharmacists noted that their first impressions of the study were positive as they described being enticed to help the study team by the potential benefit of copayment elimination for their patients and the low time commitment. Pharmacists noted they were more likely to recruit if they were well informed on the study, as they could answer their patients' questions. Participants noted that their primary motivations for participating were the tangible benefits of free medications and the intrinsic value of participating in research.

CONCLUSIONS

We noted that recruitment through pharmacies was an effective method as most patients have trusting relationships with their pharmacist. To optimize recruitment through pharmacies, study procedures should be straightforward, and pharmacists need to be equipped with good knowledge of the study. When promoting a study to potential participants, messaging should ensure the individuals are aware of the tangible benefits of participation while still presenting a full overview of the trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial Registration Number: NCT02579655 - initially registered Oct 19, 2015.

Exploring patient and pharmacist perspectives on complex interventions for cardiovascular prevention: A qualitative descriptive process evaluation

BACKGROUND

The Assessing outcomes of enhanced Chronic disease Care through patient Education and a value-baSed formulary Study (ACCESS) is a randomized controlled trial evaluating two interventions targeting barriers to care among those at high risk of cardiovascular disease: copayment elimination for cardioprotective medications, and a tailored self-management support programme. We designed a process evaluation to better understand participant perspectives on the interventions.

DESIGN

We used a qualitative descriptive study design, collecting patient and pharmacist feedback via individual semi-structured telephone interviews and in-person focus groups. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (39 interviews and 14 in two focus groups) and 20 pharmacists participated. Copayment elimination provided quality of life benefits: minimizing the need to 'cut-back', allowing 'peace of mind' and providing emotional support. Health-related benefits included: improving adherence to covered medications, and helping to afford non-covered goods. The only criticism was that not all medications and testing supplies were covered. Patients reported that the educational materials provided helpful information, acted as a reminder, improved confidence, improved adherence to medication, and helped initiate conversations with providers about indicated medication. Some participants felt that the educational materials were repetitive, overly medication-focused and not tailored enough. Pharmacists felt that their patients benefitted from both interventions, which improved patient adherence and communication with their patients.

CONCLUSION

The success of interventions intended to change behaviour is largely dependent upon participant's feelings that the intervention is helpful. This process evaluation provided insights into participants' perceptions on these interventions. Reception of both was largely positive with a few criticisms noted.

Cost analysis and efficacy of recruitment strategies used in a large pragmatic community-based clinical trial targeting low-income seniors: a comparative descriptive analysis

OBJECTIVE

One of the most challenging parts of running clinical trials is recruiting enough participants. Our objective was to determine which recruitment strategies were effective in reaching specific subgroups.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We assessed the efficacy and costs of the recruitment strategies used in the Assessing Outcomes of Enhanced Chronic Disease Care Through Patient Education and a Value-based Formulary Study (ACCESS) in Alberta, Canada.

RESULTS

Twenty percent of the study budget ($354,330 CAD) was spent on recruiting 4013 participants, giving an average cost per enrolled of $88 CAD. Pharmacies recruited the most participants (n = 1217), at a cost of $128/enrolled. "Paid media" had the highest cost ($806/enrolled), whereas "word of mouth" and "unpaid media" had the lowest (~$3/enrolled). Participants enrolled from "seniors outreach" had the lowest baseline quality of life and income, while participants from "word of mouth" had the lowest educational attainment.

CONCLUSION

The "health care providers" strategies were especially successful - at a moderate cost per enrolled. The "media" strategies were less effective, short lasting, and more costly. No strategy was singularly effective in recruiting our targeted groups, emphasizing the importance of utilizing a variety of strategies to reach recruitment goals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02579655 . Registered on 19 October 2015.

Insulin resistance, blood glucose and inflammatory cytokine levels are risk factors for cardiovascular events in diabetic patients complicated with coronary heart disease

This study was designed to investigate the relation of insulin resistance, blood glucose and inflammatory cytokines with cardiovascular events in diabetic patients complicated with coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 120 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) complicated with CHD admitted to Jinan Central Hospital from January 2015 to March 2016 were enrolled in this study. There were 60 cases complicated with cardiovascular events and 60 had no history of cardiovascular events; there were 40 cases with abnormal blood glucose, 40 with insulin resistance and 40 with elevated inflammatory cytokines. Changes in the levels of blood glucose, fasting serum insulin and inflammatory cytokines as well as changes in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance indexes (HOMA-IR) were recorded and compared among groups of patients. Besides, changes in the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score and the incidence rate of cardiovascular events were also detected and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted so as to identify relevant risk factors. Our results showed the fasting blood glucose and the 2 h postprandial blood glucose levels in the non-cardiovascular event group were lower than those in the cardiovascular event group (P<0.05). However, levels of fasting serum insulin and HOMA-IR in the non-cardiovascular event group were significantly higher than those in the cardiovascular event group (P<0.05). Additionally, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein in the non-cardiovascular event group were significantly lower than those in the cardiovascular event group (P<0.05). Moreover, GRACE risk scores in patients with elevated inflammatory cytokines were higher than those in patients with insulin resistance and those in patients with blood glucose abnormalities (P<0.05). The incidence rate of cardiovascular events in patients with blood glucose abnormalities was lower than that in patients with insulin resistance and that in patients with elevated inflammatory cytokines. There was a positive correlation between TNF-α and HOMA-IR (P<0.05), and between HOMA-IR and the GRACE risk score (P<0.05). Blood glucose abnormalities, insulin resistance and inflammatory cytokines were all independent risk factors for cardiovascular events. Based on our findings, stronger inflammatory responses in patients with T2DM complicated with CHD lead to higher incidence rates of cardiovascular events. Besides that, elevated blood glucose and insulin resistance levels are also independent risk factors for cardiovascular events.