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Adachi T, El-Hattab AW, Jain R, Nogales Crespo KA, Quirland Lazo CI, Scarpa M, Summar M, Wattanasirichaigoon D. Enhancing Equitable Access to Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment around the World: A Review of Evidence, Policies, and Challenges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4732. [PMID: 36981643 PMCID: PMC10049067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This document provides a comprehensive summary of evidence on the current situation of rare diseases (RDs) globally and regionally, including conditions, practices, policies, and regulations, as well as the challenges and barriers faced by RD patients, their families, and caregivers. The document builds on a review of academic literature and policies and a process of validation and feedback by a group of seven experts from across the globe. Panelists were selected based on their academic merit, expertise, and knowledge regarding the RD environment. The document is divided into five main sections: (1) methodology and objective; (2) background and context; (3) overview of the current situation and key challenges related to RDs covering six dimensions: burden of disease, patient journey, social impact, disease management, RD-related policies, and research and development; (4) recommendations; and (5) conclusions. The recommendations are derived from the discussion undertaken by the experts on the findings of this review and provide a set of actionable solutions to the challenges and barriers to improving access to RD diagnosis and treatment around the world. The recommendations can support critical decision-making, guiding efforts by a broad range of RDs stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, manufacturers, researchers, and patient advocacy groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeya Adachi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Medical Regulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
- United Japanese-Researchers Around-the-World (UJA), Isehara 259-1143, Japan
| | - Ayman W. El-Hattab
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Organization for Rare Diseases, Dubai 500767, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah 72772, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ritu Jain
- Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (DEBRA), Singapore 059811, Singapore
- Asia Pacific Alliance of Rare Disease Organizations (APARDO), Singapore 188976, Singapore
- Language and Communication Centre, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | | | - Camila I. Quirland Lazo
- Health Technology Assessment Unit, Cancer Research Department, Arturo López Perez Foundation, Santiago 7500921, Chile
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 080193 Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Maurizio Scarpa
- European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Diseases (MetabERN), 33100 Udine, Italy
- Regional Coordinating Center for Rare Diseases Friuli Venezia Giulia, Udine University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Brains for Brain Foundation, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Marshall Summar
- The Translational Science Training Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Maryland, MD 20814, USA
- Children’s National Medical Centre, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Quincy, MA 02169, USA
- Children’s National Rare Disease Institute, Washington, DC 20012, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Duangrurdee Wattanasirichaigoon
- Thai Rare Disease Foundation (ThaiRDF), Bangkok 10230, Thailand
- Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA) of Thailand, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Rare Disease Working Committee, Thai National Health Security Office (NHSO), Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Sub-Working Committee for Rare Disease Medicine, Thailand National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), National Drug Policy Division, Food and Drug Administration, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
- Medical Genetics Network, Genetics Society of Thailand, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Thailand Medical Genetics and Genomics Association (TMGGA), Bangkok 10510, Thailand
- Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics (APSHG), Singapore 229899, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Skweres-Kuchta M, Czerska I, Szaruga E. Literature Review on Health Emigration in Rare Diseases-A Machine Learning Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2483. [PMID: 36767849 PMCID: PMC9915846 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The article deals with one of the effects of health inequalities and gaps in access to treatments for rare diseases, namely health-driven emigration. The purpose of the paper is to systematize knowledge about the phenomenon of health emigration observed among families affected by rare diseases, for which reimbursed treatment is available, but only in selected countries. The topic proved to be niche; the issue of "health emigration in rare diseases" is an area for exploration. Therefore, the further analysis used text mining and machine learning methods based on a database selected based on keywords related to this issue. The results made it possible to systematize the guesses made by researchers in management and economic fields, to identify the most common keywords and thematic clusters around the perspective of the patient, drug manufacturer and treatment reimbursement decision-maker, and the perspective integrating all the others. Since the topic of health emigration was not directly addressed in the selected sources, the authors attempted to define the related concepts and discussed the importance of this phenomenon in managing the support system in rare diseases. Thus, they indicated directions for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Skweres-Kuchta
- Department of Organization and Management, Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Cukrowa 8 Street, 71-004 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Czerska
- Department of Marketing Research, Faculty of Management, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 118/120 Komandorska Str, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Szaruga
- Department of Transport Management, Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Cukrowa 8 Street, 71-004 Szczecin, Poland
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Hatirnaz Ng O, Sahin I, Erbilgin Y, Ozdemir O, Yucesan E, Erturk N, Yemenici M, Akgun Dogan O, Ugur Iseri SA, Satman I, Alanay Y, Ozbek U. Obstacles and expectations of rare disease patients and their families in Türkiye: ISTisNA project survey results. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1049349. [PMID: 36684907 PMCID: PMC9846031 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1049349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare disease patients constitute a significant part of the healthcare system of all countries. However, the information on the experiences during disease processes and daily life of rare disease patients is still limited. So far, there is a small number of studies conducted in Türkiye, and they mainly cover specific issues like education or anxiety. Here we present a comprehensive survey analysis conducted among the patients and their families within the scope of the Istanbul Solution Platform for Undiagnosed and Rare Diseases-ISTisNA project. A total of 498 individuals responded to the survey, and 58% of the participants answered all questions. The majority of the patients were in the age range of 1-10 years (44.7%), and 91% of all the patients had a precise diagnosis. The diagnosis rate in the first 6 months was 69%, and almost 10% of the patients remained undiagnosed. The mothers were the primary caregivers (72%). Nearly 30% of the caregivers had to quit their jobs and 25% of the patients (0-18 years) had to leave school. Accessing physicians with relevant specialization and reaching treatments/medications/supplements were the two main obstacles the participants mentioned, with a frequency of 81% and 73%, respectively. Around 50% of participants noted that they commonly faced difficulties at work/school and in their social lives. The highest expectation or priority was the establishment of rare disease-specific diagnosis and treatment centers, accurate and detailed information on diseases in the Turkish language, and easy access to physicians, treatments, and supportive therapies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive survey conducted on the rare disease community in Türkiye. These results show that regardless of the country, the individuals affected by rare diseases and their families have similar problems and expectations. On the other hand, regional and country-specific issues are still in the line to be solved. These studies can provide a deeper insight into rare diseases and guide the activities of Türkiye's national rare disease action plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozden Hatirnaz Ng
- Department of Medical Biology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs Application and Research Center (ACURARE), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Genetics, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ilayda Sahin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yucel Erbilgin
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ozkan Ozdemir
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs Application and Research Center (ACURARE), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Genome Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Emrah Yucesan
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nazli Erturk
- Turkish Public Health and Chronic Disease Institute, Health Institutes of Türkiye, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Merve Yemenici
- Turkish Public Health and Chronic Disease Institute, Health Institutes of Türkiye, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ozlem Akgun Dogan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Pediatrics, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sibel Aylin Ugur Iseri
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ilhan Satman
- Turkish Public Health and Chronic Disease Institute, Health Institutes of Türkiye, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yasemin Alanay
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs Application and Research Center (ACURARE), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Genetics, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Pediatrics, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ugur Ozbek
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs Application and Research Center (ACURARE), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Genetics, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Genome Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Marino ML, Alessi E, Di Filippo A, Polistena B, Macchia F, Spandonaro F, Trotta F. Farmaci orfani in Italia: disponibilità e tempi di accesso a livello regionale. GLOBAL & REGIONAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT 2023; 10:89-97. [PMID: 38162821 PMCID: PMC10757301 DOI: 10.33393/grhta.2023.2641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There are an estimated 26 million rare disease patients in Europe, about 2 million in Italy. Access to orphan drugs has been evaluated nationally and internationally, and delays have been observed due to evaluation of price and therapeutic value. The objectives of this study are: to assess the availability of EMA-authorized orphan drugs at national and regional level; to study time trends and regional variability in consumption and spending, and to estimate the time to access in Italian regions. Methods: We evaluate the availability of EMA authorized orphan drugs in Italy. Based on data from the Traceability of medicines dataflow for period 2016-2021 we evaluate the expenditure, consumption and availability of orphan drugs in each region. To estimate the time to access we consider the days between the end of negotiation procedure and the first purchase by regions. Results: In 2021 in Italy are available 94% of EMA authorized orphan drugs. The expenditure and consumption have grown during the last decade. The availability is higher in bigger regions, that also take care of patients from smaller regions. The pro capite expenditure and consumption in DDD/1,000 ab die is similar in all the geographic area. Time to regional access is on average 123 days, that grows to 224 excluding the orphan drugs dispensed before the end of reimbursement procedure. Conclusions: Italy has a high availability of orphan drugs and the time to access is less than European average. In each region the care of rare patients is uniform and guaranteed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Alessi
- Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), Roma - Italy
| | | | - Barbara Polistena
- C.R.E.A. Sanità, Università degli studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma - Italy
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Koçkaya G, Oguzhan G, Ökçün S, Kurnaz M. Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures of Turkish households living with rare diseases. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1051851. [PMID: 36935729 PMCID: PMC10020592 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1051851] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to determine the out-of-pocket health expenditures of households in Turkey where individuals with rare diseases are residing. Methods The research population consisted registered members of associations who are members of the Rare Diseases Network. In addition to the general analysis including all participants, expenditures based on characteristics of disease holders were also calculated. Results A total of 439 participants were included in the analysis. We determined that special nutrition was the highest expenditure group and emergency departments were the lowest expenditure group. When all the participants were evaluated, the average cost of rare diseases was found to be Ł22,743 (€2,877). A significant relationship was found between income status and out-of-pocket health expenditures (p = 0.012). Discussion Policy makers should consider inclusion of special nutritional products and medical/non-medical devices used in treatment of rare diseases within the scope of reimbursement and the development of orphan drug legislation as the first actions to be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Güvenç Koçkaya
- ECONiX Research, Analysis and Consultancy Inc., Samsun, Türkiye
- *Correspondence: Güvenç Koçkaya
| | - Gülpembe Oguzhan
- Department of Healthcare Management, Tarsus University, Mersin, Türkiye
| | - Selin Ökçün
- ECONiX Research, Analysis and Consultancy Inc., Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Mustafa Kurnaz
- ECONiX Research, Analysis and Consultancy Inc., Samsun, Türkiye
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Ghiasvand H, Barnish MS, Moradi T, Nikram E, Naghdi S. Making orphan drugs and services available and accessible for people who live with rare diseases: what has been done? a systematic scoping review. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2022.2153671] [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: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hesam Ghiasvand
- Divisional Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Maxwell S. Barnish
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, UK
| | - Tayebeh Moradi
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Nikram
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter, UK
| | - Seyran Naghdi
- Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Landfeldt E. Gene Therapy for Neuromuscular Diseases: Health Economic Challenges and Future Perspectives. J Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 9:675-688. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Highly efficacious, potentially curative gene therapies holds immense clinical promise, but also present complex challenges. At the time of regulatory approval and health technology assessment (HTA), evidence of efficacy and safety of gene therapies is often uncertain. In addition, research, development, and manufacturing costs, small pools of eligible patients, and the fact that many gene therapies are administered only once means that they frequently are associated with very high “one-off” price points. Although only a limited number of products have been brought to market globally, hundreds of clinical trials of gene therapies, including several of monogenetic neuromuscular diseases, are currently ongoing. Over time, as more and more conditions become amendable to gene therapy, the number of transformative, high-cost treatments is likely to increase considerably. For these reasons, concerns have been raised regarding the suitability of current health policy systems, including HTA frameworks, in ensuring appropriate access to these therapeutic innovations while simultaneously safeguarding value for taxpayers’ money, as well as affordability and sustainability. This review provides a summary overview of current challenges and future perspectives of gene therapies for neuromuscular diseases from a health economic point of view.
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Rodrigues KF, Yong WTL, Bhuiyan MSA, Siddiquee S, Shah MD, Venmathi Maran BA. Current Understanding on the Genetic Basis of Key Metabolic Disorders: A Review. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091308. [PMID: 36138787 PMCID: PMC9495729 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Metabolic disorders (MD) are a challenge to healthcare systems; the emergence of the modern socio-economic system has led to a profound change in lifestyles in terms of dietary habits, exercise regimens, and behavior, all of which complement the genetic factors associated with MD. Diabetes Mellitus and Familial hypercholesterolemia are two of the 14 most widely researched MD, as they pose the greatest challenge to the public healthcare system and have an impact on productivity and the economy. Research findings have led to the development of new therapeutic molecules for the mitigation of MD as well as the invention of experimental strategies, which target the genes themselves via gene editing and RNA interference. Although these approaches may herald the emergence of a new toolbox to treat MD, the current therapeutic approaches still heavily depend on substrate reduction, dietary restrictions based on genetic factors, exercise, and the maintenance of good mental health. The development of orphan drugs for the less common MD such as Krabbe, Farber, Fabry, and Gaucher diseases, remains in its infancy, owing to the lack of investment in research and development, and this has driven the development of personalized therapeutics based on gene silencing and related technologies. Abstract Advances in data acquisition via high resolution genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic platforms have driven the discovery of the underlying factors associated with metabolic disorders (MD) and led to interventions that target the underlying genetic causes as well as lifestyle changes and dietary regulation. The review focuses on fourteen of the most widely studied inherited MD, which are familial hypercholesterolemia, Gaucher disease, Hunter syndrome, Krabbe disease, Maple syrup urine disease, Metachromatic leukodystrophy, Mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke-like episodes (MELAS), Niemann-Pick disease, Phenylketonuria (PKU), Porphyria, Tay-Sachs disease, Wilson’s disease, Familial hypertriglyceridemia (F-HTG) and Galactosemia based on genome wide association studies, epigenetic factors, transcript regulation, post-translational genetic modifications and biomarker discovery through metabolomic studies. We will delve into the current approaches being undertaken to analyze metadata using bioinformatic approaches and the emerging interventions using genome editing platforms as applied to animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Francis Rodrigues
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (K.F.R.); (B.A.V.M.); Tel.: +60-16-2096905 (B.A.V.M.)
| | - Wilson Thau Lym Yong
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Muhammad Dawood Shah
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (K.F.R.); (B.A.V.M.); Tel.: +60-16-2096905 (B.A.V.M.)
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Walkowiak D, Bokayeva K, Miraleyeva A, Domaradzki J. The Awareness of Rare Diseases Among Medical Students and Practicing Physicians in the Republic of Kazakhstan. An Exploratory Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:872648. [PMID: 35462837 PMCID: PMC9031913 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.872648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although national plans or strategies for rare diseases (RDs) have been implemented in many jurisdictions research show that one of the main barriers RD patients face during medical encounter is medical professionals' low level of knowledge and experience on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of RD patients. Consequently, there is a need to increase the standards of medical education in the field of RDs and to revise the undergraduate and postgraduate training programs. However, while studies on medical education in the field of RDs has been conducted in various countries across the both Americas, Asia or the European Union, still little is known about the awareness of RDs among healthcare professionals in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Thus, we conducted a survey among 207 medical students and 101 medical doctors from the West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan. The study was conducted between March and May 2021. The questionnaire assessed their knowledge about the number, examples, etiology and estimated frequency of RDs. It also evaluated respondents self-assessment of competence in RDs. Although the majority of respondents agreed that RDs constitute a serious public health issue both medical students and medical doctors showed insufficient knowledge on the etiology, epidemiology and prevalence of RDs, and many had problems with separating RDs from more common disorders. Moreover, they also lacked knowledge about and the central register of RD patients and reimbursement of orphan drugs in Kazakhstan. Finally, while almost half respondents declared having had classes about RDs during their studies most perceived their knowledge about RDs as insufficient or poor and felt unprepared for caring for RD patients. Additionally, although majority of respondents in both groups believed that all physicians, regardless of their specialization, should possess knowledge on RDs many respondents did not look for such information at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Kamila Bokayeva
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Alua Miraleyeva
- Department of Psychology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Walkowiak D, Bokayeva K, Miraleyeva A, Domaradzki J. The Awareness of Rare Diseases Among Medical Students and Practicing Physicians in the Republic of Kazakhstan. An Exploratory Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.872648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although national plans or strategies for rare diseases (RDs) have been implemented in many jurisdictions research show that one of the main barriers RD patients face during medical encounter is medical professionals' low level of knowledge and experience on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of RD patients. Consequently, there is a need to increase the standards of medical education in the field of RDs and to revise the undergraduate and postgraduate training programs. However, while studies on medical education in the field of RDs has been conducted in various countries across the both Americas, Asia or the European Union, still little is known about the awareness of RDs among healthcare professionals in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Thus, we conducted a survey among 207 medical students and 101 medical doctors from the West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan. The study was conducted between March and May 2021. The questionnaire assessed their knowledge about the number, examples, etiology and estimated frequency of RDs. It also evaluated respondents self-assessment of competence in RDs. Although the majority of respondents agreed that RDs constitute a serious public health issue both medical students and medical doctors showed insufficient knowledge on the etiology, epidemiology and prevalence of RDs, and many had problems with separating RDs from more common disorders. Moreover, they also lacked knowledge about and the central register of RD patients and reimbursement of orphan drugs in Kazakhstan. Finally, while almost half respondents declared having had classes about RDs during their studies most perceived their knowledge about RDs as insufficient or poor and felt unprepared for caring for RD patients. Additionally, although majority of respondents in both groups believed that all physicians, regardless of their specialization, should possess knowledge on RDs many respondents did not look for such information at all.
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Kamusheva M, Milushewa P. Rare disease patients’ needs: an up-to-date analysis and future directions. PHARMACIA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.68.e73240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest to rare diseases has increased in the recent decades. Legislation seeks to facilitate patients’ access to innovative and effective treatment and to define incentives for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop new medicines for rare diseases.The current review presents the current knowledge and adopted solutions in the field of rare diseases and discusses the future issues and unmet needs that should be resolved for affected patients and their families. Along with the positive trends in the field of rare diseases, there are still issues related to diagnosis and inequal care for some patients groups that should be solved over the next decade. The innovative digital health methods, which have been improved continuously in the recent years, implementation of improved versions of patient-centered policy plans and programs and investment in advanced therapies could move forward the rare diseases to new horizons giving them the opportunity to overcome the main barriers and challenges in the whole journey of the patients – from diagnosis through treatment to follow-up.
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