A Methodological Study to Compare Alternative Modes of Administration with Value EQ-5D Using Preference-Elicitation Techniques

OBJECTIVES

Time trade-off (TTO) and discrete choice experiment (DCE) preference-elicitation techniques can be administered using face-to-face interviews (F2F), unassisted online (UO) surveys, or remote-assisted (RA) interviews. The objective of this study was to explore how the mode of administration affects the quality and reliability of preference-elicitation data.

METHODS

EQ-5D-5L health states were valued using composite TTO (cTTO) and DCE approaches by the UK general population. Participants were allocated to 1 of 2 study groups. Group A completed both F2F and UO surveys (n = 271), and group B completed both RA and UO surveys (n = 223). The feasibility of survey completion and the reliability and face-validity of data collected were compared across all modes of administration.

RESULTS

Fewer participants reported receiving sufficient guidance on the cTTO tasks during the UO survey compared with the 2 assisted modes. Participants across all modes typically reported receiving sufficient guidance on the DCE tasks. cTTO data were less reliable from the UO survey compared with both assisted modes, but there were no differences in DCE data reliability. cTTO data from all modes demonstrated face-validity; however, the UO survey produced higher utilities for moderate and severe health states than both assisted modes. Both F2F and RA modes provided comparably reliable data.

CONCLUSIONS

The reliability of DCE data is not affected by the mode of administration. Interviewer-assisted modes of administration (F2F or RA) yield more reliable cTTO data than unassisted surveys. Both F2F and RA surveys produced similar-quality data.

Comparison of indirect treatment methods in migraine prevention to address differences in mode of administration

Aim: Indirect treatment comparisons (ITCs) are anchored on a placebo comparator, and the placebo response may vary according to drug administration route. Migraine preventive treatment studies were used to evaluate ITCs and determine whether mode of administration influences placebo response and the overall study findings. Materials & methods: Change from baseline in monthly migraine days produced by monoclonal antibody treatments (subcutaneous, intravenous) was compared using fixed-effects Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), network meta-regression (NMR), and unanchored simulated treatment comparison (STC). Results: NMA and NMR provide mixed, rarely differentiated results between treatments, whereas unanchored STC strongly favors eptinezumab over other preventive treatments. Conclusion: Further investigations are needed to determine which ITC best reflects the impact of mode of administration on placebo.

Interferons in COVID-19: missed opportunities to prove efficacy in clinical phase III trials?

Interferons were repeatedly used in the therapy of COVID-19 due to their antiviral effects. Three recently published randomized controlled clinical phase III trials (WHO SOLIDARITY, ACTT-3, and SPRINTER) missed their primary objectives, i.e., a significant therapeutic effect of interferons was not demonstrated in these studies. In only one randomized controlled phase III trial (TOGETHER), a significant reduction in the hospitalization rate was revealed. Our study analyzes these findings, gives possible explanations for the failure of interferons, provides a proposal on how these agents could be successfully used, and also highlights the limitations of their employment in COVID-19. Interferons are apparently beneficial only if the patients are in the early stage of this disease and when they are usually not hospitalized, i.e., if the patients do not require oxygen support and/or if corticosteroids are not yet indicated. Furthermore, a higher dosage than the one used in the long-term treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon beta or of chronic viral hepatitis with interferon alpha or lambda should be employed to achieve a better therapeutic effect in COVID-19.

Measurement equivalence of the paper-based and electronic version of the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS): A randomised crossover trial

BACKGROUND

The Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) validly and reliably measures symptoms and concerns of those receiving palliative care.

AIM

To determine the equivalence of the paper version with an electronic version of the IPOS (eIPOS).

DESIGN

Multicentre randomised crossover trial (NCT03879668) with a within-subject comparison of the two modes (washout period 30 min).

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample of specialist inpatient and palliative home care patients aged over 18 years with cancer and non-cancer conditions was recruited. Scores were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots and via a mixed-effects analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were randomised to complete paper-electronic (n = 24) and electronic-paper (n = 26) IPOS with median age 69 years (range 24-95), 56% male, 16% non-cancer. The ICCs showed very high concordance for the total score (ICC 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-1.00), lowest ICCs being observed for symptoms 'Appetite loss' and 'Drowsiness' (ICC 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.97). Nine of seventeen items had ICCs above 0.98, as did all subscales. No statistically significant mode, order, age, and interaction effects were observed for IPOS total score and subscales, except for 'Communication' (F_mode = 5.9, p = 0.019). Fifty-eight percent preferred the electronic version. In the group 75+ years, 53% preferred the paper version. Only three entries in the free-text main problems differed between the versions.

CONCLUSION

The very high equivalence in scores and free text between the IPOS and the eIPOS demonstrates that eIPOS is feasible and reliable in an older palliative population.

The Dilemma of HSV-1 Oncolytic Virus Delivery: The Method Choice and Hurdles

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have emerged as effective gene therapy and immunotherapy drugs. As an important gene delivery platform, the integration of exogenous genes into OVs has become a novel path for the advancement of OV therapy, while the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most commonly used. However, the current mode of administration of HSV-1 oncolytic virus is mainly based on the tumor in situ injection, which limits the application of such OV drugs to a certain extent. Intravenous administration offers a solution to the systemic distribution of OV drugs but is ambiguous in terms of efficacy and safety. The main reason is the synergistic role of innate and adaptive immunity of the immune system in the response against the HSV-1 oncolytic virus, which is rapidly cleared by the body's immune system before it reaches the tumor, a process that is accompanied by side effects. This article reviews different administration methods of HSV-1 oncolytic virus in the process of tumor treatment, especially the research progress in intravenous administration. It also discusses immune constraints and solutions of intravenous administration with the intent to provide new insights into HSV-1 delivery for OV therapy.

Neurologists' preferences for device-aided therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease in Japan

OBJECTIVE

This study measures the relative preference for attributes of device-aided therapies (DATs) for advanced Parkinson's Disease (PD) from the perspective of Japanese neurologists.

METHODS

Attributes and levels were elicited based on literature and interviews with certified neurologists experienced with DATs. An online survey including a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was developed, pilot tested, and distributed through an online panel to neurologists treating advanced PD patients. Participants were asked to choose treatments among several choice sets of two hypothetical DATs described only by the attributes, or no DAT (continuing oral treatment). A conditional logit model using the Bayesian framework was developed to estimate the marginal utilities of attributes' levels, and the relative utility of treatments available to Japanese advanced PD patients or being developed in Japan was assessed.

RESULTS

The DCE survey completed by 308 neurologists showed that the attributes with the greatest influence on DAT selection were surgery requirement (relative importance of 28%), average increase in the duration of daily "on" time without dyskinesia which affects daily activities (15%), average change in cognitive function related to treatment introduction (15%), device management frequency (14%), average number of pills of oral PD medication after treatment introduction (13%), average influence of treatment on symptoms of depression (12%), and type of device (large/small) (3%). All attributes significantly influenced respondents' choices, except for external device type. Experience with DATs did not influence the directions of preferences. Out of treatment profiles representing DATs, continuous subcutaneous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa had a higher preference score than levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion and deep brain stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Japanese neurologists would prefer a DAT without surgery requirement. Other factors related to efficacy, safety, and administration mode have a significant, but a smaller influence on prescription choices.

Associations of mode of administration on cannabis consumption and subjective intoxication in daily life

OBJECTIVE

As cannabis products are becoming increasingly available and young adults are increasingly using vaporizers to consume cannabis, there is a need to understand how this population is using different modes of administration and the extent to which specific modes are associated with differential cannabis use outcomes. Toward this end, the current study characterized predictors of cannabis mode of administration and examined how consumption levels and subjective intoxication vary as a function of mode of administration in daily life.

METHOD

Participants were 106 young adult cannabis and heavy alcohol users (51% female) who completed up to 14 daily diaries (n = 1,405 person days). Each day, participants reported whether they used any cannabis and, if any, which mode(s) were used, number of hits used per mode, overall subjective intoxication, and the socio-environmental context in which they used cannabis.

RESULTS

Across all cannabis use days, Bong-Only and Vape-Only days were the most common, followed by Multimode, Joint-, Pipe-, and Blunt-Only days. Participants reporting a greater proportion of cannabis use days were more likely to report Bong-Only and Multimode days than Vape-Only days. Compared to Vape-Only days, participants reported fewer hits on Bong-Only days and more hits on Blunt-Only, Pipe-Only, and Multimode days. Participants felt more intoxicated on Bong-Only days than Vape-Only days.

CONCLUSIONS

Mode-specific associations with cannabis consumption and subjective intoxication levels suggest assessing modes of administration may be a meaningful way to guide individual and public health intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Pharmacokinetic comparison of four arbidol hydrochloride preparations in beagle dogs

This study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of four preparations (dispersible tablets, ordinary tablets, capsules and granules) of arbidol hydrochloride, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug, in beagle dogs. Briefly, a single dose of 100 mg of the four preparations of arbidol hydrochloride was orally administered to dogs; blood was then collected from the veins of the foreleg at different times after administration to prepare plasma samples. The plasma concentration of arbidol hydrochloride was measured using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results showed that when orally administered with dispersible tablets, ordinary tablets, capsules and granules suspended with water, there were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters (including peak time, peak concentration, elimination half-life, area under the curve (AUC_0-t ), and mean retention time) of arbidol hydrochloride. However, in the case of the dispersible tablets, the pharmacokinetics of arbidol hydrochloride was significantly affected by the mode of administration. Compared with direct feeding, peak time [0.50 (0.13, 0.50) vs. 1.00 (0.50, 2.00)] was significantly shortened (P = 0.033) and the AUC_{0-48 h} (8726.5 ± 2509.3 vs. 3650.8 ± 1536.9 ng h/ml) was significantly increased (P = 0.012) when the dispersible tablets were orally administered as water dispersion. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of four preparations of arbidol hydrochloride were not significant different in beagle dogs. However, compared with direct feeding, the absorption of arbidol hydrochloride was faster and the bioavailability was better when the dispersible tablets were orally administered as water dispersion.

Effect of different routes of administration on early cognitive function following inguinal hernia repair

PURPOSE

To analyze the effects of different routes of dexmedetomidine administration on early cognitive function following inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

A total of 83 patients with pediatric inguinal hernias admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to October 2020 were divided into control group (CNG, n = 41) and observation group (OG, n = 42) by random number table. The OG was given 2 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride by intranasal administration, and the CNG was treated with 0.5 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride via intravenous (IV) infusion pump. The hemodynamics, condition of anesthesia, awakening, and safety were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels at T1 and T2 in the OG were not different from those in the CNG (P > 0.05), and heart rates in the OG were all higher than those in the CNG (P < 0.05). The incidence of emergence agitation during awakening was 4.76% in the OG, which was lower than 21.95% compared with the CNG (P < 0.05). Ramsay sedation scores at 15 and 30 min after awakening in the OG were higher than those in the CNG, and PAED scores in the OG were lower than those in the CNG (P < 0.05). Cognitive, language, and motor scores in the OG were higher than those in the CNG at 3 days after surgery (P < 0.05), and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction was 4.76% in the OG at 3 days after surgery, which was lower compared with 21.95% in the CNG (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Application of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride by intranasal administration or intravenous infusion before induction can ensure rapid postoperative awakening of the children without causing significant fluctuations in blood pressure and oxygen saturation, and both methods have a high safety profile. However, intranasal administration results in more satisfactory sedation, less postoperative agitation upon awakening, and reduces postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

A meta-analysis of the therapeutic effect of gefitinib combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in treating non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Whether the combination of gefitinib and chemotherapy is beneficial for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. This study aimed to summarize the currently available evidence and compare the efficacy and safety of gefitinib combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for treating advanced NSCLC.

METHODS

Literature on comparing the effects of gefitinib combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in treating NSCLC was retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Database. The primary outcome measures included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Revman 5.3 was used for data processing.

RESULTS

Seven randomized controlled trials were included, involving a total of 1418 patients. There appeared a significant improvement in PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.60 [95% CI 0.43, 0.82], P = .001) after treatment with gefitinib combined with chemotherapy when compared with chemotherapy alone. The subgroup analysis showed a significant advantage of sequential administration (HR = 0.67 [95% CI 0.57, 0.79], P < .00001). There was no significant improvement in OS (HR = 0.92 [95% CI 0.71, 1.20], P = .54), and no significant improvement in overall response rate (ORR) (HR = 0.98 [95% CI 0.67, 1.44], P = .93). The risks of rash and diarrhea (odds ratios) were higher in gefitinib combined with chemotherapy group when compared with chemotherapy alone, and there were significant differences on grade 3/4 rash and thrombocytopenia between 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Gefitinib combined with chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy alone in PFS, sequential administration prolongs the patients' PFS, however, a survival advantage is not shown in OS or ORR. Gefitinib combined with chemotherapy aggravates rash, diarrhea and thrombocytopenia.

PROM Validation Using Paper-Based or Online Surveys: Data Collection Methods Affect the Sociodemographic and Health Profile of the Sample

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the impact of data collection method on the sociodemographic and health profile of samples of people with diabetes who complete either an online or postal patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) validation survey.

METHODS

A longitudinal survey of people with diabetes was conducted using online and postal survey versions. The survey consisted of sociodemographic and health questions, a health and self-management PROM (Health and Self-Management in Diabetes [HASMID]), and 5-level version of EQ-5D. Dose adjustment for normal eating Online, Diabetes UK, and social media were used to recruit online survey participants. A panel of patients at a local National Health Service Trust was randomly allocated to participate in either survey version (two-thirds to postal version). Participants were asked to complete the survey again approximately 3 months later.

RESULTS

A total of 2784 participants completed the survey (1908 online, 876 postal). The samples (online versus postal) differed; the online sample was younger, with a larger proportion of women and respondents with type 1 diabetes. There were significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics by type of diabetes across data collection mode. The proportion of respondents who responded again at point 2 was higher in the postal sample (525 postal, 698 online).

CONCLUSION

The sociodemographic and health profile of samples of people with diabetes differed depending on whether they completed the online or postal survey. Differences are likely due to different recruitment methods and differences in those choosing to respond to different survey versions. Future PROM validation surveys should select data collection methods carefully because these can affect sample characteristics and results.

Asking about Sexual Identity on the National Health Interview Survey: Does Mode Matter?

Privacy, achieved through self-administered modes of interviewing, has long been assumed to be a necessary prerequisite for obtaining unbiased responses to sexual identity questions due to their potentially sensitive nature. This study uses data collected as part of a split-ballot field test embedded in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine the association between survey mode (computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) versus audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI)) and sexual minority identity reporting. Bivariate and multivariate quantitative analyses tested for differences in sexual minority identity reporting and non-response by survey mode, as well as for moderation of such differences by sociodemographic characteristics and interviewing environment. No significant main effects of interview mode on sexual minority identity reporting or nonresponse were found. Two significant mode effects emerged in subgroup analyses of sexual minority status out of 35 comparisons, and one significant mode effect emerged in subgroup analyses of item nonresponse. We conclude that asking the NHIS sexual identity question using CAPI does not result in estimates that differ systematically and meaningfully from those produced using ACASI.

Using the Medication Adherence Reasons Scale (MAR-Scale) to identify the reasons for non-adherence across multiple disease conditions

Purpose: With more than 50% of the individuals on chronic conditions not taking medicines as prescribed, it is essential for health care providers to understand the reasons, so that adherence-related conversations can be initiated and focused appropriately. Measuring medication non-adherence is complex, because patients are often on multiple medications and take them via various modes of administration such as orally, by injection, or topically, and at various frequencies such as daily or weekly. The Medication Adherence Reasons Scale (MAR-Scale) is a twenty-item, self-reported, comprehensive scale developed to measure two aspects of medication non-adherence: the extent or frequency of non-adherence and reasons for non-adherence. The objective of this study was to identify the top reasons, in 17 distinct chronic disease conditions, reported by patients for being non-adherent across various modes and frequencies of the corresponding medications. Internal reliability of the MAR-Scale was also assessed in each condition. Patients and methods: Results were derived from Kantar Health's US 2017 National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS), a self-administered, annual, Internet-based cross-sectional survey of 75,000 adults (≥18 years). The survey sample was drawn from an Internet panel and was stratified according to age, gender, and ethnicity in order to represent the US adult population based on the US Census Bureau. Respondents to the 2017 NHWS who self-reported taking prescription medication(s) to treat one of the 17 conditions were invited to complete the MAR-Scale in a follow-up online survey, reporting on reasons for non-adherence in the past 7 days (daily medications) or four weeks (weekly), with non-adherence defined as any reported non-adherence in the corresponding timeframe for medicines taken orally, by injection, and topically. Results: MAR-Scale data were obtained from 15,672 respondents in one or more conditions, modes, and frequencies. MAR-Scale reliability ranged from Cronbach's alpha of 0.861 in multiple sclerosis to 0.973 in psoriasis. For daily orals, non-adherence ranged from 25.2% in diabetes to 63.7% in eczema. The most common reasons across conditions were "simply missed it," "side effects," and "concern about long-term effects." Conclusion: The MAR-Scale demonstrates acceptable reliability in multiple chronic disease conditions and across modes and frequencies of administration.

Administration of Childhood Physical and Childhood Sexual Abuse Screens in Adolescents and Young Adults: a Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Childhood physical and sexual abuse can have a negative impact on adolescents and young adults. Although effective interventions that can ameliorate both the short- and long-term negative impacts are available, many adolescent and young adult victims remain without help: They rarely self-identify as victims, and health care providers generally fail to inquire about a history of childhood abuse, especially in the absence of physical signs. The health care field lacks an understanding of effective methods for the identification of childhood abuse.

OBJECTIVES

To address this knowledge gap, this paper focuses on a systematic review of the literature for studies comparing modes of administration of measures to identify a history of childhood physical and sexual abuse in adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature published in English in peer-reviewed journals between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2014 was conducted to identify studies that compared 2 or more modes of administration using the same measure to identify a history of childhood physical and sexual abuse in adolescent and young adult populations. Studies that compared 2 or more different measures for identifying abuse were not included in this review because the focus of the review was to isolate the effects of the mode of administration.

FINDINGS

Only 1 study that met review criteria was found. It was conducted among female college students in a university setting. No studies were identified that compared modes of administration used to elicit disclosure of a history of childhood abuse among adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

There remains an urgent need to conduct evaluations of methods to identify childhood physical and sexual abuse including the mode of administration of screens in young people. It is recommended that future studies include diverse populations and randomized and quasi-experimental approaches.

Comparison of Modes of Administration of Screens to Identify a History of Childhood Physical Abuse in an Adolescent and Young Adult Population

BACKGROUND

Childhood physical abuse is a major public health issue with negative consequences to health and well-being manifested in childhood and adolescence, and persisting into adulthood. Yet much childhood physical abuse is not identified when it occurs and little is known about how to screen for it.

METHODS

To address this gap, the effectiveness of 4 modes of administration of screens to identify childhood physical abuse were compared in a sample of 506 adolescents and young adults aged 12-24 years seeking general health services at a primary care clinic. Comparisons were made between paper and pencil screen, audio computer-assisted self-interview screen, face-to-face structured screen (all 3 using the same measure), and face-to-face unstructured interview.

FINDINGS

Overall, 44.5% of the sample disclosed that they had been physically abused. Compared to paper and pencil screen, the odds of reporting physical abuse were 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92, 2.58) and 4.3 (95% CI: 2.49, 7.43) higher among participants using face-to-face structured screen and face-to-face unstructured interview methods, respectively. The face-to-face unstructured interview identified significantly more reports than the paper and pencil screen.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the unstructured interview was the most effective mode for screening for childhood physical abuse, additional research is needed to confirm whether this holds true in other health care settings. Further research should examine how a health provider's training, experience, and comfort level might influence the identification of physical abuse disclosure in primary care settings using face-to-face unstructured interview.

Bioavailability of a dexlansoprazole delayed-release orally disintegrating tablet: effects of food and mode of administration

Background

Dexlansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) approved for use in dual delayed-release capsule and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations.

Aim

To assess effects of food, water, and route of administration on the bioavailability of dexlansoprazole 30-mg ODT.

Methods

Two separate open-label, phase 1, single-dose crossover studies were conducted in healthy adults. In study 1, pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed in participants receiving dexlansoprazole ODT in a fed or fasted state with and without water. In study 2, the bioavailability of dexlansoprazole after administration via oral syringe or nasogastric (NG) tube, or after swallowing intact with water was compared to ODT administration in the fasted state, swallowed without water. Blood samples for determining dexlansoprazole plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were collected before and after dosing.

Results

Equivalent values for area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) were observed in the fed and fasted states, but the maximum observed plasma concentration (C_max) was 38% lower in the fed state; therefore, bioequivalence was not achieved. A water rinse following standard ODT administration decreased dexlansoprazole bioavailability, with lower C_max and AUC values than when ODT was administered without a water rinse. Bioequivalence was demonstrated when comparing the alternative routes of administration, including via oral syringe or NG tube with standard ODT administration. Unlike with a water rinse, bioequivalence to standard ODT administration (i.e., without water) was demonstrated when swallowing the ODT intact with water. Rates of adverse events were comparable irrespective of administration route in the fasted state (6.7%–9.3%) and were 12% higher in the fed state than in the fasted state.

Conclusion

The AUC from the dexlansoprazole ODT was equivalent when administered in the fed and fasted states. Equivalent systemic exposure to dexlansoprazole was achieved regardless of the administration route.

An evaluation of adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis newly initiating treatment with a self-injectable or an oral disease-modifying drug

OBJECTIVE

As the multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatment options have expanded to include oral therapies, it is important to understand whether route of administration is associated with DMD adherence. The objective of this study was to compare adherence to DMDs in patients with MS newly initiating treatment with a self-injectable versus an oral DMD.

METHODS

This retrospective database study used IMS Health Real World Data Adjudicated Claims - US data between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2014. Adherence was measured by medication possession ratio (MPR), calculated as the total number of treated days divided by the total number of days from the first treated day until the end of 12-month follow-up. A binary measure representing adherence (MPR ≥0.8) versus nonadherence (MPR <0.8) to therapy was used. Logistic regression evaluated the likelihood of adherence to index DMD type (self-injectable vs oral). Covariates included patient baseline characteristics (ie, age, sex, comorbidities) and index DMD type.

RESULTS

The analysis included 7,207 self-injectable and 1,175 oral DMD-treated patients with MS. In unadjusted analyses, the proportion of patients adherent to therapy (MPR ≥0.8) did not differ significantly between the self-injectable (54.1%) and the oral DMD cohorts (53.0%; P=0.5075). After controlling for covariates, index DMD type was not a significant predictor of adherence (odds ratio [OR] 1.062; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.937-1.202; P=0.3473). Higher likelihood of adherence was associated with male sex (OR 1.20; 95% CI: 1.085-1.335; P=0.0005) and age groups older than 18-34 years (ORs 1.220-1.331; P<0.01). Depression was associated with a lower likelihood of adherence (OR 0.618; 95% CI: 0.511-0.747; P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Male sex and age older than 18-34 years were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of adherence, while depression was associated with a lower likelihood of adherence. Index DMD type, stratified by the route of administration (self-injectable vs oral DMD), was not a significant predictor of DMD adherence.

Relative Importance of Mode of Administration in Treatment Preferences among Plaque Psoriasis Patients in the United States

Background: Some aspects of psoriasis treatments can negatively influence patients' quality of life. There is evidence from previous preference-elicitation research in psoriasis that administration characteristics are at least as important as treatment outcomes to patients. Objectives: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that patients' preferences for reduced disease and treatment burden are as important as preferences around treatment efficacy. We evaluated patient preferences for attributes of psoriasis treatments, including efficacy, tolerability, and mode and frequency of administration. Methods: Adult patients in the United States with a self-reported physician diagnosis of psoriasis completed an online discrete-choice experiment survey. The survey included eight choice questions, each asking respondents to choose between pairs of hypothetical psoriasis medications defined by attributes including efficacy, adverse reactions, and mode and frequency of administration. A random-parameters logit regression model was used to model the preference data. Results from this model were used to calculate respondents' willingness to trade efficacy for reduced treatment burden. Results: A total of 397 respondents, with a mean self-assessed Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index score of 8.2 (SD, 9.8), provided data for analysis. Improvements in treatment efficacy were more important than improvements in speed of onset and were more important than most increases in the chance of treatment side effects. The maximum possible improvement in treatment efficacy offered in the study was not enough to match the improvements in well being associated with some changes in mode of administration. For example, respondents were willing to accept a reduction in the percentage of patients who achieve clear or almost-clear skin after treatment from approximately 70% to 40% to avoid injections at home and use a topical treatment. Topical treatments were the most preferred option of administration followed by oral agents and intravenous infusion. Conclusions: Psoriasis patients had well-defined preferences for changes in the treatment attributes considered. Avoiding injections in favor of oral or topical treatment was more important to patients than some improvements in efficacy. These findings support previous research regarding the importance of treatment burden relative to outcomes in psoriasis and emphasize the importance of individual patient preferences in determining treatment strategy.

Patient-reported preferences for oral versus intravenous administration for the treatment of cancer: a review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The emergence of various modes of administration for cancer treatment, including oral administration, brings into focus the importance of patient preference for administration. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the administration preferences of cancer patients, specifically between oral and intravenous (IV) treatment, as well as the factors contributing to preference.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in OvidSP to identify research in which the preferences of cancer patients for oral or IV treatment have been evaluated. Data were analyzed in two stages: 1) those articles that directly compared preference between modes of administration were tallied to determine explicit preference for oral or IV treatment; and 2) all attributes associated with patient preference were documented.

RESULTS

Of the 48 abstracts identified as part of the initial OvidSP search, eight articles were selected for full-text review. One article was removed following full-text review, and seven additional articles were identified through a gray literature search, yielding a total of 14 articles for evaluation. In Stage 1, 13 of the 14 articles compared preference, of which eleven articles (84.6%) reported that patients preferred oral treatment over IV, while two (15.4%) stated that cancer patients preferred IV treatment over oral. In Stage 2, the most frequently reported attributes contributing to preference included convenience, ability to receive treatment at home, treatment schedule, and side effects.

DISCUSSION

Evidence suggests that oncology patients prefer oral treatment to IV. Rationale for preference was due to a number of factors, including convenience, perception of efficacy, and past experience. Further evaluation should be conducted, given the limited data on patient preference in oncology.

Societal preferences for rheumatoid arthritis treatments: evidence from a discrete choice experiment

OBJECTIVE

There is a concern that cost-effectiveness analysis using quality-adjusted life years does not capture all valuable benefits of treatments. The objective of this study was to determine the value society places on aspects of RA treatment to inform policymaking.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was administered to a representative sample of the Canadian general population. The discrete choice experiment, developed using focus groups, had seven attributes (route and frequency of administration, chance of benefit, chance of serious and minor side effects, confidence in evidence and life expectancy). A conditional logit regression model was used to estimate the significance and relative importance of attributes in influencing preferences on the quality-adjusted life years scale.

RESULTS

Responses from 733 respondents who provided rational responses were analysed. Six attribute levels within four attributes significantly influenced preferences for treatments: a willingness to trade a year of life expectancy over a 10-year period to increase the probability of benefiting from treatment, or two-thirds of a year to reduce minor or serious side effects to the lowest level or improve the confidence in benefit/side-effect estimates. There was also some evidence of a preference for oral drug delivery, though a subgroup analysis suggested this preference was restricted to injection-naive respondents.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest society values the degree of confidence in the estimates of risks and benefits of RA treatments and the route of administration, as well as benefits and side effects. This study provides important evidence to policymakers determining the cost-effectiveness of treatments in arthritis.

The feasibility of using electronic clinical outcome assessments in people with schizophrenia and their informal caregivers

Many clinical outcome assessments (COAs) were originally developed for completion via pen and paper. However, in recent years there have been movements toward electronic capture of such data in an effort to reduce missing data, provide time-stamped records, minimize administrative burden, and avoid secondary data entry errors. Although established in many patient populations, the implications of using electronic COAs in schizophrenia are unknown. In accordance with International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Task Force recommendations, in-depth cognitive debriefing and usability interviews were conducted with people with schizophrenia (n=12), their informal (unpaid) caregivers (n=12), and research support staff (n=6) to assess the suitability of administration of various electronic COA measures using an electronic tablet device. Minimal issues were encountered by participants when completing or administering the COAs in electronic format, with many finding it easier to complete instruments in this mode than by pen and paper. The majority of issues reported were specific to the device functionality rather than the electronic mode of administration. Findings support data collection via electronic tablet in people with schizophrenia and their caregivers. The appropriateness of other forms of electronic data capture (eg, smartphones, interactive voice response systems, etc) is a topic for future investigation.

A comparative study of the effect of some nutritional medicinal plants effect on lead accumulation in the liver following different modes of administration

Context and Objectives:

Lead (Pb) toxicity leads to cell damage in many organs of the body. Using different treatment interventions and modes of administration we comparatively examined the protective ability of some medicinal plants on liver Pb accumulation.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were fed on either 7% w/w Zingiber officinale, 7% w/w Allium sativum, 10% w/w Lycopersicon esculentum, 5%, w/w Garcinia kola (all in rat chow), while Pb (100 ppm) was given in drinking water. The additives were administered together with (mode 1), a week after exposure to (mode 2) or a week before metal exposure to (mode 3) the metal for a period of 6 weeks. The metal accumulations in the liver were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and compared using analysis of variance.

Results:

Some additives significantly (P < 0.05) reduced, while others enhanced Pb accumulation. Mode 2 yielded the highest mean % protection and mode 3 the lowest, no significant interaction between modes of administration and time of measurement in their relationships to percentage protection, but there was statistically significant (P < 0.05) interaction between modes of administration and additive used in their relationships to percentage protection.

Conclusion:

Protective effects of medicinal plants are varied and depend on the nature of lead exposure.

Investigation of effects of time of measurement and modes of administration on cadmium accumulation in rat liver under some medicinal plants food supplemented diet

Context and Objectives:

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity leads to cell and organ damage, we comparatively examined the protection ability of different medicinal plants on Cd liver accumulation following different treatment interventions and modes of administration.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were fed either 7% w/w Zingiber officinale, 7% w/w Allium Sativum, 10% w/w Lycopersicon esculentum, 5%, w/w Garcinia kola (all in rat chow), while Cd (200 ppm) was given in drinking water. Additives were administered together with (mode 1), a week after (mode 2) or a week before metal exposure (mode 3) for a period of six weeks. Cd liver was determined using AAS and compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

All additives significantly (P <0.5) reduced the accumulation of Cd in the liver. After adjusting for time and mode of administration, mean %protection for week 4 was significantly lower by 14.1% (P=0.02) from that for week 2 but the means did not differ with respect to additive used or mode of administration, no statistically significant interaction between modes of administration and either of additives used or time of administration in their respective relationships to percentage protection from Cd.

Conclusion:

Additives significantly reduced Cd accumulation through a reduction in absorption and enhancement of metal excretion.

One-to-one versus group setting for conducting computer-assisted TTO studies: findings from pilot studies in England and the Netherlands

We compare two settings for administering time trade-off (TTO) tasks in computer-assisted interviews (one-to-one, interviewer-led versus group, self-complete) by examining the quality of the data generated in pilot studies undertaken in England and the Netherlands. The two studies used near-identical methods, except that in England, data were collected in one-to-one interviews with substantial amounts of interviewer assistance, whereas in the Netherlands, the computer aid was used as a self-completion tool in group interviews with lesser amounts of interviewer assistance. In total, 801 members of the general public (403 in England; 398 in the Netherlands) each completed five TTO valuations of EQ-5D-5L health states. Respondents in the Netherlands study showed a greater tendency to give 'round number' values such as 0 and 1 and to complete tasks using a minimal number of iterative steps. They also showed a greater tendency to skip the animated instructions that preceded the first task and to take into account assumptions that they were specifically asked not to take into account. When faced with a pair of health states in which one state dominated the other, respondents in the Netherlands study were more likely than those in the England study to give a higher value to the dominant health state. On the basis of these comparisons, we conclude that the one-to-one, interviewer-led setting is superior to the group, self-complete setting in terms of the quality of data generated and that the former is more suitable than the latter for TTO studies being used to value EQ-5D-5L.