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Leigh S, Baines R, Stevens S, Garba-Sani Z, Austin D, Chatterjee A. Walk a mile in my shoes: perspectives towards sharing of health and experience data among individuals living with sickle cell disorder. Mhealth 2024; 10:4. [PMID: 38323148 PMCID: PMC10839506 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-23-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Advancements in digital health technologies (DHTs) mean people are increasingly recording and managing personal health data. As observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing of such data may provide unrivalled opportunities in advancing our understanding of conditions otherwise poorly understood, including rare conditions. Methods A semi-structured focus group (n=25) explored perspectives and experiences of sharing health data among those with a group of rare haematological conditions, sickle cell disorder (SCD). The focus group explored (I) what 'feeling well' looks like; (II) how this could be monitored using DHTs; (III) which data healthcare professionals (HCPs) should pay greater attention to and; (IV) types of data willing to be shared, with whom, and under which conditions. Key themes were further assessed via an online survey (n=50). Results Patient-relevant measures of condition-management focused on "everything else that comes with" SCD, suggesting HCPs did not pay sufficient attention to day-to-day symptom variability. This was juxtaposed against the "fixed and one-off" electronic health record (EHR), collecting pre-specified data at pre-determined snapshots of time, not considered reflective of outcomes associated with "feeling well" day-to-day. Forty-four-point-seven percent of respondents had previously shared health data. Most were willing to share data concerning symptoms and health service utilisation, but were less willing to share genomic and EHR data. Sixty-one-point-seven percent believed HCPs did not pay enough attention to daily fluctuations in mental and physical health. Financial benefits (74.5%), trust in organisations seeking data (72.3%), and knowing how data will be used (61.7%) were key facilitators of data sharing. Seventy-one percent, 70% and 65.2% had not previously shared health data with the pharmaceutical industry, charitable organisations and digital health interventions respectively, but were open to doing so in the future. Conclusions Those living with the rare condition SCD were supportive of collecting and sharing data to foster research and improve understanding and outcomes. However, specific requirements were identified to respect privacy and informational needs regarding future use of data. DHTs can be a valuable tool in improving understanding of the day-to-day impact of health conditions, but understanding patient needs is critical in ensuring involvement in the process, as not all data types are considered of equal value, benefit, or risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Leigh
- Prometheus Health Technologies, Mor Workspace, Newquay, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rebecca Baines
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Sebastian Stevens
- Prometheus Health Technologies, Mor Workspace, Newquay, UK
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Daniella Austin
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Arunangsu Chatterjee
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Domaradzki J, Walkowiak D. Ultra-rare ultra-care: Assessing the impact of caring for children with ultra rare diseases. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2024; 48:78-84. [PMID: 38071849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.12.003] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to assesses the impact of caring for children with ultra rare diseases (URDs) on family carers and to analyse the way these experiences differ among the caregivers of children diagnosed through prenatal or newborn screening, and those with symptom-based diagnosis. METHODS A total of 200 caregivers of 219 URDs children completed an on-line survey regarding the challenges and experiences of caregivers of URDs children. RESULTS The majority of URD caregivers felt burdened by their children's health problems, emotional and behavioural changes. 46.5% reported feelings of care overload, 43% coped poorly with the stress, and many experienced a variety of feelings of distress towards the role of caregiver. While most caregivers struggled with the diagnostic odyssey and were dissatisfied with the healthcare services for URD children, caregivers of children diagnosed through prenatal or newborn screening were significantly less burdened than the parents of children with symptom-based diagnoses. CONCLUSION Although caregivers of URDs children experience physical and emotional strain, they are often neglected by the healthcare system. A bio-psychosocial approach to URDs should therefore also include family caregivers' physical and psychosocial needs. Apart from financial and emotional support, enhancing access to genetic testing and newborn screening should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Pozna&nacute, Poland
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3
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Sinan I, Mihdawi M, Farahat AR, Fida M. Knowledge and Awareness of Rare Diseases Among Healthcare Professionals in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Cureus 2023; 15:e47676. [PMID: 38022232 PMCID: PMC10673629 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47676] [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] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Recent studies highlighted that lack of knowledge on rare diseases is a problem that requires attention. This study aims to assess healthcare professionals' general awareness and knowledge of rare diseases in a tertiary hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Method The study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing a survey questionnaire derived from the most recent literature. The survey encompassed socio-demographic factors and quiz-based questions that were previously created by Domaradzi and Walkowiak to assess knowledge and awareness of rare diseases. To ensure convenience and accessibility, the survey was made available in both Arabic and English languages. Results Of a total of 333 responses, 25.2% were physicians, 53.8% were nurses, and 21.0% were allied health personnel. The majority of participants (87.4%) were aware of and had heard the term "rare diseases" prior to this survey. Participants were able to recognize what age group is frequently affected by rare diseases (p=0.023) and what the common cause of rare diseases worldwide is (p<0.001). Overall scores showed that only four participants answered all questions correctly, testing their knowledge of rare diseases. There was a weak correlation between self-declared knowledge and the overall score achieved (r=0.190; p<0.001), which indicates that the population's self-declared knowledge did not portray their actual knowledge of rare diseases. Conclusion This study highlights the need for improved knowledge of rare diseases among healthcare professionals, which aligns with the global knowledge landscape. To bridge the knowledge gap, we recommend action plans to ensure that healthcare professionals have rich knowledge of rare diseases and further improve patient care. Additionally, enhancing advocacy efforts is crucial to ensure optimal local and global patient care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa Sinan
- Research and Development, King Hamad University Hospital, Al Muharraq, BHR
- Research and Development, Canadore College, North Bay, CAN
| | - Maha Mihdawi
- Nursing Research, King Hamad University Hospital, Al Muharraq, BHR
| | - A Rahman Farahat
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hamad University Hospital, Al Muharraq, BHR
| | - Mariam Fida
- Medical Genetics, Bahrain Oncology Centre, King Hamad University Hospital, Al Muharraq, BHR
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Kulkarni JP, Arumugam S, Subbiah NK, Ghoshal JA. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice About the Process of Genetic Counselling Among Clinicians. Cureus 2023; 15:e45883. [PMID: 37885553 PMCID: PMC10599173 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45883] [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] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinicians agree with the fact that the impact of genetics in the field of medicine is humongous. They have to cope with the rapid advances in the field of clinical genetics and offer the best treatment to the patients at the right time. Disease with an underlying genetic cause not only involves the patient but also the family and the community. In the process of genetic counseling, the patient and the family are educated about the genetic basis of the disorder. This helps the patient and the family to make a well-informed decision. It also helps to reduce the genetic burden of the disease in the community over a period of time. In this regard, knowledge, attitude, and practice about the process of genetic counseling among clinicians is imperative. Methods A structured pre-validated questionnaire was distributed amongst 60 clinicians from different departments. Their responses were assessed based on the Likert scale. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed in percentages. Results In the present study, nearly 90% of the clinicians felt that it was important to gather a multi-generational family history of the patient and advise them about inheritance patterns, recurrence risk, and genetic tests for a disorder with an underlying genetic cause. The need to educate the family members regarding the importance of genetic tests and referral to appropriate support groups if they test positive for a genetic disorder receive a positive response. Mostly the participants agreed that parents of children and couples at risk of having a child affected by a genetic disease should undergo genetic counseling. Conclusion Clinicians may not always be aware of the underlying genetic cause and genetic tests available or may face a paucity of time to counsel the patient and the family. Genetic counseling needs to be done at length in multiple sessions, and it is essential to reduce the burden of genetic disorders in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti P Kulkarni
- Genetics Unit, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | - Sangeetha Arumugam
- Genetics Unit, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | - Nandha Kumar Subbiah
- Genetics Unit, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | - Joy A Ghoshal
- Genetics Unit, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
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Hristova-Atanasova E, Iskrov G, Atanasov I, Genc A, Stefanov R. What is the awareness of rare diseases among medical students? A survey in Bulgaria. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:213. [PMID: 37491304 PMCID: PMC10369688 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02820-4] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rare diseases (RDs) are life-threatening or chronically debilitating and offer a high level of complexity. The aim of this study is to assess medical students' knowledge and awareness of RDs as well as their perceptions of potential measures to boost training in RDs. The cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, in 2019. The questionnaire contained 12 questions, divided into three main categories: (1) sociodemographic profile; (2) knowledge and awareness of RDs; and (3) attitudes about potential measures to improve training in RDs. RESULTS A total of 1189 medical students completed the survey with an overall response rate of 56.4%. Only 13% of participants knew the correct definition of RDs, and a low overall level of awareness was found with regard to orphan drugs (20.3%) and genetic counselling and testing (0.5%). Respondents believed that society as a whole was largely unaware of RDs as a major public health issue. Students suggested elective courses, and invited lectures by RDs experts, and participation in research projects as the most preferred measures to improve undergraduate training. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to address the gaps in medical students' knowledge and awareness of RDs. University curricula should consider incorporating different RDs training modalities. It is essential to encourage various stakeholders to play a more proactive role and to collaborate in these activities. Involvement of patient organisations and advocacy groups might enhance students' knowledge of the challenges faced by people with RDs. Not least, the media should be partners in this important endeavour as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Hristova-Atanasova
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Iskrov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Rare Diseases, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Atanasov
- Department of Pediatrics, Pulmed University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Atilla Genc
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Rumen Stefanov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Rare Diseases, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Flores A, Burgos S, Abarca-Barriga H. Knowledge level of medical students and physicians about rare diseases in Lima, Peru. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2022; 11:180-188. [PMID: 36457581 PMCID: PMC9709623 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2022.01079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases (RDs) affect up to 8% of the world's population, and unfortunately, health professionals have a low level of knowledge regarding the impacts of RDs on the social, psychological, and economic spheres of the patients and their families; hence, RD management is inadequate, consistently empirical, and precarious. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge level of the medical students from a non-state university and physicians from Lima, Peru of RDs through a virtual survey for an analytical cross-sectional study. A total of 338 medical students and 382 physicians were surveyed. Results showed that several of the respondents (68.1% of students and 48.7% of physicians) had heard of the term "rare disease", but only a few stated that they had received any kind of training specific to it. Of the physicians, 46.6% considered that there should be a course about RDs in medical curricula, and more than 60% considered RDs a public health problem. Most respondents prioritized the planning of a higher budget for common diseases and believe it is convenient to allocate a specific fund for RDs. More than half of the participants had a very poor knowledge level. Due to students and physicians' low level of general knowledge of RDs, it is important to raise awareness and improve their education about these pathologies because this will have beneficial effects for RD patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Flores
- Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - Sarah Burgos
- Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - Hugo Abarca-Barriga
- Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
- Department of Genetic & Inborn Error of Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño - Breña, Lima, Perú
- Address correspondence to:Hugo Hernán Abarca Barriga, Universidad Científica del Sur, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Panamericana Sur Km 19, Villa, Perú. E-mail:
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Jahanshahi R, Nasirzadeh A, Farzan M, Domaradzki J, Jouybari L, Sanagoo A, Farzan M, Aghazadeh-Habashi K, Fallah Faraghe A, Bagheri S, Samiee M, Ansari A, Eskandari K, Namakkoobi N, Soltanimoghadam F, Mashali H, Yavari E, Bay S, Memaripanah N, Meftah E, Amanzadeh S, Talati F, Bahramzadeh S. Iranian future healthcare professionals' knowledge and opinions about rare diseases: cross-sectional study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:366. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1186/s13023-022-02458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Rare diseases are a new global health priority, requiring evidence-based estimates of the global prevalence of diseases to inform public policymakers and provide a serious challenge to the healthcare system that must not be ignored. The purpose of this study is to investigate Iranian future healthcare professionals' knowledge and opinions about rare diseases.
Results
A total of 6838 students responded to the questionnaire. Nursing and medical students had the highest participation. Almost 85% of participants rated their knowledge about rare diseases as poor or insufficient. While nearly 70 percent of participants took courses about rare diseases at university. Finally, 72.7% of future healthcare professionals did not feel ready to take care of a patient with a rare disease.
Conclusion
The present study has indicated a gap in Iranian medical students’ knowledge of rare diseases. The researchers believe that health science policymakers should make a joint effort to improve knowledge about rare diseases. Including courses with regard to rare diseases would be of benefit to future healthcare professionals.
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Jahanshahi R, Nasirzadeh A, Farzan M, Domaradzki J, Jouybari L, Sanagoo A, Farzan M, Aghazadeh-Habashi K, Fallah Faraghe A, Bagheri S, Samiee M, Ansari A, Eskandari K, Namakkoobi N, Soltanimoghadam F, Mashali H, Yavari E, Bay S, Memaripanah N, Meftah E, Amanzadeh S, Talati F, Bahramzadeh S. Iranian future healthcare professionals' knowledge and opinions about rare diseases: cross-sectional study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:366. [PMID: 36175905 PMCID: PMC9524105 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rare diseases are a new global health priority, requiring evidence-based estimates of the global prevalence of diseases to inform public policymakers and provide a serious challenge to the healthcare system that must not be ignored. The purpose of this study is to investigate Iranian future healthcare professionals' knowledge and opinions about rare diseases.
Results A total of 6838 students responded to the questionnaire. Nursing and medical students had the highest participation. Almost 85% of participants rated their knowledge about rare diseases as poor or insufficient. While nearly 70 percent of participants took courses about rare diseases at university. Finally, 72.7% of future healthcare professionals did not feel ready to take care of a patient with a rare disease.
Conclusion The present study has indicated a gap in Iranian medical students’ knowledge of rare diseases. The researchers believe that health science policymakers should make a joint effort to improve knowledge about rare diseases. Including courses with regard to rare diseases would be of benefit to future healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Jahanshahi
- Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), Sayad Shirazi Hospital, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirreza Nasirzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahan Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Leila Jouybari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Akram Sanagoo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. .,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Mahour Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Ahmadreza Fallah Faraghe
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sadegh Bagheri
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Samiee
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, The School of Allied Medicine Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arina Ansari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Kimia Eskandari
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Negar Namakkoobi
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | - Hadi Mashali
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Erfan Yavari
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Bay
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Memaripanah
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Elahe Meftah
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Amanzadeh
- Students Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Talati
- Department of Nutrition, Islamic Azad University, Sarvestan Branch, Sarvestan, Iran
| | - Sasan Bahramzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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