The development of new research methods for the valuation of EQ-5D-5L

Effects of Pycnogenol® in people with post-COVID-19 condition (PYCNOVID): study protocol for a single-center, placebo controlled, quadruple-blind, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of the global population has been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at some point since the onset of the pandemic. Although most individuals who develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover without complications, about 6% have persistent symptoms, referred to as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Intervention studies investigating treatments that potentially alleviate PCC-related symptoms and thus aim to mitigate the global public health burden and healthcare costs linked to PCC are desperately needed. The PYCNOVID trial investigates the effects of Pycnogenol®, a French maritime pine bark extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, versus placebo on patient-reported health status in people with PCC.

METHODS

This is a single-center, placebo-controlled, quadruple blind, randomized trial. We aim to randomly assign 150 individuals with PCC (1:1 ratio) to receive either 200 mg Pycnogenol® or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Randomization is stratified for duration of PCC symptoms (≤ 6 months versus > 6 months) and presence of symptomatic chronic disease(s). The primary endpoint is perceived health status at 12 weeks (EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale) adjusted for baseline values and stratification factors. Secondary endpoints include change in self-reported PCC symptoms, health-related quality of life, symptoms of depression and anxiety, cognitive function, functional exercise capacity, physical activity measured with accelerometry, and blood biomarkers for endothelial health, inflammation, coagulation, platelet function, and oxidative stress. Investigators, study participants, outcome assessors, and data analysts are blinded regarding the intervention assignment. Individuals with PCC were involved in the design of this study.

DISCUSSION

This is the first trial to investigate the effects of Pycnogenol® versus placebo on patient-reported health status in people with PCC. Should the trial proof clinical effectiveness, Pycnogenol® may serve as a therapeutic approach to mitigate symptoms associated with PCC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. :NCT05890534, June 6, 2023.

Health-related quality of life measured using the EQ-5D-3L: iranian population norms

BACKGROUND

Normative values are valuable for comparing a specific population with the general population, making them particularly useful in disease burden studies and cost-effectiveness analysis. The objective of this study was to estimate HRQoL normative values for the EQ-5D measure in Iran.

METHODS

The analysis was performed using a sample (n = 27,704) of the Iranian adult population, which was extracted from a nationwide survey conducted in 2021. Participants assessed their health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D-3 L instrument and a visual analogue scale (EQ VAS). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between utility scores, EQ VAS scores, and various socio-demographic factors.

RESULTS

The mean utility and EQ VAS scores of the total sample were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.86, 0.88) and 72.9 (95% CI: 72.7, 73.1), respectively. Almost half of the respondents (46.8%) reported a health state without any problems. The most prevalent problems were pain/discomfort (38.3%) and anxiety/depression (35.2%). Furthermore, EQ-5D values and EQ VAS scores were associated with gender, age, employment status, education level, marital status, and chronic illness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided normative values for the general population in Iran. Policymakers and researchers can use these values as a reference for population norms in economic assessments and studies focusing on the population's health.

'Does it matter how old I feel?' The role of subjective age in a psychosocial intervention for improving depressive symptomatology among older adults in Brazil (PROACTIVE)

OBJECTIVES

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that also often affects older adults. The PROACTIVE psychosocial intervention was developed to reduce depressive symptomatology among older adults within primary care settings in Brazil. An important psychological marker that affects individuals' aging experience relates to how old people feel. Known as subjective age, this marker has been shown to be a risk factor for experiencing greater depressive symptoms if individuals report feeling older than their (chronological) age. In this study, we perform secondary analyses of the PROACTIVE cluster-randomized controlled trial to examine the role of subjective age.

METHOD

The sample included 715 Brazilian older adults (74% female, Mage 68.6, SD = 6.9, age range: 60-94 years) randomized to intervention (n = 360, 74% female, Mage 68.4, SD = 6.6, age range: 60-89 years) or control (n = 355, 74% female, Mage 68.9, SD = 7.2, age range: 60-94 years) arms. Here our primary outcome was depressive symptoms at the 8-month follow-up assessed with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a continuous variable. Our previous analyses demonstrated improved recovery from depression at follow-up in the intervention compared with the control arm.

RESULTS

Relevant main effects and interactions in regression models for PHQ-9 presented here found that those reporting older subjective age had worse depressive symptoms at follow-up but that they benefitted more from the intervention when initial levels of depression were high. For participants who reported younger subjective ages the intervention showed positive effects that were independent of initial levels of depression.

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating possible underlying mechanisms that can help clarify the impact of mental health interventions.

Understanding Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Used in Adult Survivors Experiencing Long-Term Effects After COVID-19 Infection: A Rapid Review

Purpose

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used in individuals experiencing long-term effects from COVID-19 infection, or Long COVID, to evaluate the quality of life and functional status of these individuals. However, little is known about which PROMs are being utilised and the psychometric properties of these PROMs. Our purpose was thus to explore which PROMs are used in Long COVID patients and to discuss the psychometric properties of the PROMs.

Methods

For this rapid review, a systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases. The found studies were screened using the PRISMA flowchart. We then performed study quality appraisal and assessed the psychometric properties of the found PROMs.

Results

Per the systematic literature search and after removal of duplicates, 157 publications were identified for individual screening. After screening and eligibility assessment, 74 articles were selected for our review. In total, 74 PROMs were used and primarily comprised quality of life, fatigue, breathlessness, mental health, and smell/taste issues in COVID "long haulers." Five studies used newly developed, COVID-19-specific PROMs. We assessed the psychometric properties of the 10 most-used PROMs. The majority were found to be reliable and valid instruments. EQ-5D-5L was the most popular and highly rated PROM.

Conclusions

We assessed PROMs used in Long COVID patients and evaluated their psychometric properties. EQ-5D-5L was the most favourably rated PROM. PROMs addressing mental health issues are crucial in managing anxiety and depression in Long COVID patients. New COVID-specific PROMs assess functional status and smell/taste perception and show great utilisation potential in olfactory training at COVID smell clinics. However, many reviewed PROMs currently lack sufficient analysis of their psychometric properties. Therefore, future research needs to examine these measures.

Trauma Assessment Clinic: A virtual fracture clinic model that delivers on its PROMise!

BACKGROUND

The use of virtual fracture clinics across the United Kingdom and Ireland is growing and have been shown in an increasing number of studies to be safe, cost-effective and associated with good functional outcomes and patient satisfaction rates for certain fracture types. Initially pioneered at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, many centres have adopted similar templates, or variations of, and the overall aim of this study was to assess functional outcomes and injury recovery satisfaction rates of patients discharged directly following review in a specific virtual fracture clinic model known as the Trauma Assessment Clinic (TAC).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was carried out of paediatric (aged <17 years) and adult (aged >17 years) patients, with the five most commonly observed fracture types, who were discharged directly following review at the TAC in a single hospital centre over a 12 month period from January to December 2018. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed via telephone administered questionnaires and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were included in the study (n = 98 paediatric and n = 100 adult). Overall, 192 (97%) patients or parents/guardians of patients stated that they either strongly agreed (n = 148, 74.9%) or agreed (n = 44, 22.1%) that they were satisfied with their own or their child's recovery from their injury at a median follow-up of 9 months post direct discharge from the TAC. Adult patients had an EQ-5D-5L index median value of 1 (range 0-1), an EQ-VAS median of 87 (range 0-100), a QuickDASH median score of 0 (range 0-100) and a median LEFS of 80 (range 0-80).

CONCLUSION

The virtual management of trauma patients via the TAC model is a safe and patient-centred approach to treating certain injuries and fracture patterns. This study reports excellent patient reported outcome measures and patient injury recovery satisfaction rates. The use of current available technology in tandem with up-to-date best clinical practice and guidelines play a central role in this novel care pathway.

Self-help mobile messaging intervention for depression among older adults in resource-limited settings: a randomized controlled trial

Scalable solutions to treat depression in older adults in low-resourced settings are urgently needed. The PRODIGITAL-D pragmatic, single-blind, two-arm, individually randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of a mobile messaging psychosocial intervention in improving depressive symptomatology among older adults in socioeconomically deprived areas of Guarulhos, Brazil. Older adults (aged 60+ years) registered with 24 primary care clinics and identified with depressive symptomatology (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores ≥ 10) received the 6-week Viva Vida intervention based on psychoeducation and behavioral activation (n = 298) or a single message (n = 305). No health professional support was offered. The primary outcome was improvement from depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9 < 10) at 3 months. Of the 603 participants enrolled (mean age = 65.1 years; 451 (74.8%) women), 527 (87.4%) completed the follow-up assessment. In the intervention arm, 109 of 257 (42.4%) participants had an improved depressive symptomatology, compared with 87 of 270 (32.2%) participants in the control arm (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval = 1.07-2.29; P = 0.019). No severe adverse events related to trial participation were observed. These results demonstrate the usefulness of a digital messaging psychosocial intervention in the short-term improvement from depressive symptomatology that can potentially be integrated into primary care programs for treating older adults with depression. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials registration: ReBEC ( RBR-4c94dtn ).

Sensitivity to change in well-being and health-related quality of life in adults with eating disorder symptoms: ICECAP-A versus EQ-5D-5L

OBJECTIVE

Economic evaluations of treatments help to inform decisions on allocating health care resources. These evaluations involve comparing costs and effectiveness in terms of quality of life. To calculate quality-adjusted life years, generic health related quality of life is often used, but is criticized for not being sensitive to change in mental health populations. Another approach, using experienced well-being measured through capabilities with the ICECAP-A, has been proposed as an alternative. The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in individuals with eating disorder (ED) symptoms can be better captured using health related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) or well-being (ICECAP-A).

METHOD

Measurements at two time points with an interval of 1 year were used from a sample of 233 participants with self-reported ED symptoms. An analysis of variance was used to test whether the EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A differed in sensitivity to change over time. In order to compare the two questionnaires in terms of clinically significant outcome, the reliable change index and clinical cut-off score were calculated.

RESULTS

The two questionnaires did not differ in sensitivity to change. More individuals had recovered but also more had deteriorated according to the EQ-5D-5L compared to the ICECAP.

DISCUSSION

The present study revealed no differences in sensitivity to change in health-related quality of life or well-being in individuals with ED symptoms in the context of mild clinical change. Results corroborated the pervasiveness of low quality of life in this population, even after alleviation of ED symptoms.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Measuring treatment benefits in terms of improvements in quality of life is an integral part of economic evaluations in health care. It was expected that these treatment benefits would be better captured as changes in well-being (measured with the ICECAP-A) than as changes in health-related quality of life (measured with the EQ-5D-5L) for individuals with ED symptoms. Based on the results of this study, no preference for one of the two approaches was found.

Development of patient-reported outcome for adult spinal deformity: validation study

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is a complex condition that combines scoliosis, kyphosis, pain, and postoperative range of motion limitation. The lack of a scale that can successfully capture this complex condition is a clinical challenge. We aimed to develop a disease-specific scale for ASD. The study included 106 patients (mean age; 68 years, 89 women) with ASD. We selected 29 questions that could be useful in assessing ASD and asked the patients to answer them. The factor analysis found two factors: the main symptom and the collateral symptom. The main symptom consisted of 10 questions and assessed activity of daily living (ADL), pain, and appearance. The collateral symptom consisted of five questions to assess ADL due to range of motion limitation. Cronbach's alpha was 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between the change of main symptom and satisfaction was 0.48 (p < 0.001). The effect size of Cohen's d for comparison between preoperative and postoperative scores was 1.09 in the main symptom and 0.65 in the collateral symptom. In conclusion, we have developed a validated disease-specific scale for ASD that can simultaneously evaluate the benefits and limitations of ASD surgery with enough responsiveness in clinical practice.

Psychosocial factors associated with health-related quality of life in patients with chronic disease: Results of a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

The impact of various psychosocial factors (sense of coherence, illness perception, patient enablement, self-efficacy, health literacy, personality) is not fully understood across a wide range of chronic diseases, and in particular in patients with multimorbidity. As such, this study assessed the key psychosocial factors associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with one or more chronic diseases based on cross-sectional data collected in Flanders (Belgium).

METHODS

Cross-sectional data on 544 chronically ill patients were analysed. Multiple linear regression models were built to analyze the key psychosocial factors associated with HRQoL (EQ-5D-5Lindex as dependent factor).

RESULTS

Overall, the strongest independently associated factor with HRQoL was illness perceptions (β = -0.52, P < 0.001). In addition, sense of coherence (β = 0.14, P = < 0.05) was independently positively associated with HRQoL. Moreover, after stratification for multimorbidity, the negative association of illness perceptions with HRQoL was stronger when multimorbidity is present compared to when it is absent (β = -0.62, P < 0.001 vs β = -0.38, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed interesting associations of the modifiable psychosocial factors of illness perceptions and sense of coherence with HRQoL in a population of chronically ill persons. Given that the burden of chronic diseases will rise in the next decades, designing and implementing interventions that enhance these psychosocial abilities of patients, especially illness perceptions in multimorbid patients, is needed in order to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in terms of impaired HRQoL.

Influence of Self-Reported Health Impairments on German EQ-5D-5L Values

OBJECTIVES

The German EQ-5D-5L value set is based on the average preferences of the general population. Nevertheless, in Germany, there is an ongoing debate about the appropriateness of using general population preferences and whether patient preferences should be used instead. Thus, this research aimed to determine the robustness of the German EQ-5D-5L valuation data for the general population compared with those with health impairments.

METHODS

Subgroups were built on the self-reported quality of life, measured with the EQ-5D-5L. To identify which groups significantly influenced the value set, different regression models, including dummy variables for the subgroups, were tested while controlling for preference heterogeneity. Backward selection based on the Akaike information criterion led to significant subgroup dummies, which were analyzed in more detail. For each significant subgroup, the value set model was estimated separately. The models were then compared. Sociodemographics of the subgroups were considered.

RESULTS

Three significant dummies were identified: state 11111, severity levels 5 to 7, and self-reported problems with pain/discomfort. The value sets for the 6 subgroups were compared with the national German value set, showing only marginal deviations. The mean absolute deviation ranged from 0.004 to 0.013. No different densities were identified for the decrements of the different value sets.

CONCLUSIONS

People with self-reported health impairments do not have different EQ-5D-5L health state preferences compared with the German general population. Further research is needed to determine whether the presence of a chronic health condition has a larger influence on health state valuation than the general population.

Integrated Thermal Rehabilitation Care: An Intervention Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of integrated thermal rehabilitation care (ITRC) on postural balance and health-related quality of life in subjects with basic autonomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From June to December 2021, a total of 50 individuals with six points on the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and a mean age of 66 (DS ± 12), comprising 27 (54%) males and 23 (46%) females, were selected. This study was carried out at the Thermal Medical Center of Castelnuovo della Daunia (Foggia, Italy), which operates within the National Health Service. The outcome measures were baropodometry (static exam, dynamic exam, and stabilometric exam), a biometric evaluation system, and the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D-5L).

RESULTS

Statistical analysis of the data showed how balance affected postural control and how ITRC was able to reduce the body's imbalance and improve quality of life. The vertical angles in frontal projection displayed an increment in the values (head/shoulder, p = 0.009; head/pelvis, p = 0.001; right hip/knee, p = 0.01; right hip/ankle, p = 0.008). In a dynamic analysis, the podalic weight percentage was shown to have a reduction in imbalance on both sides (left side, p = 0.01; right side, p = 0. 01). EQ-5D-5L showed a statistically significant improvement in quality of life and perception of quality of life. Indeed, the health status score improved in all items and in the total rate of the EQ index. In all subjects, walking motility (p = 0.005), self-care (p = 0.002), and habitual activity (p = 0.002) showed statistically significant increments in their values. Pain/discomfort (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.006) were also reduced. In addition, there was a statistically significant increment in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (p = 0.001) for life perception.

CONCLUSIONS

The ITRC approach showed how small adjustments and postural rebalancing led to a significant improvement in quality of life. ITRC can be considered an effective treatment with good tolerability for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.

Stereotactic Body radiotherapy and pedicLE screw fixatioN During one hospital visit for patients with symptomatic unstable spinal metastases: a randomized trial (BLEND RCT) using the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design

BACKGROUND

Spinal metastases can lead to unremitting pain and neurological deficits, which substantially impair daily functioning and quality of life. Patients with unstable spinal metastases receive surgical stabilization followed by palliative radiotherapy as soon as wound healing allows. The time between surgery and radiotherapy delays improvement of mobility, radiotherapy-induced pain relief, local tumor control, and restart of systemic oncological therapy. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) enables delivery of preoperative high-dose radiotherapy while dose-sparing the surgical field, allowing stabilizing surgery within only hours. Patients may experience earlier recovery of mobility, regression of pain, and return to systemic oncological therapy. The BLEND RCT evaluates the effectiveness of SBRT followed by surgery within 24 h for the treatment of symptomatic, unstable spinal metastases.

METHODS

This phase III randomized controlled trial is embedded within the PRospective Evaluation of interventional StudiEs on boNe meTastases (PRESENT) cohort. Patients with symptomatic, unstable spinal metastases requiring stabilizing surgery and radiotherapy will be randomized (1:1). The intervention group (n = 50) will be offered same-day SBRT and surgery, which they can accept or refuse. According to the Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) design, the control group (n = 50) will not be informed and receive standard treatment (surgery followed by conventional radiotherapy after 1-2 weeks when wound healing allows). Baseline characteristics and outcome measures will be captured within PRESENT. The primary outcome is physical functioning (EORTC-QLQ-C15-PAL) 4 weeks after start of treatment. Secondary endpoints include pain response, time until return to systemic oncological therapy, quality of life, local tumor control, and adverse events up to 3 months post-treatment.

DISCUSSION

The BLEND RCT evaluates the effect of same-day SBRT and stabilizing surgery for the treatment of symptomatic, unstable spinal metastases compared with standard of care. We expect better functional outcomes, faster pain relief, and continuation of systemic oncological therapy. The TwiCs design enables efficient recruitment within an ongoing cohort, as well as prevention of disappointment bias and drop-out as control patients will not be informed about the trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05575323. Registered on October 11, 2022.

Development and validation of the caregiver needs and resources assessment

Introduction

Existing caregiver assessment tools were long criticized for focusing on the needs and burden while neglecting the importance of the resources. The current study aimed to develop a multidimensional and time-effective assessment tool that measures both needs and resources of non-paid family caregivers of older adults for screening and service-matching purposes.

Methods

Items of the Caregiver Needs and Resources Assessment (CNRA) were developed from extensive literature reviews and focus group interviews of family caregivers and social workers in the field. In addition, we collected 317 valid responses from family caregivers of older adults from local non-government organizations in examining the psychometric properties of the CNRA.

Results

The results revealed a 12-factor structure that fitted nicely into the conceptual frame of needs and resources domains. Need factors were positively associated with mental health symptoms, while resource factors were positively associated with peace in mind, meaning-making, and personal gain measures. The 36-item CNRA revealed good internal reliability and convergent validity.

Discussion

The CNRA has the potential to be used as a compact yet balanced assessment tool for understanding both the needs and resources of caregivers for human service professionals.

Comparing EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in measuring the HRQoL burden of 4 health conditions in China

BACKGROUND

EQ-5D-3L has been used in the National Health Services Survey of China since 2008 to monitor population health. The five-level version of EQ-5D was developed, but there lacks evidence to support the use of five-level version of EQ-5D in China. This study was conducted to compare the measurement properties of both the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in quantifying health-related quality of life (HRQoL) burden for 4 different health conditions in China.

METHODS

Participants from China were recruited to complete the 3L and 5L questionnaire via Internet. Quota was set to recruit five groups of individuals, with one group of individuals without any health condition and one group of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), HIV/AIDS, chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), or depression, respectively. The 3L and 5L were compared in terms of response distributions, percentages of reporting 'no problems', index value distributions, known-group validity and their relative efficiency.

RESULTS

In total, 500 individuals completed the online survey, including 140 healthy individuals, 122 individuals with hepatitis B, 107 with depression, 90 individuals with GAD and 101 with HIV/AIDS. 5L also had smoother and less clustered index value distributions. Healthy group showed different response distributions to the four condition groups. The percentage of reporting 'no problems' decreased significantly in the 5L in all domains (P < 0.01), especially in the pain/discomfort dimension (relative difference: 43.10%). Relative efficiency suggested that 5L had a higher absolute discriminatory power than the 3L version between healthy participant and the other 4 condition groups, especially for the HIV/AIDS group when the 3L results was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The 5L version may be preferable to the 3L, as it demonstrated superior performance with respect to higher sensitivity to mild health problems, better relative efficiency and responses and index value distributions.

The Egyptian EQ-5D-5L Extensive Pilot Study: Lessons Learned

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of an extensive pilot phase in improving protocol compliance, face validity, reduction of interviewer effect and prediction errors in the composite time trade-off (cTTO) data elicited as part of the EQ-5D-5L valuation study in Egypt.

METHODS

This study used the cTTO data and quality control (QC) reports from the Egyptian EQ-5D-5L valuation study. Three-level mixed models were estimated to test whether interviewer effects were reduced during the pilot phase and subsequent rounds of collected cTTO data. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis was conducted for each interviewer separately to test whether the mean absolute error (MAE) improved as interviewers completed more interviews. Moreover, improvement in protocol compliance, face validity and reduction of prediction errors in the cTTO data were tested.

RESULTS

1180 interviews were conducted by nine interviewers and included in the final analysis, of which 206 interviews were pilot and 974 interviews were actual. There was substantial improvement in the face validity and reduction of prediction errors in the cTTO data where the MAE of the actual data was 0.37, which is much lower than that of the pilot data, which was 0.44. However, there was an initial high level of protocol compliance in terms of the four indicators of the QC tool and the variance attributed to the interviewers was small throughout the whole study.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clarified the benefits of the pilot phase and the strict implementation of the QC tool in improving the face validity and the prediction accuracy of the cTTO data. However, a more extensive pilot phase may be more beneficial in EQ-5D-5L valuation studies that have issues initially with protocol compliance and interviewer effects.

Health-Related Quality of Life as Assessed by the EQ-5D-5L Predicts Outcomes of Patients Treated with Azacitidine-A Prospective Cohort Study by the AGMT

In this prospective study (NCT01595295), 272 patients treated with azacitidine completed 1456 EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaires. Linear mixed-effect modelling was used to incorporate longitudinal data. When compared with a matched reference population, myeloid patients reported more pronounced restrictions in usual activities (+28%, p < 0.0001), anxiety/depression (+21%, p < 0.0001), selfcare (+18%, p < 0.0001) and mobility (+15%, p < 0.0001), as well as lower mean EQ-5D-5L indices (0.81 vs. 0.88, p < 0.0001), and lower self-rated health on the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) (64 vs. 72%, p < 0.0001). After multivariate-adjustment, (i) the EQ-5D-5L index assessed at azacitidine start the predicted time with clinical benefit (TCB) (9.6 vs. 6.6 months; p = 0.0258; HR = 1.43), time to next treatment (TTNT) (12.8 vs. 9.8 months; p = 0.0332; HR = 1.42) and overall survival (OS) (17.9 vs. 12.9 months; p = 0.0143; HR = 1.52); (ii) Level Sum Score (LSS) predicted azacitidine response (p = 0.0160; OR = 0.451) and the EQ-5D-5L index showed a trend (p = 0.0627; OR = 0.522); (iii) up to 1432 longitudinally assessed EQ-5D-5L response/clinical parameter pairs revealed significant associations of EQ-5D-5L response parameters with haemoglobin level, transfusion dependence and hematologic improvement. Significant increases of the likelihood ratios were observed after addition of LSS, EQ-VAS or EQ-5D-5L-index to the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) or the revised IPSS (R-IPSS), indicating that they provide added value to these scores.

Effectiveness of a Long-term Home-Based Exercise Training Program in Patients With COPD After Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Most patients with COPD do not maintain exercise training after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does a 12-month home-based, minimal-equipment strength training program after PR have an effect on dyspnea, exercise capacity, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with COPD?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In a parallel-arm multicenter study across four Swiss PR clinics, patients with COPD were allocated randomly (1:1 ratio) into an intervention group (IG; home-based strength training program) or control group (CG; usual care). The primary outcome was change in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) dyspnea scale score from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes were change in exercise capacity (1-min sit-to-stand-test [1MSTST], 6-min walk test [6MWT]), health-related quality of life, exacerbations, and symptoms. We assessed the IG's experience by interviews at study end. Main analyses were based on the intention-to-treat approach, and adjusted linear regression models were used.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-three patients with COPD (IG, n = 61; CG, n = 62) were randomized, 61 of whom were women and whose mean ± SD age was 66.8 ± 8.1 years and mean ± SD FEV₁ was 39.3 ± 15.3% predicted. One hundred four participants completed 12 months of follow-up (IG, n= 53; CG, n= 51). Of the 53 IG participants, 37 participants (70%) conducted the training until study end. We found no difference in change in CRQ dyspnea scale score over 12 months (adjusted mean difference, 0.28; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.80; P = .27). We found moderate evidence for a difference in 1MSTST repetitions favoring the IG (adjusted mean difference, 2.6; 95% CI, 0.22-5.03; P = .033), but no evidence for an effect in other outcomes. Seventy-nine percent of the IG reported positive effects that they attributed to the training.

INTERPRETATION

The home exercise program had no effect on dyspnea, but improved 1MSTST performance and patient-perceived fitness. The supported program was well accepted by patients with COPD and may facilitate continued exercise training at home.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03461887; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov.

Cost-effectiveness of Tele-delivered behavioral activation by Lay counselors for homebound older adults with depression

BACKGROUND

Low-income homebound older adults have limited access to psychosocial treatments because of their homebound state and geriatric mental health workforce shortages. Little is known about cost effectiveness of lay-counselor-delivered, videoconferenced, short-term behavioral activation on this study population. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of lay-counselor-delivered, videoconferenced, short-term behavioral activation (Tele-BA) compared to clinician-delivered, videoconferenced problem-solving therapy (Tele-PST) and telephone support calls (attention control; AC) for low-income homebound older adults.

METHODS

We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis based on data from a recently completed, 3-group (Tele-BA, Tele-PST, and AC) randomized controlled trial with 277 participants aged 50+. We measured total costs of (1) intervention and (2) outpatient care, ED visits, and inpatient care using the Cornell Services Index. The effectiveness outcome was quality-adjusted life-years (QALY). We used EuroQol's EQ-5D-5L to assess each participant's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 weeks. The end-point measure of cost-effectiveness was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of (1) Tele-BA versus AC, (2) Tele-PST versus AC, and (3) Tele-BA versus Tele-PST.

RESULTS

Relative to AC, both Tele-BA and Tele-PST are cost-saving treatment options. The ICERs for both Tele-BA and Tele-PST were well below $50,000, the lower-bound threshold for cost-effectiveness. Relative to AC, both Tele-PST, Tele-BA are cost-saving treatment options (i.e. lower costs and more QALYs).

CONCLUSION

Costs of tele- and lay-counselor-delivered depression treatment are modest and cost effective relative to providing telephone support. Though our results show that Tele-BA may not be cost effective relative to Tele-PST, a clinician-delivered psychotherapy, when a low bound ICER threshold of $50,000 would be used, lay counselors can fill the professional geriatric mental health workforce shortage gap and Tele-BA by lay counselors can improve homebound older adults' access to evidence-and skills-based, cost effective depression care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02600754 (11/09/2015).

Comparing the psychometric properties of EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L proxy ratings by informal caregivers and a health professional for people with dementia

Background

Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among persons with dementia poses several challenges due to cognitive decline and limited perception. As a result, proxy ratings by family members or health professionals are used. The EQ-5D is the most commonly used generic and preference-based HRQoL instrument. Methodological drawbacks of the three-level version (EQ-5D-3L) prompted the development of the five-level version (EQ-5D-5L) by expanding the range in the domains. However, no comparison of the psychometric properties of both versions and different proxy ratings exist so far. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L by application of different proxy ratings in dementia.

Methods

The EQ-5D-3L and -5L were completed by n = 52 family caregivers and one care manager at baseline and three and six months later. In total, 106 caregiver and 133 care manager proxy ratings were completed. The EQ-5D-3L and 5L were evaluated in terms of acceptability (missing values), agreement, ceiling effects, redistribution properties and inconsistency, and informativity (Shannon, H', and Shannon Evenness, J', indices) as well as convergent and discriminative validity.

Results

Mean proxy index scores were higher for the 5L than the 3L. Missing values occurred less frequently in both proxy ratings and versions (< 1%). Agreement between both measures was high but higher in caregiver than care-manager ratings (ICC 0.885 vs. 0.840). The relative ceiling effect decreased from the 3L to the 5L, more intensively in the care-manager (75%) than the caregiver rating (56%). Inconsistency between both versions was low. Informativity increased from the 3L to the 5L version, nearly equally in both proxy ratings. The 5L also demonstrated a better discriminative ability and convergent validity than the 3L, especially in the caregiver rating.

Conclusion

Compared to the EQ-5D-3L, the EQ-5D-5L had higher feasibility and acceptability and was slightly superior by a reduction of ceiling effects and an improvement in informativity, discriminative ability and convergent validity. Proxy ratings by informal caregivers overall demonstrated better psychometric properties than professional care-manager ratings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12955-022-02049-y.

A task-shared, collaborative care psychosocial intervention for improving depressive symptomatology among older adults in a socioeconomically deprived area of Brazil (PROACTIVE): a pragmatic, two-arm, parallel-group, cluster-randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is an urgent need to reduce the burden of depression among older adults in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a task-shared, collaborative care psychosocial intervention for improving recovery from depression in older adults in Brazil.

METHODS

PROACTIVE was a pragmatic, two-arm, parallel-group, cluster-randomised controlled trial conducted in Guarulhos, Brazil. Primary care clinics (clusters) were stratified by educational level and randomly allocated (1:1) to either enhanced usual care alone (control group) or to enhanced usual care plus the psychosocial intervention (intervention group), which involved a 17-week psychosocial programme based on psychoeducation and behavioural activation approaches. Individuals approached for the initial screening assessment were selected randomly from a list of individuals provided by the Health Secretariat of Guarulhos. Face-to-face baseline assessments were conducted among adults aged 60 years or older registered with one of the primary care clinics and identified with clinically significant depressive symptomatology (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] score ≥10). Community health workers delivered the programme through home sessions, supported by a dedicated tablet application. Masking of clinic staff and community health workers who delivered the intervention was not feasible; however, research assistants conducting recruitment and follow-up assessments were masked to trial allocation. The primary outcome was recovery from depression (PHQ-9 score <10) at 8-month follow-up. All primary analyses were performed by intention to treat with imputed data. Adaptations to the protocol were made due to the COVID-19 pandemic; recruitment and intervention home sessions were stopped, and follow-up assessments were conducted by telephone. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN57805470.

FINDINGS

We identified 24 primary care clinics in Guarulhos that were willing to participate, of which 20 were randomly allocated to either the control group (ten [50%] clusters) or to the intervention group (ten [50%] clusters). The four remaining eligible clusters were kept as reserves. Between May 23, 2019, and Feb 21, 2020, 8146 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of whom 715 (8·8%) participants were recruited: 355 (49·7%) in the control group and 360 (50·3%) in the intervention group. 284 (80·0%) participants in the control group and 253 (70·3%) in the intervention group completed follow-up at 8 months. At 8-month follow-up, 158 (62·5%) participants in the intervention group showed recovery from depression (PHQ-9 score <10) compared with 125 (44·0%) in the control group (adjusted odds ratio 2·16 [95% CI 1·47-3·18]; p<0·0001). These findings were maintained in the complete case analysis. No adverse events related to the intervention were observed.

INTERPRETATION

Although the COVID-19 pandemic altered delivery of the intervention, the low-intensity psychosocial intervention delivered mainly by non-mental health professionals was highly efficacious in improving recovery from depression in older adults in Brazil. Our results support a low-resource intervention that could be useful to reduce the treatment gap for depression among older people in other LMICs.

FUNDING

São Paulo Research Foundation and Joint Global Health Trials (UK Department for International Development, Medical Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust).

Digital psychosocial intervention for depression among older adults in socioeconomically deprived areas in Brazil (PRODIGITAL-D): protocol for an individually randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Depression in older adults is a challenge for health systems in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Digital strategies for the management of this condition have been emerging worldwide, but the effectiveness of most of them is still unclear, especially among older adults. Thus, we aim to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a digital psychosocial intervention to treat depression among older adults living in socioeconomically deprived areas in Guarulhos, Brazil.

METHODS

We will conduct a two-arm individually randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. Five hundred older adults aged 60 years or over with depressive symptomatology (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire score, PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and registered with one of the primary care clinics will be recruited to participate in this study. A 6-week digital psychosocial programme, named Viva Vida, will be delivered via WhatsApp to participants allocated to the intervention arm. The Viva Vida will send psychoeducational and behavioural activation audio and visual messages 4 days a week for 6 weeks. The control arm will only receive a single message with general information about depression. The primary outcome will be the proportion of depression recovery (PHQ-9 < 10) assessed at 3 months. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed at 5 months. A detailed process evaluation will be used to explore context and important implementation outcomes.

DISCUSSION

This programme was based on the PROACTIVE intervention and designed to be delivered without face-to-face contact. If effective, it could be a simple treatment option, appropriate not only when social distancing is required, but it could also be included as a regular public health programme to initiate depression treatment, particularly in LMICs where resources allocated to mental health are scarce.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), RBR-4c94dtn. Registered on 22 October 2021 (submitted on 03 August 2021).

Polypharmacy and Health-Related Quality of Life/Psychological Distress Among Patients With Chronic Disease

Introduction

To date, no study has investigated the impact of polypharmacy (use of ≥5 medications concurrently) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychological distress in a combined sample of chronic disease patients and patients with multimorbidity, using diverse HRQOL measures. This study aimed to explore the association between polypharmacy and HRQOL/psychological distress by using data from a cross-sectional study in Flanders (Belgium).

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional survey data on 544 chronically ill patients recruited from June 2019 through June 2021. HRQOL was measured with the EuroQol-5 Dimension-5 Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12); psychological distress was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multiple linear regression models were built to assess the association between polypharmacy and HRQOL/psychological distress.

Results

Overall, compared with patients without polypharmacy, patients with polypharmacy reported worse EQ-5D-5L index values, EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores, SF-12 physical component scores (PCS), SF-12 mental component scores (MCS), and HADS anxiety and depression subscales. In the final regression model adjusting for age, sex, educational attainment, and multimorbidity, polypharmacy remained significantly associated with lower HRQOL in terms of the EQ-5D-5L index (β = −0.12; P = .008), EQ-VAS (β = −0.11; P = .01), and SF-12 PCS (β = −0.15; P = .002) but not with psychological distress (HADS) and SF-12 MCS.

Conclusion

This study found that polypharmacy was negatively associated with the physical domain of HRQOL, but not with the mental domain, among patients with chronic diseases. These results may be especially important for patients with multimorbidity, given their greater risk of polypharmacy.

Features and impact of dysphagia, dysphonia and laryngeal hypersensitivity in whiplash associated disorder - a qualitative study

PURPOSE

Investigation into dysphagia, dysphonia and laryngeal hypersensitivity after whiplash is limited, offering minimal insight into specific features and impact. This study aimed to explore these symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A qualitative interpretive description design was used. Eleven participants with chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder and self-reported swallowing, voice and/or throat-related problems completed baseline symptom questionnaires and were offered a videofluroscopic swallow study to investigate baseline swallowing biomechanics. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore features of swallowing, voice and laryngeal sensory complaints and analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

There were high baseline levels of self-reported neck, pain- and throat-related disability and psychological distress. There was no evidence of baseline deficits in swallow biomechanics. Thematic analysis revealed 5 themes: (1) A range of features of dysphagia and dysphonia exist after whiplash with varied clinical course; (2) Activity and participation in swallow and voice activities have changed; (3) There are psychological and emotional impacts; (4) Features of laryngeal hypersensitivity co-exist and (5) There are barriers to management.

CONCLUSIONS

Swallow, voice and laryngeal sensory problems after whiplash were described, with impacts on quality of life and barriers to management. These insights broaden understanding of post-whiplash sequalae, indicating the need for better detection.Implications for rehabilitationDysphagia, dysphonia and laryngeal hypersensitivity are under-recognised consequences of whiplash.Individuals presenting with dysphagia, dysphonia and laryngeal sensory symptoms after whiplash experience significant implications to wellbeing, activity and participation.Improved understanding of these symptoms may facilitate better detection and subsequent referral to speech-language pathology.Greater understanding into the functional and psychosocial implications of these symptoms may guide more effective post-whiplash assessments and informed rehabilitation.

A Validation Study of the EQ-5D-5L and ICEpop Capability Measure for Older People Among Older Individuals With Depressive Symptoms in Brazil

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the known-groups validity of the EQ-5D-5L and the ICEpop Capability Measure for Older People (ICECAP-O), 2 outcome measures used in economic evaluation, among older adults with depressive symptoms in socioeconomically deprived areas of Brazil. We also explored the role of education and income on responses to these measures.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used baseline data from PROACTIVE, a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate a psychosocial intervention for late-life depression among older adults. Participants aged ≥60 years with a 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥10 were recruited from 20 primary healthcare clinics. Ordered logistic regression models assessed the association between depressive symptoms severity, income, and education and dimension-level responses on the EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-O. Multivariable regression models investigated the ability of EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-O scores to discriminate between depressive symptoms severity levels and other characteristics, including education level and household income.

RESULTS

A total of 715 participants were included in the study. Depressive symptoms severity was associated with all EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-O dimensions, except the ICECAP-O enjoyment attribute. In contrast, household income was only associated with the ICECAP-O security attribute. Higher severity of depressive symptoms (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire scores) was also strongly associated with lower (ie, worse) scores on both measures in all models. Education level and household income showed no association with either EQ-5D-5L or ICECAP-O scores.

CONCLUSIONS

To best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the validity of these 2 measures among older adults in Brazil. Both EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-O showed evidence of validity in differentiating depressive symptom severity.

Telemedicine for Stroke: Quantifying the Long-Term National Costs and Health Benefits

Objective

Few countries have established national programs to maximize access and reduce operational overheads. We aimed to use patient-level data up to 12 months to model the potential long-term costs and health benefits attributable to implementing such a program for Australia.

Methods

A Markov model was created for Australia with an inception population of 10,000 people with stroke presenting to non–urban or suburban hospitals without stroke medical specialists that could receive stroke telemedicine under a national program. Seven Markov states represented the seven modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (0 no disability to 6 dead) plus an absorbing state for all other causes of death. The literature informed inputs for the model; for the telemedicine program (including program costs and effectiveness) and patients, these were extrapolated from the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine (VST) program with the initial status of patients being their health state at day 365 as determined by their mRS score. Costs (2018 Australian dollars, healthcare, non–medical, and nursing home) and benefits were reported for both the societal and healthcare perspectives for up to a 25 years (lifetime) time horizon.

Results

We assumed 4,997 to 12,578 ischemic strokes would arrive within 4.5 h of symptom onset at regional hospitals in 2018. The average per person lifetime costs were $126,461 and $127,987 from a societal perspective or $76,680 and $75,901 from a healthcare system perspective and benefits were 4.43 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 3.98 QALYs gained, respectively, for the stroke telemedicine program and practice without such program. The stroke telemedicine program was associated with a cost saving of $1,526 (from the societal perspective) or an additional $779 (from the healthcare system perspective) and an additional 0.45 QALY gained per patient over the lifetime. The incremental costs of the stroke telemedicine program ($2,959) and management poststroke ($813) were offset by cost savings from rehospitalization (–$552), nursing home care (–$2178), and non–medical resource use (–$128).

Conclusion

The findings from this long-term model provide evidence to support ongoing funding for stroke telemedicine services in Australia. Our estimates are conservative since other benefits of the service outside the use of intravenous thrombolysis were not included.

The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and therapy needs in adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) a cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Osteogenesis Imperfecta affects approximately 1 in every 10,000 people. Musculoskeletal disorders and pain are common in adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but specific knowledge of the problems people have is lacking. Access to therapy services for adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta is variable. We designed this analysis to better understand the musculoskeletal disorders and consequent therapy needs for adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.  METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of outpatients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Adults attending a newly established multidisciplinary clinic at a tertiary centre in 2019 were included. A highly specialist physiotherapist worked within the clinic to offer therapy input if required and to refer patients to appropriate therapy as needed. People over the age of 18 were included if they had a diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Data were collected over a five month period using routinely collected clinical information and patient reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Over five months 50 patients attended the clinic. Musculoskeletal pain was a significant feature reported by 84% of patients. Over 50% of patients reported persistent pain for longer than one year duration and the most common site of pain was in the spine (46%). No difference in pain between types of OI and age. Forty five per cent (n = 19) of patients reported moderate to severe problems with mobility on the EQ-5D with over half reporting problems with self-care and ability to carry out usual activities. Over 50% of patients in clinic also reported anxiety (EQ-5D). During the consultation 70% of patients received therapy input which was either advice in clinic or an onward referral to the appropriate service. The referral rate to specialist out-patient rehabilitation services at a tertiary centre was 30%.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis highlights the high prevalence of MSK pain in adults with OI and the effect on physical function and emotional wellbeing. This study demonstrates the diverse needs of the adult Osteogenesis Imperfecta population and the need for suitable multidisciplinary therapy services.

Psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-3L in South Australia: a multi-method non-preference-based validation study

OBJECTIVE

Although HRQoL tools such as the EQ-5D-3L are significant in determining health status, these measures have not been validated in general populations in Australia. This study aims to psychometrically validate the EQ-5D-3L in a large population sample in Australia for the first time.

METHODS

The EQ-5D-3L was included in the Dental Care and Oral Health study (DCOHS), conducted in a South Australian population sample. The participants were 23-91 years old, and 44.1% were male. The EQ-5D-3L was responded to on a three-point rating scale ("none"/"no", "some" and "extremely"/"unable"/"confined"). We employed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to evaluate whether the EQ-5D-3L total score could identify participants with diagnosed diseases and mental health disorders. Psychometric validation of the EQ-5D-3L investigated dimensionality with Exploratory Graph Analysis, model fit, floor/ceiling effects and criterion validity.

RESULTS

The EQ-5D-3L comprised two dimensions, Activities and Symptoms. According to Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA) (<.05) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) (>.950), the 2-dimensional structure showed excellent model fit with good reliability for the Activities subscale (Ωc = 0.80-95% CI [0.77, 0.83]), and poor reliability for the Symptom subscale (Ωc = 0.56-95% CI [0.53, 0.58]). The EQ-5D-3L showed adequate reliability (Ωc = 0.70-95% CI [0.67, 0.72]). The EQ-5D-3L showed good discrimination for diagnosed diseases (ranging from 64.3% to 86.3%). Floor/ceiling effects were observed across all items. The EQ-5D-3L total score discriminated between respondents who were experiencing health conditions (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke) from healthy individuals.

DISCUSSION

Despite the ceiling effects, the EQ-5D-3L displayed good psychometric properties as an HRQoL measure and discriminated between health states in the general South Australian population. Further research should investigate the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L in South Australia and whether an increased number of response categories can mitigate the observed ceiling effects.

Results of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial exploring the use of an electronic patient-reported outcome measure in the management of UK patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

The use of routine remote follow-up of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing exponentially. It has been suggested that online electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) could be used in parallel, to facilitate real-time symptom monitoring aimed at improving outcomes. We tested the feasibility of this approach in a pilot trial of ePROM symptom monitoring versus usual care in patients with advanced CKD not on dialysis.

DESIGN

A 12-month, parallel, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) and qualitative substudy.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UK. Adult patients with advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥6 and ≤15 mL/min/1.73 m², or a projected risk of progression to kidney failure within 2 years ≥20%).

INTERVENTION

Monthly online ePROM symptom reporting, including automated feedback of tailored self-management advice and triggered clinical notifications in the advent of severe symptoms. Real-time ePROM data were made available to the clinical team via the electronic medical record.

OUTCOMES

Feasibility (recruitment and retention rates, and acceptability/adherence to the ePROM intervention). Health-related quality of life, clinical data (eg, measures of kidney function, kidney failure, hospitalisation, death) and healthcare utilisation.

RESULTS

52 patients were randomised (31% of approached). Case report form returns were high (99.5%), as was retention (96%). Overall, 73% of expected ePROM questionnaires were received. Intervention adherence was high beyond 90 days (74%) and 180 days (65%); but dropped beyond 270 days (46%). Qualitative interviews supported proof of concept and intervention acceptability, but highlighted necessary changes aimed at enhancing overall functionality/scalability of the ePROM system.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot trial demonstrates that patients are willing to be randomised to a trial assessing ePROM symptom monitoring. The intervention was considered acceptable; though measures to improve longer-term engagement are needed. A full-scale RCT is considered feasible.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN12669006 and the UK NIHR Portfolio (CPMS ID: 36497).

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Spanish MINICHAL instrument into English for use in the United Kingdom

Background

Hypertension is a highly prevalent condition, with optimal treatment to BP targets conferring significant gains in terms of cardiovascular outcomes. Understanding why some patients do not achieve BP targets would be enhanced through greater understanding of their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the only English language disease-specific instruments for measurement of HRQoL in hypertension have not been validated in accordance with accepted standards. It is proposed that the Spanish MINICHAL instrument for the assessment of HRQoL in hypertension could be translated, adapted and validated for use in the United Kingdom. The aim of the study was therefore to complete this process.

Methods

The MINICHAL authors were contacted and the original instrument obtained. This was then translated into English by two independent English-speakers, with these versions then reconciled, before back-translation and subsequent production of a 2nd reconciled version. Thereafter, a final version was produced after cognitive debriefing, for administration and psychometric analysis in the target population of patients living in the Exeter area (Southwest UK) aged 18–80 years with treatment-naïve grade II-III hypertension, before, during and after 18 weeks’ intensive treatment.

Results

The English-language instrument was administered to 30 individuals (median age: 58.5 years, 53% male). Psychometric analysis demonstrated a floor effect, though no ceiling effect. Internal consistency for both state of mind (StM) and somatic manifestations (SM) dimensions of the instrument were acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81 and 0.75), as was test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.717 and 0.961) and construct validity, which was measured through co-administration with the EQ-5D-5L and Bulpitt-Fletcher instruments. No significant associations were found between scores and patient characteristics known to affect HRQoL. The EQ-5D-5L instrument found an improvement in HRQoL following treatment, with the StM and SM dimensions of the English language MINICHAL trending to support this (d = 0.32 and 0.02 respectively).

Conclusions

The present study details the successful English translation and validation of the MINICHAL instrument for use in individuals with hypertension. The data reported also supports an improvement in HRQoL with rapid treatment of grade II-III hypertension, a strategy which has been recommended by contemporaneous European guidelines.

Trial registration ISRCTN registry number: 57475376 (assigned 25/06/2015).

Identifying and managing psoriasis-associated comorbidities: the IMPACT research programme

Background

Psoriasis is a common, lifelong inflammatory skin disease, the severity of which can range from limited disease involving a small body surface area to extensive skin involvement. It is associated with high levels of physical and psychosocial disability and a range of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, and it is currently incurable.

Objectives

To (1) confirm which patients with psoriasis are at highest risk of developing additional long-term conditions and identify service use and costs to patient, (2) apply knowledge about risk of comorbid disease to the development of targeted screening services to reduce risk of further disease, (3) learn how patients with psoriasis cope with their condition and about their views of service provision, (4) identify the barriers to provision of best care for patients with psoriasis and (5) develop patient self-management resources and staff training packages to improve the lives of people with psoriasis.

Design

Mixed methods including two systematic reviews, one population cohort study, one primary care screening study, one discrete choice study, four qualitative studies and three mixed-methodology studies.

Setting

Primary care, secondary care and online surveys.

Participants

People with psoriasis and health-care professionals who manage patients with psoriasis.

Results

Prevalence rates for psoriasis vary by geographical location. Incidence in the UK was estimated to be between 1.30% and 2.60%. Knowledge about the cost-effectiveness of therapies is limited because high-quality clinical comparisons of interventions have not been done or involve short-term follow-up. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, psoriasis (including severe forms) was not found to be an independent risk factor for major cardiovascular events; however, co-occurrence of inflammatory arthritis was a risk factor. Traditional risk factors were high in patients with psoriasis. Large numbers of patients with suboptimal management of known risk factors were found by screening patients in primary care. Risk information was seldom discussed with patients as part of screening consultations, meaning that a traditional screening approach may not be effective in reducing comorbidities associated with psoriasis. Gaps in training of health-care practitioners to manage psoriasis effectively were identified, including knowledge about risk factors for comorbidities and methods of facilitating behavioural change. Theory-based, high-design-quality patient materials broadened patient understanding of psoriasis and self-management. A 1-day training course based on motivational interviewing principles was effective in increasing practitioner knowledge and changing consultation styles. The primary economic analysis indicated a high level of uncertainty. Sensitivity analysis indicated some situations when the interventions may be cost-effective. The interventions need to be assessed for long-term (cost-)effectiveness.

Limitations

The duration of patient follow-up in the study of cardiovascular disease was relatively short; as a result, future studies with longer follow-up are recommended.

Conclusions

Recognition of the nature of the psoriasis and its impact, knowledge of best practice and guideline use are all limited in those most likely to provide care for the majority of patients. Patients and practitioners are likely to benefit from the provision of appropriate support and/or training that broadens understanding of psoriasis as a complex condition and incorporates support for appropriate health behaviour change. Both interventions were feasible and acceptable to patients and practitioners. Cost-effectiveness remains to be explored.

Future work

Patient support materials have been created for patients and NHS providers. A 1-day training programme with training materials for dermatologists, specialist nurses and primary care practitioners has been designed. Spin-off research projects include a national study of responses to psoriasis therapy and a global study of the prevalence and incidence of psoriasis. A new clinical service is being developed locally based on the key findings of the Identification and Management of Psoriasis Associated ComorbidiTy (IMPACT) programme.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 10, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Discontinuing Antidepressants in England Primary Care Patients Compared with Long-Term Maintenance: The ANTLER Study

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common mental health condition with considerable negative impact on health and well-being. Although antidepressants are recommended as first-line treatment, there is limited evidence regarding the cost effectiveness of long-term maintenance antidepressants for preventing relapse.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to calculate the mean incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) over 12 months of discontinuing long-term antidepressant medication in well patients compared with maintenance, using patient-level trial data.

METHODS

We conducted a cost-utility analysis of 478 participants from 150 UK general practices recruited to a randomised, double-blind trial (ANTLER). QALYs were calculated from EQ-5D-5L and 12-Item Short Form survey (SF-12) results, with primary analysis using the EQ-5D-5L value set for England. Resource use was collected from primary care patient electronic medical records and self-completed questionnaires capturing mental-health-related resource use. Costs were calculated by applying standard UK unit costs to resource use. Adjustments were made for baseline variables.

RESULTS

Participants randomised to discontinuation had significantly worse utility scores at 3 months (- 0.032; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.053 to - 0.011) but no significant difference in QALYs (- 0.011; 95% CI - 0.026 to 0.003) or costs (£3.11; 95% CI - 41.28 to 47.50) at 12 months. The probability that discontinuation was cost effective compared with maintenance was 12.9% at a threshold of £20,000 per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of antidepressants was unlikely to be cost effective compared with maintenance for currently well patients on long-term antidepressants. However, this analysis provides no information on the wider impact of antidepressants. Our findings provide information on the potential impact of discontinuing long-term maintenance antidepressants and facilitate improving guidance for shared patient-clinician decision making.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT number 2015-004210-26; ISRCTN number ISRCTN15969819.

Effectiveness of an individualized home-based physical activity program in surgery-free non-endarterectomized asymptomatic stroke patients: a study protocol for the PACAPh interventional randomized trial

Background

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques remain silent until their rupture, which may lead to detrimental ischemic events such as strokes. This is due, in part, to intraplaque hemorrhages (IPH) and the resulting inflammatory processes, which may promote carotid plaque vulnerability. Currently, the benefits of carotid endarterectomy remain unclear for asymptomatic patients. Interestingly, the completion of physical activity (PA) may have beneficial effects; however, the paucity of current data warrants robust longitudinal interventions. We therefore aim to study the effects of a 6-month longitudinal personalized home-based PA program on IPH, biological, and inflammatory markers in asymptomatic stroke patients.

Methods

Eighty patients (≥ 18 years old) will be recruited for the Physical Activity and Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Hemorrhage (PACAPh) clinical trial from the Hospices Civils de Lyon. Patients will be eligible if they present with carotid stenosis ≥ 50% and are asymptomatic from any ischemic events for at least 6 months. Recruited patients will be randomized into either a PA or a control group, and assessed at baseline and after 6 months. At both time points, all patients will be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging to assess IPH, blood sampling to measure inflammatory markers and monocytic phenotyping, PA and sedentary behavior questionnaires, 6-min walking test, and maximal isometric quadricep contraction test. The randomized PA intervention will consist of reaching a daily walking step goal individually tailored to each patient. Steps will be collected using a wirelessly connected wristband. The number of steps completed by individuals in the PA group will be re-evaluated bimonthly to encourage walking habits.

Discussion

The PACAPh study is the first of its kind representing a feasible, easily accessible therapeutic strategy for asymptomatic stroke patients. We hypothesize that the personalized home-based PA program will reduce IPH and modulate inflammatory and biological parameters in patients presenting with carotid plaques. If the results of the PACAPh study prove to be beneficial on such health parameters, the implementation of such kind of intervention in the daily treatment of these patients would be an advantageous and cost-effective practice to adopt globally.

Trial registration

This study has been approved by the National Ethics Committee (IDRCB:2019-A01543-54/SI:19.06.21.40640). ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04053166

Comparative Study of Early Impacts of Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia on Clinical Manifestations, Pulmonary Function, and Chest Radiographs

Background and Objectives: Scant data regarding early post-COVID-19 effects are available, especially in younger people. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the early clinical impacts of post-COVID-19 pneumonia, comparing severe and non-severe patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in adult patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia from April to May 2021. Demographic data, symptoms and signs, quality of life, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), chest radiograph (CXR), pulmonary function tests (spirometry, impulse oscillometry), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and exercise capacity were assessed one month after hospital discharge. Twenty-five healthy control subjects that were age- and gender-matched were recruited for comparisons. Results: One hundred and five patients, with a mean age of 35.6 ± 15.8 years and 54 (51.4%) males, participated and were categorized into the non-severe pneumonia (N = 68) and severe pneumonia groups (N = 37). At a one-month follow-up visit (the time from the onset of the disease symptoms = 45.4 ± 5.9 days), the severe group had more cough, fatigue, and skin rash with higher dyspnea scale, more residual CXR lesions, and lower quality of life scores. Forced vital capacity (FVC) was lower in the severe group (88.3% of predicted value) and non-severe group (94.6% of predicted value) than in the healthy controls (p = 0.001). The six-minute walk distance was significantly lower in the non-severe group, at 79.2 m, and in the severe group, at 103.8 m, than in the healthy control subjects (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adult patients with COVID-19, especially those with clinically severe pneumonia, still had residual symptoms and chest radiographic abnormalities, together with poorer quality of life and lower exercise capacity, one month after hospital discharge.

Predictors of EQ-5D-3L outcomes amongst injured Māori: 1-year post-injury findings from a New Zealand cohort study

PURPOSE

Māori, the Indigenous population of New Zealand (NZ), are at higher risk of problems with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 12 months following injury. This paper examines pre-injury sociodemographic and health characteristics and injury-related factors, including healthcare access, and their association with HRQoL outcomes 12 months after injury.

METHODS

The Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study recruited 2856 injured New Zealanders aged 18-64 years from the entitlement claims register of the country's no-fault injury insurance agency. One-fifth (n = 566) of the cohort were Māori. Information on predictors and outcomes, with the exception of injury and hospitalisation, was obtained directly from participants at approximately 3 and 12 months post-injury. The outcomes of interest were responses to the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L and a dichotomous measure obtained by summing scored responses to each question. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify predictors of each outcome at 12 months post-injury.

RESULTS

Predictors differed by outcome. Being female, experiencing EQ-5D-3L problems pre-injury, having ≥ 2 chronic conditions pre-injury, perceiving one's injury to be a threat of long-term disability, and having trouble accessing health services for injury were common predictors of EQ-5D-3L problems at 12 months post-injury for Māori.

CONCLUSION

Opportunities exist to improve HRQoL outcomes by identifying individuals in the early stages of injury recovery who may benefit from further treatment and support.

Comparison of functional outcome and patient satisfaction between patients with socket prosthesis and patients treated with transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthetic systems (TOPS) after transfemoral amputation

PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate and evaluate differences in functional outcome and satisfaction of patients treated with a TOPS and patients using socket prosthesis after transfemoral amputation.

METHODS

This retrospective comprehensive analysis included patients from a single hospital, and was conducted between February 2017 and December 2018. Overall n = 139 patients with prosthesis were included and divided into two comparable groups (socket- and TOPS group). Incomplete data sets were excluded. This led to n = 36 participants for the socket- and n = 33 for the TOPS group. Functional outcome and satisfaction were evaluated by Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). The used PROMs were: Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA), EQ5D-5L, Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire (SAT-PRO), Prosthesis Mobility Questionnaire (PMQ 2.0) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM).

RESULTS

Significant results in favor of TOPS patients were identified for the EQ-5D 5L (p = 0.004), Q-TFA (p = 0.000), SAT-PRO (p = 0.000) and PMQ 2.0 (p = 0.000). For FIM, no statistical significance was found (p = 0.318).

CONCLUSION

In this study, transfemoral amputees treated with an osseointegrated prosthetic attachment (TOPS) showed significantly higher scores for mobility and satisfaction. This demonstrates the high potential of TOPS in the prosthetic treatment of patients with transfemoral amputation with regard to their functional abilities in daily life.

Quantifying the relationship between disability progression and quality of life in patients treated for NMOSD: Insights from the SAkura studies

BACKGROUND

To date, no specific scales have been developed to explore the impact of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)-related disability on quality of life (QoL). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) have been used to assess disability and QoL, respectively, in patients with NMOSD. However, there is limited evidence surrounding their use in this condition. We compared EDSS and EQ-5D data across two clinical trials to quantify the relationship between disability and QoL in patients with NMOSD.

METHODS

SAkuraSky (NCT02028884) and SAkuraStar (NCT02073279) were Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, international, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-assignment studies of satralizumab, administered in combination with baseline immunosuppressants (SAkuraSky) or as monotherapy (SAkuraStar). EDSS and EQ-5D were assessed at baseline and at 24-week intervals thereafter. The relationship between disability and QoL was assessed by estimating EQ-5D utilities (UK tariff) for each incremental EDSS category. A repeated-measures linear model was used to regress health utilities on EDSS score-derived health states.

RESULTS

Overall, 176 patients underwent at least one EDSS assessment and completed an EQ-5D survey and were included in this analysis. There was a clear association between mean EQ-5D score and EDSS score, with decreases in QoL being observed at each incremental increase in disability. The relationship between EDSS and EQ-5D score remained consistent across the different treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results, generated from high-quality clinical trial data, demonstrated a strong and consistent relationship between disability and QoL in patients with NMOSD.

[Pain syndromes and insomnia: the role of association with comorbid mental disorders (on the model of glossalgia)]

OBJECTIVE

To test the association between pain severity and anxiety, depression, and somatoform symptoms in burning sleep syndrome (BMS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 36 patients (33 women, 3 men), mean age 58.0±14.8 years. Psychopathological, clinical-dermatological, parametric, statistical methods were used. Psychometric examination included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for assessment of pain (severity of glossalgia), PHQ-4 for self-assessment of severity of anxiety (GAD-2) and depression (PHQ-2), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Screening for Somatoform Symptoms-2 (SOMS-2), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the EQ-5D-5L quality of life assessment scale.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Insomnia in chronic pain is very common. On the one hand, studies show that sleep deprivation can enhance pain perception. On the other hand, chronic pain can trigger a variety of sleep disorders. One of the localizations of chronic pain syndrome is the oral mucosa. Somatoform pain disorder related to oral mucosa called «glossalgia» or «burning mouth syndrome» (BMS). The prevalence of insomnia in the study sample was 61.1%. The statistically significant positive correlation was found between the severity of insomnia (PSQI) and the severity of anxiety on both GAD-2 and HADS, while insomnia showed no correlation with depression and pain severity. At the same time, the severity of anxiety showed statistically significant positive correlation with the severity of pain assessed by VAS.

Antidepressant medication to prevent depression relapse in primary care: the ANTLER RCT

BACKGROUND

There has been a steady increase in the number of primary care patients receiving long-term maintenance antidepressant treatment, despite limited evidence of a benefit of this treatment beyond 8 months.

OBJECTIVE

The ANTidepressants to prevent reLapse in dEpRession (ANTLER) trial investigated the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antidepressant medication in preventing relapse in UK primary care.

DESIGN

This was a Phase IV, double-blind, pragmatic, multisite, individually randomised parallel-group controlled trial, with follow-up at 6, 12, 26, 39 and 52 weeks. Participants were randomised using minimisation on centre, type of antidepressant and baseline depressive symptom score above or below the median using Clinical Interview Schedule - Revised (two categories). Statisticians were blind to allocation for the outcome analyses.

SETTING

General practices in London, Bristol, Southampton and York.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 18-74 years who had experienced at least two episodes of depression and had been taking antidepressants for ≥ 9 months but felt well enough to consider stopping their medication. Those who met an International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, diagnosis of depression or with other psychiatric conditions were excluded.

INTERVENTION

At baseline, participants were taking citalopram 20 mg, sertraline 100 mg, fluoxetine 20 mg or mirtazapine 30 mg. They were randomised to either remain on their current medication or discontinue medication after a tapering period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the time, in weeks, to the beginning of the first depressive episode after randomisation. This was measured by a retrospective Clinical Interview Schedule - Revised that assessed the onset of a depressive episode in the previous 12 weeks, and was conducted at 12, 26, 39 and 52 weeks. The depression-related resource use was collected over 12 months from medical records and patient-completed questionnaires. Quality-adjusted life-years were calculated using the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version.

RESULTS

Between 9 March 2017 and 1 March 2019, we randomised 238 participants to antidepressant continuation (the maintenance group) and 240 participants to antidepressant discontinuation (the discontinuation group). The time to relapse of depression was shorter in the discontinuation group, with a hazard ratio of 2.06 (95% confidence interval 1.56 to 2.70; p < 0.0001). By 52 weeks, relapse was experienced by 39% of those who continued antidepressants and 56% of those who discontinued antidepressants. The secondary analysis revealed that people who discontinued experienced more withdrawal symptoms than those who remained on medication, with the largest difference at 12 weeks. In the discontinuation group, 37% (95% confidence interval 28% to 45%) of participants remained on their randomised medication until the end of the trial. In total, 39% (95% confidence interval 32% to 45%) of participants in the discontinuation group returned to their original antidepressant compared with 20% (95% confidence interval 15% to 25%) of participants in maintenance group. The health economic evaluation demonstrated that participants randomised to discontinuation had worse utility scores at 3 months (-0.037, 95% confidence interval -0.059 to -0.015) and fewer quality-adjusted life-years over 12 months (-0.019, 95% confidence interval -0.035 to -0.003) than those randomised to continuation. The discontinuation pathway, besides giving worse outcomes, also cost more [extra £2.71 per patient over 12 months (95% confidence interval -£36.10 to £37.07)] than the continuation pathway, although the cost difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who discontinue long-term maintenance antidepressants in primary care are at increased risk of relapse and withdrawal symptoms. However, a substantial proportion of patients can discontinue antidepressants without relapse. Our findings will give patients and clinicians an estimate of the likely benefits and harms of stopping long-term maintenance antidepressants and improve shared decision-making. The participants may not have been representative of all people on long-term maintenance treatment and we could study only a restricted range of antidepressants and doses. Identifying patients who will not relapse if they discontinued antidepressants would be clinically important.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN15969819 and EudraCT 2015-004210-26.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 69. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Health related quality of life among Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease patients in India

Background

Measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people with chronic illnesses has become extremely important as the mortality rates associated with such illnesses have decreased and survival rates have increased. Thereby, such measurements not only provide insights into physical, mental and social dimensions of patient’s health, but also allow monitoring of the results of interventions, complementing the traditional methods based on morbidity and mortality.

Objective

The present study was conducted to describe the HRQOL of patients suffering from Rheumatic Fever (RF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), and to identify socio-demographic and clinical factors as predictors of HRQOL.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the HRQOL among 702 RF and RHD patients using EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels instrument (EQ-5D-5L), EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale and Time Trade off method. Mean EQ-5D-5L quality of life scores were calculated using EQ5D index value calculator across different stages of RF and RHD. Proportions of patients reporting problems in different attributes of EQ-5D-5L were calculated. The impact of socio-economic determinants on HRQOL was assessed.

Results

The mean EQ-5D-5L utility scores among RF, RHD and RHD with Congestive heart failure patients (CHF) were estimated as 0.952 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.929–0.975], 0.820 [95% CI: 0.799–0.842] and 0.800 [95% CI: 0.772–0.829] respectively. The most frequently reported problem among RF/RHD patients was pain/discomfort (33.8%) followed by difficulty in performing usual activities (23.9%) patients, mobility (22.7%) and anxiety/depression (22%). Patients with an annual income of less than 50,000 Indian National Rupees (INR) reported the highest EQ-5D-5L score of 0.872, followed by those in the income group of more than INR 200,000 (0.835), INR 50,000–100,000 (0.832) and INR 100,000–200,000 (0.828). Better HRQOL was reported by RHD patients (including RHD with CHF) who underwent balloon valvotomy (0.806) as compared to valve replacement surgery (0.645).

Conclusion

RF and RHD significantly impact the HRQOL of patients. Interventions aiming to improve HRQOL of RF/RHD patients should focus upon ameliorating pain and implementation of secondary prevention strategies for reducing the progression from ARF to RHD and prevention of RHD-related complications.

Prognostic factors associated with quality of life in heart failure patients considering the use of the generic EQ-5D-5L™ in primary care: new follow-up results of the observational RECODE-HF study

BACKGROUND

The implementation of care concepts fitting the needs of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) remains challenging. In this context, psycho-emotional well-being is not routinely assessed, and under-researched despite indications that it is of great relevance for, e.g., acceptance, adherence, and prognosis. The aim of this study was to observe clinical characteristics for their prognostic utility in HF patients, and to compare the patients' health-related quality of life (QoL) with German population norm values.

METHODS

The current post-hoc analysis was performed on data collected amongst participants of the RECODE-HF study who had fully answered the EQ-5D-5L™ items at both baseline and 12 months (n = 2354). The status in the patients' self-assessment items, EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS) and EQ-5D index was categorized into worse/unchanged/improved. General linear mixed models (GLMM) with logit link were applied. Subgroups included 630 patients (26.8%) screened positive and 1724 patients (73.2%) screened negative for psychosocial distress (PSD).

RESULTS

The 12-months change in EQ-5D index, generally resulting from change in individual EQ-5D items, additionally associated not only with high NYHA class but sociodemographics (employment/living alone/GP practice years) (96.2% correctly classified in GLMM). The 12- months change in individual QoL aspects showed associations with age*NYHA, gender, body-mass index, and comorbidities dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, asthma/chronic pulmonary disease. Important social roles were reflected in particular when HF patients lived alone or the doctor mentioned to the patient that the patient had HF. Patients with/without PSD differed in some sociodemographic and clinical parameters. However, no influence of PSD could be demonstrated in the 12-month follow-up of the EQ-5D-5L™. Nonetheless, comparison of the 12-months QoL with general German population norm values by age groups < 75 years and 75+ showed markedly health restrictions in HF patients in all EQ-5D-5L™ aspects.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis revealed different prognostic factors primarily associated with change of burden in different QoL aspects in HF patients. In GP practice it is important to consider in addition to the overall day-related VAS all the individual health-related QoL aspects to take a holistic view of the patient, as well as to pay particular attention to the interrelation of individual characteristics.

Patient-reported outcome measures in the care of in-centre hemodialysis patients

Kidney failure requiring dialysis is associated with high symptom burden and low health-related quality of life (HRQL). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are standardized instruments that capture patients’ symptom burden, level of functioning, and HRQL. The routine use of PROMs can be used to monitor aspects of patients’ health that may otherwise be overlooked, inform care planning, and facilitate the introduction of treatments. Incorporating PROMs into clinical practice is an appropriate strategy to engage patients and enhance their role in decisions regarding their care and outcomes. However, the implementation of PROMs measurement and associated interventions can be challenging given the nature of clinical practice in busy hemodialysis units, the variations in organization and clinical workflow across units, as well as regional programs. Implementing PROMs and linking these with actionable treatment aids to alleviate bothersome symptoms and improve patients’ wellbeing is key to improving patients’ health. Other considerations in implementing PROMs within a hemodialysis setting include integration into electronic medical records, purchase and configuration of electronic tools (i.e., tablets), storage and disinfection of such tools, and ongoing IT resources. It is important to train clinicians on the practical elements of using PROMs, however there is also a need to engage clinicians to use PROMs on an ongoing basis. This article describes how PROMs have been implemented at in-centre hemodialysis units in Alberta, Canada, addressing each of these elements.

Quality of life among people living with HIV in England and the Netherlands: a population-based study

Background

HIV is now considered a chronic condition, and people living with HIV, when treated, have a similar life expectancy as compared to the general population. Consequently, improving and ensuring a good health-related quality of life (HrQoL) among people living with HIV (people living with HIV) is increasingly important and has risen on the global agenda in recent years. A 'fourth 90' as 90% of people with viral load suppression have a good HrQoL should therefore be adopted alongside the other 90-90-90 targets. This study aims to report the progress on HrQoL as the 'fourth 90' and compare against the general population in the Netherlands and England.

Methods

In the Netherlands, individuals attending the HIV outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital were asked to complete the EQ-5D-5L from June 2016 until December 2018. In England, individuals attending one of 73 HIV outpatient clinics were randomly sampled to complete the Positive Voices survey, which included the EQ-5D-5L, from January to September 2017. HrQoL scores were combined with demographic data and compared to general population data.

Findings

The EQ-5D-5L was filled-out by 895 people living with HIV in the NL and 4,137 in England. HrQoL_utility was 0·85 among Dutch and 0·83 among English people living with HIV. This equated to 98% and 94% of the general population HrQoL_utility in the Netherlands and England, respectively. Of the EQ-5D domains, anxiety/depression was mostly affected, with one-third in Dutch (35%) and almost half (47%) of English people living with HIV reporting symptoms. This was higher compared to their respective general populations (21% NL and 31% England).

Interpretation

Overall, HrQoL_utility for people living with HIV was high in both countries and highly comparable to the general populations Nevertheless, there should be an increased focus on anxiety and depression in the people living with HIV population The EQ-5D-5L proved an easy HrQoL measurement tool and identified areas for improvement by social and behavioural interventions.

Funding

The study received funding (unrestricted grants) from: Gilead sciences, ViiV Healthcare, MSD, and Jansen pharmaceuticals.

Responsiveness and minimal important change of the Oxford Shoulder Score, EQ-5D, and the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire Physical Activity subscale in patients undergoing arthroscopic subacromial decompression

Introduction

Adequate responsiveness and knowledge of the minimal important change (MIC) is essential when using patient-reported outcome measures to assess treatment efficacy.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness and MIC of common outcomes in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome undergoing arthroscopic subacromial decompression.

Methods

At baseline and 6 months after surgery, patients completed the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), EQ-5D 5-level utility index, EQ visual analogue scale, Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire Physical Activity subscale (FABQ-PA), assessed pain (pain visual analogue scale), and Subjective Shoulder Value. Furthermore, at the 6-month follow-up, patients assessed the overall change with a Global Rating of Change Scale. Responsiveness was examined by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and correlations between the change scores. MIC was assessed using the optimal cutoff point at the receiver operating characteristics curve.

Results

Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve estimates were 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91,1.00) for OSS, 0.82 (95% CI 0.66,0.99) for EQ-5D 5-level utility index, 0.73 (95% CI 0.58,0.87) for EQ visual analogue scale, and 0.74 (95% CI 0.58,0.90) for FABQ-PA. MIC were 6.0 points for OSS, 0.024 points for EQ-5D 5-level utility index, 10.0 points for EQ visual analogue scale, and -5.0 points for FABQ-PA.

Conclusion

Responsiveness of the OSS, EQ-5D, and FABQ-PA was sufficient to measure improvement after arthroscopic decompression surgery.

Psychometric Properties of EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in Cognitively Impaired Patients Living with Dementia

BACKGROUND

Assessing health-related quality of life in dementia poses challenges due to patients' cognitive impairment. It is unknown if the newly introduced EQ-5D five-level version (EQ-5D-5L) is superior to the 3-level version (EQ-5D-3L) in this cognitively impaired population group.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L in comparison to the EQ-5D-3L in patients living with dementia (PwD).

METHODS

The EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L were assessed via interviews with n = 78 PwD at baseline and three and six months after, resulting in 131 assessments. The EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L were evaluated in terms of acceptability, agreement, ceiling effects, redistribution properties and inconsistency, informativity as well as convergent and discriminative validity.

RESULTS

Mean index scores were higher for the EQ-5D-5L than the EQ-5D-3L (0.70 versus 0.64). Missing values occurred more frequently in the EQ-5D-5L than the EQ-5D-3L (8%versus 3%). Agreement between both measures was acceptable but poor in PwD with moderate to severe cognitive impairment. The index value's relative ceiling effect decreased from EQ-5D-3L to EQ-5D-5L by 17%. Inconsistency was moderate to high (13%). Absolute and relative informativity increased in the EQ-5D-5L compared to the 3L. The EQ-5D-5L demonstrated a lower discriminative ability and convergent validity, especially in PwD with moderate to severe cognitive deficits.

CONCLUSION

The EQ-5D-5L was not superior as a self-rating instrument due to a lower acceptability and discriminative ability and a high inconsistency, especially in moderate to severe dementia. The EQ-5D-3L had slightly better psychometric properties and should preferably be used as a self-rating instrument in economic evaluations in dementia.

Belgian population norms for the EQ-5D-5L, 2018

Purpose

Health-related quality of life outcomes are increasingly used to monitor population health and health inequalities and to assess the (cost-) effectiveness of health interventions. The EQ-5D-5L has been included in the Belgian Health Interview Survey, providing a new source of population-based self-perceived health status information. This study aims to estimate Belgian population norms for the EQ-5D-5L by sex, age, and region and to analyze its association with educational attainment.

Methods

The BHIS 2018 provided EQ-5D-5L data for a nationally representative sample of the Belgian population. The dimension scores and index values were analyzed using logistic and linear regressions, respectively, accounting for the survey design.

Results

More than half of respondents reported problems of pain/discomfort, while over a quarter reported problems of anxiety/depression. The average index value was 0.84. Women reported more problems on all dimensions, but particularly on anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort, resulting in significantly lower index values. Problems with mobility, self-care, and usual activities showed a sharp increase after the age of 80 years. Consequently, index values decreased significantly by age. Lower education was associated with a higher prevalence of problems for all dimensions except anxiety/depression and with a significantly lower index value.

Conclusion

This paper presents the first nationally representative Belgian population norms using the EQ-5D-5L. Inclusion of the EQ-5D in future surveys will allow monitoring over time of self-reported health, disease burden, and health inequalities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-021-02971-6.

Sociodemographic aspects and health care-related outcomes: a latent class analysis of informal dementia care dyads

BACKGROUND

Studies revealed the importance to assess dementia care dyads, composed of persons with dementia and their primary informal caregivers, in a differentiated way and to tailor support services to particular living and care circumstances. Therefore, this study aims first to identify classes of dementia care dyads that differ according to sociodemographic, care-related and dementia-specific characteristics and second, to compare these classes with regard to healthcare-related outcomes.

METHODS

We used data from the cross-sectional German DemNet-D study (n = 551) and conducted a latent class analysis to investigate different classes of dementia care dyads. In addition, we compared these classes with regard to the use of health care services, caregiver burden (BIZA-D), general health of the informal caregiver (EQ-VAS) as well as quality of life (QoL-AD) and social participation (SACA) of the person with dementia. Furthermore, we compared the stability of the home-based care arrangements.

RESULTS

Six different classes of dementia care dyads were identified, based on best Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), significant likelihood ratio test (p <  0.001), high entropy (0.87) and substantive interpretability. Classes were labelled as "adult child parent relationship & younger informal caregiver", "adult child parent relationship & middle aged informal caregiver", "non family relationship & younger informal caregiver", "couple & male informal caregiver of older age", "couple & female informal caregiver of older age", "couple & younger informal caregiver". The classes showed significant differences regarding health care service use. Caregiver burden, quality of life of the person with dementia and stability of the care arrangement differed also significantly between the classes.

CONCLUSION

Based on a latent class analysis this study indicates differences between classes of informal dementia care dyads. The findings may give direction for better tailoring of support services to particular circumstances to improve healthcare-related outcomes of persons with dementia and informal caregivers.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes in the Postgenomic Era and Future Perspectives for Precision Medicine

Simple Summary

With demographic ageing, improved cancer survivorship and increased diagnostic sensitivity, incident cases of patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are continuously rising, leading to a relevant impact on health care resources. Disease heterogeneity and various comorbidities are challenges for the management of the generally elderly patients. Therefore, experienced physicians and multidisciplinary teams should be involved in the establishment of the correct diagnosis, risk-assessment and personalized treatment plan. Next-generation sequencing allows for early detection of clonal hematopoiesis and monitoring of clonal evolution, but also poses new challenges for its appropriate use. At present, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative treatment option for a minority of fit MDS patients. All others receive palliative treatment and will eventually progress, having an unmet need for novel therapies. Targeting compounds are in prospect for precision medicine, however, abrogation of clonal evolution to acute myeloid leukemia remains actually out of reach.

Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a heterogeneous group of clonal disorders caused by sequential accumulation of somatic driver mutations in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). MDS is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with cytopenia, dysplasia, inflammation, and a variable risk of transformation into secondary acute myeloid leukemia. The advent of next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic basis of the disease. Nevertheless, the biology of clonal evolution remains poorly understood, and the stochastic genetic drift with sequential accumulation of genetic hits in HSPCs is individual, highly dynamic and hardly predictable. These continuously moving genetic targets pose substantial challenges for the implementation of precision medicine, which aims to maximize efficacy with minimal toxicity of treatments. In the current postgenomic era, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option for younger and fit MDS patients. For all unfit patients, regeneration of HSPCs stays out of reach and all available therapies remain palliative, which will eventually lead to refractoriness and progression. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of MDS pathophysiology and its impact on diagnosis, risk-assessment and disease monitoring. Moreover, we present ongoing clinical trials with targeting compounds and highlight future perspectives for precision medicine.

The EQ-5D-3L administered by text message compared to the paper version for hard-to-reach populations in a rural South African trauma setting: a measurement equivalence study

INTRODUCTION

Administering patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by text message may improve response rate in hard-to-reach populations. This study explored cultural acceptability of PROMs and compared measurement equivalence of the EQ-5D-3L administered on paper and by text message in a rural South African setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with upper or lower limb orthopaedic pathology were recruited. The EQ-5D was administered first on paper and then by text message after 24 h and 7 days. Differences in mean scores for paper and text message versions of the EQ-5D were evaluated. Test-retest reliability between text message versions was evaluated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs).

RESULTS

147 participants completed a paper EQ-5D. Response rates were 67% at 24 h and 58% at 7 days. There were no differences in means between paper and text message responses for the EQ-5D Index (p = 0.95) or EQ-5D VAS (p = 0.26). There was acceptable agreement between the paper and 24-h text message EQ-5D Index (0.84; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.78-0.89) and EQ-5D VAS (0.73; 95% CI 0.64-0.82) and acceptable agreement between the 24-h and 7-day text message EQ-Index (0.72; CI 0.62-0.82) and EQ-VAS (0.72; CI 0.62-0.82). Non-responder traits were increasing age, Xhosa as first language and lower educational levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Text messaging is equivalent to paper-based measurement of EQ-5D in this setting and is thus a viable tool for responders. Non-responders had similar socioeconomic characteristics and attrition rates to traditional modes of administration. The EQ-5D by text message offers potential clinical and research uses in hard-to-reach populations.

An Exploration on Attribute Non-attendance Using Discrete Choice Experiment Data from the Irish EQ-5D-5L National Valuation Study

BACKGROUND

Generic measures of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) permit comparisons of competing demands for healthcare resources using outcomes that reflect the preferences of tax payers. EQ-5D instruments are the most commonly used generic, preference-based measures of HRQoL. The EQ-5D-5L enables respondents to describe their health state using five dimensions of health, each with five response levels. The standardised protocol for the valuation of EQ-5D-5L health states comprises use of the composite time trade-off valuation technique, supplemented by a discrete choice experiment (DCE).

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the first exploration on attribute non-attendance (ANA) to the dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L using DCE data collected following the standardised protocol.

METHOD

This paper uses the equality constrained latent class model and the endogenous attribute attendance model to examine ANA to the dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L.

RESULTS

The results suggest that respondents are less likely to consider the physical dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L (such as self-care and usual activities) when evaluating the health states. The effects of ANA on utility scores depends on the interpretation of the underlying reasons for ANA.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend that future value sets based in whole or in part on DCE data examine the impact of and reasons for non-attendance in national valuation studies.