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Laba TL, Worthington HC, Cheng L, Chan FKI, Bansback N, Law MR. The impact of the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign on the simultaneous use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers: interrupted time-series analysis. CMAJ Open 2022; 10:E1059-E1066. [PMID: 36735223 PMCID: PMC9828945 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choosing Wisely is a high-profile campaign seeking to reduce the use of low-value care. We investigated the impact of a Choosing Wisely Canada recommendation against using a combination of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for the management of hypertension, heart failure or diabetic nephropathy on population-level use of these medications in British Columbia, Canada. METHODS We identified all people (any age) who were continuously registered with BC's Medical Service Plan between 2010 and 2017 with the targeted conditions. Using prescription claims data and an interrupted time-series analysis, we estimated the number of people on combination therapy per month, the proportion of days covered (PDC) by combination therapy per month and proportion of all combination prescriptions started per month in the 2 years before and after the introduction of the recommendation on Oct. 29, 2014. RESULTS Of 1 104 593 people (mean age 65 yr, standard deviation 16 yr) in our study cohort, 4.6% were exposed to combination therapy, largely prescribed by family physicians (84%). The number of people on combination therapy and the PDC were declining before the recommendation, but the proportion of combination prescriptions started in the 2 years before the recommendation was increasing. After the recommendation, we observed no statistically significant changes in any outcome. The pre-existing downward trend of the monthly number of people decelerated (16.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.0 to 19.5) and the proportion of prescriptions started increased (0.13%, 95% CI 0.08% to 0.18%). INTERPRETATION The Choosing Wisely Canada recommendation against using a combination of ACE inhibitors and ARBs was not associated with reduced combination therapy use in the targeted conditions. The observed pre-existing declines in this practice questions the process of selecting recommendations, and the optimal implementation and value of Choosing Wisely campaigns without other reinforcing interventions.
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Bansback N, Trenaman L, MacDonald KV, Durand D, Hawker G, Johnson JA, Smith C, Stacey D, Marshall DA. An online individualised patient decision aid improves the quality of decisions in patients considering total knee arthroplasty in routine care: A randomized controlled trial. OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE OPEN 2022; 4:100286. [PMID: 36474942 PMCID: PMC9718273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2022.100286] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online patient decision aid with individualised potential outcomes of surgery, on the quality of decisions for knee replacement surgery in routine clinical care. Design A pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in patients considering total knee replacement at a high-volume orthopedic clinic. Patients were randomized at their routine online pre-surgical assessment to either complete a decision aid or not. At their consultation, those in the intervention arm had a surgeon report summarizing the decision aid results. The primary outcome was decision quality, defined as being knowledgeable and choosing the option that matched informed treatment preferences. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was conducted to consider surgeon level clustering and baseline differences between study arms. Results Of 163 patients randomized, 155 completed post-surgical surveys and were included in the analysis. The average patient was aged 65 years, obese and had moderate to severe osteoarthritis symptoms at baseline. Patients in the intervention arm had a higher odds of making a quality decision (Odds Ratio = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.02), predominantly through increased knowledge. Conclusions This study supports the benefit of a decision aid in combination with a surgeon report to significantly improve decision quality in routine care. While the independent contribution of tailoring the decision aid to patient baseline characteristics and including a surgeon report remains unclear, we demonstrated the feasibility of integrating the decision aid into an online pre-surgical assessment in routine clinical care.
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Bansback N, Trenaman L, Mulhern BJ, Norman R, Metcalfe R, Sawatzky R, Brazier JE, Rowen D, Whitehurst DGT. Estimation of a Canadian preference-based scoring algorithm for the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey: a population survey using a discrete-choice experiment. CMAJ Open 2022; 10:E589-E598. [PMID: 35790230 PMCID: PMC9262351 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) is a generic patient-reported outcome measure derived from the widely used 36- and 12-item Short Form Health Surveys. We aimed to estimate a Canadian preference-based scoring algorithm for the VR-12, enabling the derivation of health utility values for generating quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). METHODS We conducted a discrete-choice experiment in a sample of the Canadian population in January and February 2019. Participants - recruited from a consumer research panel - completed an online survey, in English or French, that included 11 discrete-choice questions, each comprising 2 health profiles. We defined the health profiles using 8 VR-12 items and a duration attribute. Using conditional logit regressions, where each level of the respective VR-12 items was interacted with duration, we applied the coefficients to estimate health utility values interpretable on a scale of 0 (dead) to 1 (full health). Negative values reflect states considered worse than dead. RESULTS A total of 3380 individuals completed the survey. Of these, 1688 (49.9%) were females, and 3101 (91.7%) completed the English version of the survey. Across all models, "feel downhearted and blue all of the time" and "pain interferes with your normal work extremely" were associated with the largest decrements in health utility. Excluding the 685 respondents (20.3%) who provided inconsistent responses had a negligible effect on the results. The recommended model, weighted to match population demographics, had health utility values ranging from -0.589 to 1.000. INTERPRETATION Health utility values that reflect the preferences of the Canadian population can now be derived from responses to the VR-12. These values can be used to generate QALYs in future analyses.
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McClean AR, Law MR, Harrison M, Bansback N, Gomes T, Tadrous M. Uptake of biosimilar drugs in Canada: analysis of provincial policies and usage data. CMAJ 2022; 194:E556-E560. [PMID: 35440506 PMCID: PMC9035299 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.211478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Kopec JA, Sayre EC, Okhmatovskaia A, Cibere J, Li LC, Bansback N, Wong H, Ghanbarian S, Esdaile JM. A comparison of three strategies to reduce the burden of osteoarthritis: A population-based microsimulation study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261017. [PMID: 34879102 PMCID: PMC8654220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare three strategies for reducing population health burden of osteoarthritis (OA): improved pharmacological treatment of OA-related pain, improved access to joint replacement surgery, and prevention of OA by reducing obesity and overweight. Methods We applied a validated computer microsimulation model of OA in Canada. The model simulated a Canadian-representative open population aged 20 years and older. Variables in the model included demographics, body mass index, OA diagnosis, OA treatment, mortality, and health-related quality of life. Model parameters were derived from analyses of national surveys, population-based administrative data, a hospital-based cohort study, and the literature. We compared 8 what-if intervention scenarios in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) relative to base-case, over a wide range of time horizons. Results Reductions in DALYs depended on the type of intervention, magnitude of the intervention, and the time horizon. Medical interventions (a targeted increase in the use of painkillers) tended to produce effects quickly and were, therefore, most effective over a short time horizon (a decade). Surgical interventions (increased access to joint replacement) were most effective over a medium time horizon (two decades or longer). Preventive interventions required a substantial change in BMI to generate a significant impact, but produced more reduction in DALYs than treatment strategies over a very long time horizon (several decades). Conclusions In this population-based modeling study we assessed the potential impact of three different burden reduction strategies in OA. Data generated by our model may help inform the implementation of strategies to reduce the burden of OA in Canada and elsewhere.
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Aguiar M, Laba TL, Munro S, Burch T, Beckett J, Kaal KJ, Bansback N, Hudson M, Harrison M. Co-production of randomized clinical trials with patients: a case study in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for patients with scleroderma. Trials 2021; 22:611. [PMID: 34503552 PMCID: PMC8428135 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05575-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasingly, it is argued that clinical trials struggle to recruit participants because they do not respond to key questions or study treatments that patients will be willing or able to use. This study explores how elicitation of patient-preferences can help designers of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) understand the impact of changing modifiable aspects of treatments or trial design on recruitment. METHODS Focus groups and a discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey were used to elicit preferences of people with scleroderma for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) treatment interventions. Preferences for seven attributes of treatment (effectiveness, immediate and long-term risk, care team composition and experience, cost, travel distance) were estimated using a mixed-logit model and used to predict participation in RCTs. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-eight people with scleroderma answered the survey. All AHSCT treatment attributes significantly influenced preferences. Treatment effectiveness and risk of late complications contributed the most to participants' choices, but modifiable factors of distance to treatment center and cost also affected preferences. Predicted recruitment rates calibrated with participation in a recent trial (33%) and suggest offering a treatment closer to home, at lower patient cost, and with holistic, multidisciplinary care could increase participation to 51%. CONCLUSIONS Through a patient engaged approach to preference elicitation for different features of AHSCT treatment options, we were able to predict what drives the decisions of people with scleroderma to participate in RCTs. Knowledge regarding concerns and the trade-offs people are willing to make can inform clinical study design, improving recruitment rates and potential uptake of the treatment of interest.
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Umaefulam V, Fox TL, Hazlewood G, Bansback N, Barber CEH, Barnabe C. Adaptation of a Shared Decision-Making Tool for Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Decisions with Indigenous Patients. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 15:233-243. [PMID: 34486098 PMCID: PMC8866334 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-021-00546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Patient decision aids (PtDAs) enable shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. Adaptations to PtDAs for use with populations facing inequities in healthcare can improve the relevancy of information presented, incorporate appropriate cultural context, and address health literacy concerns. Our objective was to adapt the Early RA (rheumatoid arthritis) PtDA for use with Canadian Indigenous patients. Methods The Early RA PtDA was modified through an iterative process using data obtained from semi-structured interviews of two sequential cohorts of Indigenous patients with RA. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Seven participants provided initial feedback on the existing PtDA. The modifications they suggested were made and shared with another nine participants to confirm acceptability and provide further feedback. The first cohort suggested revisions to clarify medical and cost coverage information, include Indigenous traditional healing practice options, simplify text, and include Indigenous images and colors aligned with Canadian Indigenous community representation. Additional revisions were suggested by the second cohort to increase the legibility of the text, insert more Indigenous imagery, address formulary coverage for non-status First Nations patients, and include information about lifestyle factors in managing RA. Conclusion Incorporating Indigenous-specific adaptations in the design of PtDAs may increase use and relevancy to support engagement in treatment decisions, thereby supporting health-equity oriented health service interventions. Indigenous patient-specific evidence and translation of key words into the end-users’ Indigenous languages should be included for implementation of the PtDA. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40271-021-00546-8.
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Kobewka D, Heyland DK, Dodek P, Nijjar A, Bansback N, Howard M, Munene P, Kunkel E, Forster A, Brehaut J, You JJ. Randomized Controlled Trial of a Decision Support Intervention About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Hospitalized Patients Who Have a High Risk of Death. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:2593-2600. [PMID: 33528779 PMCID: PMC8390722 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06605-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many seriously ill hospitalized patients have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as part of their care plan, but CPR is unlikely to achieve the goals of many seriously ill hospitalized patients. OBJECTIVE To determine if a multicomponent decision support intervention changes documented orders for CPR in the medical record, compared to usual care. DESIGN Open-label randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS Patients on internal medicine and neurology wards at two tertiary care teaching hospitals who had a 1-year mortality greater than 10% as predicted with a validated model and whose care plan included CPR, if needed. INTERVENTION Both the control and intervention groups received usual communication about CPR at the discretion of their care team. The intervention group participated in a values clarification exercise and watched a CPR video decision aid. MAIN MEASURE The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had a no-CPR order at 14 days after enrollment. KEY RESULTS We recruited 200 patients between October 2017 and October 2018. Mean age was 77 years. There was no difference between the groups in no-CPR orders 14 days after enrollment (17/100 (17%) intervention vs 17/99 (17%) control, risk difference, - 0.2%) (95% confidence interval - 11 to 10%; p = 0.98). In addition, there were no differences between groups in decisional conflict summary score or satisfaction with decision-making. Patients in the intervention group had less conflict about understanding treatment options (decisional conflict knowledge subscale score mean (SD), 17.5 (26.5) intervention arm vs 40.4 (38.1) control; scale range 0-100 with lower scores reflecting less conflict). CONCLUSIONS Among seriously ill hospitalized patients who had CPR as part of their care plan, this decision support intervention did not increase the likelihood of no-CPR orders compared to usual care. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Canadian Frailty Network, The Ottawa Hospital Academic Medical Organization.
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Bansback N, Chiu JA, Metcalfe R, Lapointe E, Schabas A, Lenzen M, Traboulsee A, Lynd LD, Carruthers R. Preliminary testing of a patient decision aid for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2021; 7:20552173211029966. [PMID: 34350027 PMCID: PMC8287362 DOI: 10.1177/20552173211029966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple first-line disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are available for
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), each with different
characteristics. We developed an interactive patient decision aid (PtDA) to
promote informed shared decision-making (SDM). Objective To test the preliminary effectiveness of the PtDA in participants with
RRMS. Methods Knowledge, and decisional conflict were measured pre- and post-
implementation of the PtDA, SDM after the consultation, and 6-month
treatment patterns were observed. Differences in scores were analyzed using
descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Qualitative interviews with
patients and neurologists were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results 52 participants were recruited: most were female (81%), 40 years of age or
younger (62%), and had experienced MS for less than 5 years (56%). After
participants used the PtDA, there was a significant improvement in
decisional conflict (change = 1.00; p < 0.001) and
knowledge (change = 2.15, p < 0.001). Nearly all patients wanted SDM, and
25 (56%) reported this occurred in their consult. Qualitative results
suggested the PtDA supported both patients and neurologists in making
decisions. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that PtDA use helps RRMS patients and their
clinician select a DMT. Future studies will assess the feasibility of
implementation and the impact of the PtDA on timely DMT initiation and
longer-term adherence.
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Kremer IEH, Hiligsmann M, Carlson J, Zimmermann M, Jongen PJ, Evers SMAA, Petersohn S, Pouwels XGLV, Bansback N. Exploring the Cost Effectiveness of Shared Decision Making for Choosing between Disease-Modifying Drugs for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in the Netherlands: A State Transition Model. Med Decis Making 2021; 40:1003-1019. [PMID: 33174513 PMCID: PMC7672783 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x20961091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Up to 31% of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) discontinue treatment with disease-modifying drug (DMD) within the first year, and of the patients who do continue, about 40% are nonadherent. Shared decision making may decrease nonadherence and discontinuation rates, but evidence in the context of RRMS is limited. Shared decision making may, however, come at additional costs. This study aimed to explore the potential cost-effectiveness of shared decision making for RRMS in comparison with usual care, from a (limited) societal perspective over a lifetime. Methods An exploratory economic evaluation was conducted by adapting a previously developed state transition model that evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a range of DMDs for RRMS in comparison with the best supportive care. Three potential effects of shared decision making were explored: 1) a change in the initial DMD chosen, 2) a decrease in the patient’s discontinuation in using the DMD, and 3) an increase in adherence to the DMD. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses of a scenario that combined the 3 effects were conducted. Results Each effect separately and the 3 effects combined resulted in higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs due to the increased utilization of DMD. A decrease in discontinuation of DMDs influenced the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) most. The combined scenario resulted in an ICER of €17,875 per QALY gained. The ICER was sensitive to changes in several parameters. Conclusion This study suggests that shared decision making for DMDs could potentially be cost-effective, especially if shared decision making would help to decrease treatment discontinuation. Our results, however, may depend on the assumed effects on treatment choice, persistence, and adherence, which are actually largely unknown.
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Trenaman L, Bryan S, Cuthbertson L, Sawatzky R, Stacey D, Bansback N. An economic valuation technique identified different inpatient care experience as priorities for older Canadians than a traditional approach. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 139:1-11. [PMID: 34182147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To (1) estimate the relative value of older adults' healthcare experiences based on the Canadian Patient Experience Survey for Inpatient Care (CPES-IC) using an economic valuation technique, and (2) compare the results with those of a conventional key-driver analysis of healthcare experiences based on bivariate correlations. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING An online survey of 1,074 Canadians aged 60 and older who had been hospitalized within five years. Participants completed the CPES-IC and a best-worst scaling (BWS) valuation task. BWS data were analyzed using a conditional logit model. These results were compared to a conventional key-driver analysis that estimates importance through Spearman's correlations between experiences and a global rating of overall experience. RESULTS The valuation approach found that the three experiences most valued by patients were: that staff seemed informed and up-to-date about their hospital care, doctors explained things in a way that they could understand, and that they got all the information they needed about their care and treatment. Three of the top five most valued experiences from the valuation approach were among the top five in the key driver analysis. However, there were noteworthy differences in rank order. CONCLUSION The results of the valuation exercise can inform local and/or system level quality improvement efforts by identifying priorities from an economic evaluation point of view, which are different than those based on a conventional key-driver analysis. Given the degree of uncertainty in estimates both the rank order and confidence intervals should be used to guide decision-making.
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Thomas M, Fraenkel L, Boonen A, Bansback N, Buchbinder R, Marshall D, Proulx L, Voshaar M, Richards P, Richards DP, Hiligsmann M, Guillemin F, Shea B, Tugwell P, Hazlewood G. Patient preferences to value health outcomes in rheumatology clinical trials: Report from the OMERACT special interest group ✰. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2021; 51:919-924. [PMID: 34134892 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To inform a research plan for future studies by obtaining stakeholder input on the application of preference-based methods to clinical trial design. METHODS We conducted a virtual OMERACT session to encourage stakeholder engagement. We developed materials for the session to facilitate discussion based on identified case examples and feedback sessions. RESULTS Participants prioritized incorporating patient preferences in all aspects of trial design with an emphasis on outcome selection. Participants highlighted the need for careful consideration around preference heterogeneity and equity factors. CONCLUSION Including patient preferences in trial design was considered a priority requiring further exploration to develop comprehensive guidance.
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Tatangelo M, Tomlinson G, Paterson JM, Keystone E, Bansback N, Bombardier C. Health care costs of rheumatoid arthritis: A longitudinal population study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251334. [PMID: 33956894 PMCID: PMC8101709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the contribution of rheumatoid arthritis to the acquisition of subsequent health care costs is an emerging focus of the rheumatologic community and payers of health care. Our objective was to determine the healthcare costs before and after diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the public payer's perspective. The study design was a longitudinal observational administrative data-based cohort with RA cases from Ontario Canada (n = 104,933) and two control groups, matched 1:1 on year of cohort entry from 2001 to 2016. The first control group was matched on age, sex and calendar year of cohort entry (diagnosis year for those with RA); the second group added medical history to the match before RA diagnosis year. The main exposure was new onset RA. The secondary exposure was calendar year of RA diagnosis to compare attributable costs over the study observation window. Main outcomes were health care costs in 2015 Canadian dollars, overall and by cost category. We used attribution methods to classify costs into those associated with RA, those associated with comorbidities, and age/sex-related underlying costs. Health care costs associated with RA increased up to the year of diagnosis, where they reached $8,591: $4,142 in RA associated costs; $1,242 in RA comorbidity associated costs; and $3,207 in underlying costs. In the eighth-year post diagnosis, the RA costs declined to $2,567 while the RA comorbidity associated costs remained relatively constant at $1,142, and the underlying age/sex related cost increased to $4,426. RA patients had lower costs when diagnosed in later calendar years. Our results suggest a large proportion of disease related health care costs are a result of costs associated with RA comorbidities, which may appear many years before diagnosis.
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Rebić N, Garg R, Ellis U, Kitchin V, Munro S, Hazlewood G, Amiri N, Bansback N, De Vera MA. "Walking into the unknown…" key challenges of pregnancy and early parenting with inflammatory arthritis: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:123. [PMID: 33882998 PMCID: PMC8059168 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02493-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To conduct a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies on the pregnancy and early parenting experiences of patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Methods We searched online databases for English-language, qualitative studies capturing the experiences of females with IA or their healthcare providers with pregnancy and/or early parenthood. We extracted findings from included studies and used thematic synthesis to develop descriptive and higher-order analytical themes. Results Of 20 included studies, our analysis identified 5 analytical themes among patients and 3 among providers. Patients’ reproductive desires, the impact of IA on their ability to experience pregnancy, and the availability of information to guide preparedness informed their pregnancy decisions. Patients’ IA management, pregnancy expectations, and access to support influenced their reproductive experiences. Patients’ experiences seeking information and care revealed substantial gaps in reproductive care provision to patients with IA. Reproductive uncertainty related to IA placed a heavy burden on patients’ emotional and psychological wellbeing. Reproductive care provision was influenced by providers’ perceived professional responsibility to address patients’ reproductive goals, fears of negative outcomes, and capacity to harness patient trust, incorporate reproductive care into rheumatology practice and facilitate multi-disciplinary care coordination. Conclusions Our review illuminated several barriers to experiencing pregnancy among patients with IA, particularly related to pregnancy planning support, availability of information, and care coordination among the patient’s healthcare team. To improve care, these barriers may be mitigated through the provision of relevant, practical, and consistent information as well as patient-centred multi-disciplinary approaches for managing pregnancy among patients with IA.
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Barber CEH, Spencer N, Bansback N, Zimmermann GL, Li LC, Richards DP, Proulx L, Mosher DP, Hazlewood GS. Development of an Implementation Strategy for Patient Decision Aids in Rheumatoid Arthritis Through Application of the Behavior Change Wheel. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:312-323. [PMID: 33793083 PMCID: PMC8126755 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Decision aids are being developed to support guideline-based rheumatology care in Canada. The study objective was to identify barriers to decision aid use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) within a behavior change model to inform an implementation strategy. METHODS Perspectives from Canadian health care providers (HCPs) and patients living with RA were obtained on an early RA decision aid and on perceived facilitators and barriers to decision aid implementation. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, transcribed, and then analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. The lessons learned were then mapped to the behavior change wheel COM-B system (C = capability, O = opportunity, and M = motivation interact to influence B = behavior) to inform key elements of a national implementation strategy. RESULTS Fifteen HCPs and fifteen patients participated. The analysis resulted in five lessons learned: 1) paternalistic decision-making is a dominant practice in early RA, 2) patients need emotional support and access to educational tools to facilitate participation in shared decision-making (SDM), 3) there are many logistical barriers to decision aid implementation in current care models, 4) flexibility is necessary for successful implementation, and 5) HCPs have limited interest in further training opportunities about decision aids. Implementation recommendations included the following: 1) making the decision aids directly available to patients (O) and providing SDM education (C/M), 2) creating an SDM rheumatology curriculum (C/O/M), 3) using "decision coaches" or patient partners as peer support (C/O/M), 4) linking decision aids to "living" rheumatology guidelines (M), and 5) designing trials of patient decision aid/SDM interventions to evaluate patient-important outcomes (O/M). CONCLUSION A multifaceted strategy is suggested to improve uptake of decision aids.
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Kanters S, Karim ME, Thorlund K, Anis AH, Zoratti M, Bansback N. Comparing the use of aggregate data and various methods of integrating individual patient data to network meta-analysis and its application to first-line ART. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:60. [PMID: 33784981 PMCID: PMC8008675 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01254-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2018 World Health Organization HIV guidelines were based on the results of a network meta-analysis (NMA) of published trials. This study employed individual patient-level data (IPD) and aggregate data (AgD) and meta-regression methods to assess the evidence supporting the WHO recommendations and whether they needed any refinements. METHODS Access to IPD from three trials was granted through ClinicalStudyDataRequest.com (CSDR). Seven modelling approaches were applied and compared: 1) Unadjusted AgD network meta-analysis (NMA) - the original analysis; 2) AgD-NMA with meta-regression; 3) Two-stage IPD-AgD NMA; 4) Unadjusted one-stage IPD-AgD NMA; 5) One-stage IPD-AgD NMA with meta-regression (one-stage approach); 6) Two-stage IPD-AgD NMA with empirical-priors (empirical-priors approach); 7) Hierarchical meta-regression IPD-AgD NMA (HMR approach). The first two were the models used previously. Models were compared with respect to effect estimates, changes in the effect estimates, coefficient estimates, DIC and model fit, rankings and between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS IPD were available for 2160 patients, representing 6.5% of the evidence base and 3 of 24 edges. The aspect of the model affected by the choice of modeling appeared to differ across outcomes. HMR consistently generated larger intervals, often with credible intervals (CrI) containing the null value. Discontinuations due to adverse events and viral suppression at 96 weeks were the only two outcomes for which the unadjusted AgD NMA would not be selected. For the first, the selected model shifted the principal comparison of interest from an odds ratio of 0.28 (95% CrI: 10.17, 0.44) to 0.37 (95% CrI: 0.23, 0.58). Throughout all outcomes, the regression estimates differed substantially between AgD and IPD methods, with the latter being more often larger in magnitude and statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the use of IPD often impacted the coefficient estimates, but not sufficiently as to necessitate altering the final recommendations of the 2018 WHO Guidelines. Future work should examine the features of a network where adjustments will have an impact, such as how much IPD is required in a given size of network.
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Kanters S, Karim ME, Thorlund K, Anis A, Bansback N. When does the use of individual patient data in network meta-analysis make a difference? A simulation study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:21. [PMID: 33435879 PMCID: PMC7805229 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of individual patient data (IPD) in network meta-analyses (NMA) is rapidly growing. This study aimed to determine, through simulations, the impact of select factors on the validity and precision of NMA estimates when combining IPD and aggregate data (AgD) relative to using AgD only. METHODS Three analysis strategies were compared via simulations: 1) AgD NMA without adjustments (AgD-NMA); 2) AgD NMA with meta-regression (AgD-NMA-MR); and 3) IPD-AgD NMA with meta-regression (IPD-NMA). We compared 108 parameter permutations: number of network nodes (3, 5 or 10); proportion of treatment comparisons informed by IPD (low, medium or high); equal size trials (2-armed with 200 patients per arm) or larger IPD trials (500 patients per arm); sparse or well-populated networks; and type of effect-modification (none, constant across treatment comparisons, or exchangeable). Data were generated over 200 simulations for each combination of parameters, each using linear regression with Normal distributions. To assess model performance and estimate validity, the mean squared error (MSE) and bias of treatment-effect and covariate estimates were collected. Standard errors (SE) and percentiles were used to compare estimate precision. RESULTS Overall, IPD-NMA performed best in terms of validity and precision. The median MSE was lower in the IPD-NMA in 88 of 108 scenarios (similar results otherwise). On average, the IPD-NMA median MSE was 0.54 times the median using AgD-NMA-MR. Similarly, the SEs of the IPD-NMA treatment-effect estimates were 1/5 the size of AgD-NMA-MR SEs. The magnitude of superior validity and precision of using IPD-NMA varied across scenarios and was associated with the amount of IPD. Using IPD in small or sparse networks consistently led to improved validity and precision; however, in large/dense networks IPD tended to have negligible impact if too few IPD were included. Similar results also apply to the meta-regression coefficient estimates. CONCLUSIONS Our simulation study suggests that the use of IPD in NMA will considerably improve the validity and precision of estimates of treatment effect and regression coefficients in the most NMA IPD data-scenarios. However, IPD may not add meaningful validity and precision to NMAs of large and dense treatment networks when negligible IPD are used.
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Pearce A, Harrison M, Watson V, Street DJ, Howard K, Bansback N, Bryan S. Respondent Understanding in Discrete Choice Experiments: A Scoping Review. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 14:17-53. [PMID: 33141359 PMCID: PMC7794102 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00467-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Despite the recognised importance of participant understanding for valid and reliable discrete choice experiment (DCE) results, there has been limited assessment of whether, and how, people understand DCEs, and how ‘understanding’ is conceptualised in DCEs applied to a health context. Objectives Our aim was to identify how participant understanding is conceptualised in the DCE literature in a health context. Our research questions addressed how participant understanding is defined, measured, and used. Methods Searches were conducted (June 2019) in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Econlit databases, as well as hand searching. Search terms were based on previous DCE systematic reviews, with additional understanding keywords used in a proximity-based search strategy. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed journal articles in the field of health, related to DCE or best-worst scaling type 3 (BWS3) studies, and reporting some consideration or assessment of participant understanding. A descriptive analytical approach was used to chart relevant data from each study, including publication year, country, clinical area, subject group, sample size, study design, numbers of attributes, levels and choice sets, definition of understanding, how understanding was tested, results of the understanding tests, and how the information about understanding was used. Each study was categorised based on how understanding was conceptualised and used within the study. Results Of 306 potentially eligible articles identified, 31 were excluded based on titles and abstracts, and 200 were excluded on full-text review, resulting in 75 included studies. Three categories of study were identified: applied DCEs (n = 52), pretesting studies (n = 7) and studies of understanding (n = 16). Typically, understanding was defined in relation to either the choice context, such as attribute terminology, or the concept of choosing. Very few studies considered respondents’ engagement as a component of understanding. Understanding was measured primarily through qualitative pretesting, rationality or validity tests included in the survey, and participant self-report, however reporting and use of the results of these methods was inconsistent. Conclusions Those conducting or using health DCEs should carefully select, justify, and report the measurement and potential impact of participant understanding in their specific choice context. There remains scope for research into the different components of participant understanding, particularly related to engagement, the impact of participant understanding on DCE validity and reliability, the best measures of understanding, and methods to maximise participant understanding. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40271-020-00467-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Tatangelo MR, Tomlinson G, Keystone E, Paterson JM, Bansback N, Bombardier C. Comorbidities Before and After the Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Matched Longitudinal Study. ACR Open Rheumatol 2020; 2:648-656. [PMID: 33104286 PMCID: PMC7672304 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the contribution of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to conditions and medical events. A secondary objective is to quantify this association before and after the introduction of biologic medications. METHODS All data were collected as health administrative data in Ontario, Canada. Patients with RA (n = 136 678) matched 1:1 to a pool of possible controls without RA from 1995 to 2016. The study was a retrospective longitudinal observational administrative data-based cohort study with cases (RA) and controls (two non-RA comparator groups). The main exposure was new-onset RA identified by a validated diagnosis algorithm. The secondary exposure was the calendar year, which provided a natural experiment to compare years in which biologics were unavailable (pre-2001) to increasing utilization over time. The main outcomes were counts of 27 Johns Hopkins Expanded Diagnostic Cluster Comorbid Conditions. Outcomes were reported as counts and percentage differences between cases and matched controls. RESULTS Patients experienced increases in conditions and medical events up to 5 years before RA disease incidence-4.9 conditions per patient-year compared with 4.6 conditions per patient-year in matched controls. Comorbidities increased to 8.7 conditions per patient-year in the year of RA incidence but were lower in the years after diagnosis-6.9 conditions per patient-year at 5 years postdiagnosis. CONCLUSION This study reframes the clinical manifestations of RA with detailed data on the marginal contribution of RA to conditions and medical events. These results show that a large portion of disease burden is due to the indirect effects of RA.
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Kanters S, Vitoria M, Zoratti M, Doherty M, Penazzato M, Rangaraj A, Ford N, Thorlund K, Anis PAH, Karim ME, Mofenson L, Zash R, Calmy A, Kredo T, Bansback N. Comparative efficacy, tolerability and safety of dolutegravir and efavirenz 400mg among antiretroviral therapies for first-line HIV treatment: A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 28:100573. [PMID: 33294805 PMCID: PMC7700905 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To inform World Health Organization (WHO) global guidelines, we updated and expanded the evidence base to assess the comparative efficacy, tolerability, and safety of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. METHODS We searched Embase, Medline and CENTRAL on 28 February 2020 to update the systematic literature review of clinical trials comparing recommended first-line ART that informed previous WHO guidelines. Outcomes included viral suppression, change in CD4 cell counts, mortality, serious and overall adverse events (AEs), discontinuation, discontinuations due to AEs (DAEs); and new outcomes: drug-resistance, neuropsychiatric AEs, early viral suppression, weight gain and birth outcomes. Comparative effects were assessed through network meta-analyses and certainty in the evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. FINDINGS We identified 156 publications pertaining to 68 trials for the primary population. Relative to efavirenz, dolutegravir had improved odds of viral suppression across all time points (odds ratio [OR]: 1·94; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 1·48-2·56 at 96 weeks); was protective of drug-resistance (OR: 0·13; 95%CrI: 0·04-0·48); and led to fewer discontinuations (OR: 0·58; 95%CrI: 0·48-0·70). Evidence supported dolutegravir use among TB-HIV co-infected persons and pregnant women. Adverse birth outcomes were observed in 33.2% of dolutegravir-managed pregnancies and 35.0% of efavirenz-managed pregnancies. Low-dose efavirenz had comparable efficacy and safety to standard-dose efavirenz, but led to fewer DAEs (OR: 0·70; 95%CrI: 0·50-0·92). INTERPRETATION The evidence supports choosing dolutegravir in combination with lamivudine/emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as the preferred first-line regimen and low-dose efavirenz-based regimens as an alternative. Dolutegravir can be considered to be effective, safe and tolerable. FUNDING WHO.
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Archambault PM, Guay-Bélanger S, Gélinas V, Giguère A, Ludwig C, Ndiaye MA, Kastner K, Stacey D, Bansback N, Groot G, Légaré F. Patient-Oriented Research from the ISDM 2019 Conference: A Legacy Now More Relevant Than Ever. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 13:649-652. [PMID: 33063238 PMCID: PMC7561467 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00463-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Leclair V, Landon-Cardinal O, Aggarwal R, Bansback N, Campbell C, Feldman BM, Jarry M, McNamara S, White B, Hudson M. Proceedings of the 2019 Canadian Inflammatory Myopathy Study Symposium: Clinical Trial Readiness in Myositis. J Rheumatol 2020; 47:1584-1586. [PMID: 32541080 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.200480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Canadian Inflammatory Myopathy Study (CIMS) is a multicenter prospective cohort recruiting in 8 centers across Canada. One of the aims of CIMS is to conduct and participate in clinical trials in autoimmune inflammatory myopathies (AIM). Conducting clinical trials in rare diseases such as AIM presents challenges. During this symposium, experts in the field presented different solutions to successfully conduct clinical trials in AIM, including the importance of collaboration and careful trial design, as well as training and mentoring of young investigators.
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Marten O, Mulhern B, Bansback N, Tsuchiya A. Implausible States: Prevalence of EQ-5D-5L States in the General Population and Its Effect on Health State Valuation. Med Decis Making 2020; 40:735-745. [PMID: 32696728 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x20940673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The EQ-5D is made up of health state dimensions and levels, in which some combinations seem less "plausible" than others. If "implausible" states are used in health state valuation exercises, then respondents may have difficulty imagining them, causing measurement error. There is currently no standard solution: some valuation studies exclude such states, whereas others leave them in. This study aims to address 2 gaps in the literature: 1) to propose an evidence-based set of the least prevalent two-way combinations of EQ-5D-5L dimension levels and 2) to quantify the impact of removing perceived implausible states from valuation designs. For the first aim, we use data from 2 waves of the English General Practitioner Patient Survey (n = 1,639,453). For the second aim, we remodel a secondary data set of a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) with duration that valued EQ-5D-5L and compare across models that drop observations involving different health states: 1) implausible states as defined in the literature, 2) the least prevalent states identified in stage 1, and 3) randomly select states, alongside 4) a model that does not drop any observations. The results indicate that two-way combinations previously thought to be implausible actually exist among the general population; there are other combinations that are rarer, and removing implausible states from an experimental design of a DCE with duration leads to value sets with potentially different characteristics depending on the criterion of implausible states. We advise against the routine removal of implausible states from health state valuation studies.
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Aguiar M, Harrison M, Munro S, Burch T, Kaal KJ, Hudson M, Bansback N, Laba TL. Designing Discrete Choice Experiments Using a Patient-Oriented Approach. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 14:389-397. [PMID: 32676996 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00431-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Patient-oriented research is a process whereby patients or caregivers are included as research partners so that research focusses on topics that are priorities and lead to findings that translate into practice. Using a case study of preferences for stem cell transplant in scleroderma, we report on a patient-oriented research approach to developing a discrete choice experiment. Our patient-oriented research application followed the four guiding principles in Canada's Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research: inclusiveness, support, mutual respect and co-build. In this case study, patient partners were involved at different levels of engagement to match individual availability, skillset and roles in the team. They advised, to different degrees, on all aspects of the study from design to analyses. Using a patient-oriented research approach led to the inclusion of attributes that would likely have been excluded (e.g. support from a multidisciplinary team), and realistic framing of patient-relevant and sometimes sensitive attributes (e.g. mortality and cost). Meeting locations and times were adjusted to accommodate all-team circumstances. Institutional constraints on the reimbursement for patient partners influenced the timing and extent of involvement. We found that adopting a patient-oriented research approach to discrete choice experiment design injected unique knowledge and expertise into the team, improved the representativeness of the sample recruited, minimised researcher biases, and ensured appropriate attribute selection and descriptions. The patient-oriented research approach highlighted some constraints of discrete choice experiment designs and, while not a solution, might ensure the methodological trade-offs remain patient relevant. Institutional challenges must be addressed to progress patient-oriented health economics research.
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Kaal KJ, Bansback N, Hudson M, Anis A, Koehn C, Harrison M. Patient-provider communication about medication cost in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:93-100. [PMID: 32506315 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the perceived importance and frequency with which out-of-pocket medication costs are discussed between rheumatologists and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Canada. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to patients with RA and rheumatologists; both were asked to rate their perceived importance of discussing medication costs, and how often these discussions occurred. Predictors of (1) patients discussing costs with their rheumatologist and (2) the perceived importance of discussing medication cost for patients were explored. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients and 64 rheumatologists completed the survey; 68% patients and 75% of physicians rated the perceived importance of discussing medication costs as "quite" or "very important"; 22% of patients reported never talking about medication cost, but no physicians reported never discussing costs with patients. The only predictor of talking about cost among patients (at 10% level) was whether they perceived it as highly important (p = 0.058). Higher perceived importance of discussing out-of-pocket costs was associated with a more positive attitude to shared decision-making (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION Discussions about cost do not always happen, even with diseases with potentially high medication costs like RA. Cost was more likely to be discussed by patients who perceived it as "very important," suggesting the onus might be on patients to initiate these conversations. Without any significant predictors regarding what may make physicians more likely to think it was important to discuss medication costs, there is a need to reinforce recommendations that all physicians seek to discuss costs with all of their patients when suggesting medications. Key Points • There is a need for patients and physicians to discuss costs in the treatment decision-making process. Our findings suggest this does not always happen. • Among patients, medication cost was more likely to be discussed by those who perceived it as "very important" and higher perceived importance of discussing out-of-pocket costs was associated with a more positive attitude to shared decision-making. • Our results did not reveal any significant predictors regarding what may make physicians more likely to think it was important to discuss medication costs, suggesting that there is a need to reinforce recommendations that all physicians seek to discuss medication costs with all of their patients when suggesting medications.
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