Assessment of the treating physicians' first-hand experience with handling and satisfaction of ofatumumab therapy: findings from the PERITIA survey conducted in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Real-world evidence on experience and satisfaction of ofatumumab as a treatment option for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is limited. OBJECTIVE: To present cumulative responses from a questionnaire related to first-hand experience of treating physicians on handling and convenience of ofatumumab therapy along with concerns related to COVID-19. METHODS: PERITIA was a multicentre survey conducted to collect responses from the ASCLEPIOS I/II trial investigators from Europe via an online questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-six physicians (Germany, n = 14; Spain, n = 12; Portugal, n = 10; Italy, n = 10) completed the survey. Overall, 43% of the physicians considered the benefit-risk ratio of ofatumumab as very good. Over 93% were in favour of ofatumumab self-administration at home and the majority (83%) believed it to be completely true that self-administration of ofatumumab eases the burden for patients in terms of time. All investigators would like to potentially use anti-CD20 therapy as a long-term strategy. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians were in favour of a self-administration of MS therapy at home over other anti-CD20 therapy infusions. CONCLUSION: European neurologists who were part of this survey considered the benefit-risk-ratio of ofatumumab as favourable and the monthly self-administered subcutaneous injections offering convenience for patients in the clinical practice.

Satisfaction with videoconference-delivered CBT provided as part of a blended treatment approach for children and adolescents with mental disorders and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic: A follow-up survey among caregivers and therapists.

INTRODUCTION: Psychotherapy delivered via videoconferencing (teletherapy) was a well-accepted treatment option for children and adolescents during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information on the long-term satisfaction with teletherapy in routine clinical practice is missing. METHODS: Caregivers (parents) and psychotherapists of n = 228 patients (4-20 years) treated in a university outpatient clinic completed a follow-up survey on satisfaction with videoconference-delivered cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT). The follow-up survey (T2) was conducted about 1 year after initial assessment of treatment satisfaction in 2020 (T1). RESULTS: At follow up, therapists reported that 79% of families had received teletherapy as part of a blended treatment approach including in-person and videoconference delivery of CBT. Wilcoxon tests revealed that satisfaction with teletherapy was stable over time. In addition, parent ratings of the impact of teletherapy on treatment satisfaction and the therapeutic relationship did not change over time. Therapists' ratings of the impact of teletherapy on the therapeutic relationship with the caregiver were more negative at T2 compared to T1. Satisfaction with teletherapy was higher for patients with less pandemic-related stress, less externalizing behavior problems, and older age (all r < .35). CONCLUSION: The high level of satisfaction with teletherapy for children and adolescents treated in routine clinical practice reported in 2020 was maintained after social distancing regulations were eased in 2021. Teletherapy provided as part of a blended treatment approach is a well-accepted method of treatment delivery for youths with mental health problems. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00028639).

Perspectives of people living with HIV-1 on implementation of long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine in US healthcare settings: results from the CUSTOMIZE hybrid III implementation-effectiveness study.

INTRODUCTION: The CUSTOMIZE hybrid III implementation-effectiveness study evaluated implementation of once-monthly long-acting (LA) cabotegravir + rilpivirine in diverse US healthcare settings. Here, we report patient participant perspectives after 12 months in CUSTOMIZE. METHODS: CUSTOMIZE was a phase IIIb, 12-month study conducted from July 2019 to October 2020 at eight diverse US HIV clinics that enrolled virologically suppressed people living with HIV-1 (PLHIV) on a stable oral regimen to receive monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA injections after a 1-month oral lead-in. Participants were administered quantitative surveys before injections at months 1 (baseline), 4 and 12. A randomly selected subset of participants was interviewed at baseline and month 12. Data collection at month 12 was completed by October 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). RESULTS: At baseline, 109 and 34 participants completed surveys and interviews, respectively; 87% were male; 35% were Black or African American. All participants who remained in the study at month 12 (n = 102) maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml; two participants withdrew due to injection-related reasons. Mean total scores measuring acceptability and appropriateness of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA were high at baseline (4.5-4.6 out of 5) and month 12 (4.7-4.9). At month 12, 74% of participants reported nothing interfered with receiving LA injections; injection pain or soreness was the most common concern (15%). Time spent in the clinic and coming to the clinic for monthly injections was very or extremely acceptable after 12 months for most participants (93% and 87%, respectively), with 64% reporting having spent ≤30 minutes in the clinic for injection visits. At month 12, 92% of participants preferred LA injections to daily oral tablets (3%); 97% plan to continue LA treatment going forward. In month 12 interviews, 24 (77%) of 31 participants reported the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact their ability to receive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Once-monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA was highly acceptable among PLHIV who were virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen and interested in trying LA therapy, with few participants reporting challenges receiving LA injections. Implementation data from CUSTOMIZE suggest that monthly LA injections provide a convenient and appealing treatment option for PLHIV.

Impact of an Auditory Mediated Patient Health Education (PHE) Program on Treatment Compliance and Satisfaction Among Patients Seeking Prosthodontic Care During COVID Pandemic - A Prospective Interventional Study.

Background: Patients health education by healthcare workers has been affected by pandemic guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of an audio-mediated intervention for patient health education (PHE) on treatment compliance and treatment satisfaction among patients seeking prosthodontic treatment during the Covid pandemic. Methods: A total of 666 patients (aged 40-70 years) who fulfilled the study criteria were treated for denture-associated disease. PHE for 5 different categories was performed using an educational audio (MP3) in the experimental group (Group E), and traditional methods (oral/verbal) in the control group (Group C). Patient/clinician satisfaction with the PHE program was evaluated with a pre-validated questionnaire, whereas treatment compliance and satisfaction were evaluated using a denture hygiene index (DHI) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Differences between qualitative variables were determined using the chi-square test, whereas continuous variables were assessed using an unpaired t-test. Differences were considered to be statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Patient satisfaction with PHE was significantly higher and differed in the Group E for two parameters: education method (80%), educational material (94%). For all parameters of procedural education, patient/clinician satisfaction was significantly higher for Group E [method (93%), material (85%), patient preparation (89%), personalized education (84%), program (93%)]. From three different ratings of disease education, 70% in Group E rated education as "effective" as compared to 41% in the Group C. Effectiveness of post treatment, education measured through DHI, revealed a lower hygiene score in Group E (m = 1.18) as compared to Group C (m = 2.92), with differences being significant. For treatment satisfaction, patients in Group E rated higher for speech (m = 8.21), ease of chewing (m = 7.36), and general satisfaction (m = 7.9). Conclusion: This study concluded that using audio as a means of imparting PHE positively influences the treatment compliance and satisfaction among outpatients and overcomes the drawback of wearing mask during the pandemic.

Quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes in adult Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown that COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients' quality of life (QoL). However, very few studies were performed in Middle Eastern countries. AIM: The aim of the current study was to assess, the QoL and diabetes-specific QoL, treatment satisfaction and psychological distress of Lebanese patients with T2DMs using: the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL), Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) and Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaires and to compare results to those obtained during the pre-COVID-19 period. RESULTS: 461 patients with T2DM participated in the study; 52.6% men, 47.4% women; median age 59 years old. The respective median ADDQoL and DTSQs scores were - 2.2 (interval interquartile range (IQR) - 3.9, - 0.8) (range from - 9 maximum negative impact to + 3 maximum positive impact) and 30(IQR22-36) (range from 0 maximum dissatisfaction to 36 maximum satisfaction). K10 median score was 26(IQR18-35) (range from minimum score of 10 indicating no distress to maximum score of 50 indicating severe distress). Rural dwelling, lack of exercise, current smoking, diabetic complications, injectable diabetes treatment, and previous COVID-19 infection were all associated with significantly worse ADDQoL, DTSQs, and K10 score indicating greater distress. A significant worsening of ADDQoL scores followed onset of the pandemic with no significant change in DTSQs scores. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, T2DM Lebanese patients experienced more negative impact of diabetes on QoL and mental health. Those infected with COVID-19 also reported worse QoL, treatment satisfaction and mental health. This highlights the need for community and individual support.

Wellbeing and clinical videoconferencing satisfaction among patients in psychotrauma treatment during the coronavirus pandemic: cross-sectional study.

Background: The coronavirus pandemic appears to put psychiatric patients with pre-existing symptomatology at risk of symptom increase, but evidence is scarce. While the pandemic and stringent governmental measures have accelerated the use of clinical videoconferencing (VCT), patient satisfaction with VCT is unclear. Objective: Aim of the study was to assess the wellbeing of patients in psychotrauma treatment during the coronavirus pandemic and to evaluate their use of and satisfaction with VCT. Method: This study used data from a routine outcome monitoring assessment completed by patients in treatment at a specialized psychotrauma institute and administered before the easing of governmental measures in June 2020. Wellbeing (Brief Symptom Inventory, Cantril Ladder, perceived stress level, and symptom change), VCT use and VCT satisfaction, and their association with demographic variables (gender, age, education level, and refugee status) were analysed. Results: Of the 318 respondents (response rate 64.5%), 139 (43.7%) reported a symptom increase, which was associated with a higher coronavirus-related stress level and general psychopathology as well as lower life satisfaction. There were significant effects of age and education level on wellbeing. VCT was reported to have been used by 228 (71.7%) patients. VCT satisfaction ratings were higher among women and those with lower levels of stress (r = -.20, p < .01) and general psychopathology (r = .21, p < .01). No difference in treatment satisfaction was found between patients who used VCT versus those who did not (mean difference = -.09 95% CI: -.79 to .62, p = .81). Conclusions: The coronavirus pandemic has aggravated mental health complaints according to a substantial percentage of patients in psychotrauma treatment. Although VCT was found to be acceptable, face-to-face treatment may remain necessary for specific target groups with limited access to VCT (such as refugees) and patients with high levels of general psychopathology.

Antecedentes: La pandemia por el coronavirus parece incrementar el riesgo de un aumento de síntomas a los pacientes psiquiátricos con sintomatología preexistente, pero la evidencia es escasa. Si bien la pandemia y las estrictas medidas gubernamentales han acelerado el uso de la videoconferencia clínica (VCT, por sus siglas en inglés), la satisfacción del paciente con la VCT no está clara.Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue el de evaluar el bienestar de los pacientes en tratamiento por psicotrauma durante la pandemia por el coronavirus; además, evaluar su uso y su satisfacción con la VCT.Método: Este estudio empleó los datos de las evaluaciones rutinarias de control clínico de un instituto especializado en psicotraumatología completadas por pacientes y realizadas antes de la flexibilización de las medidas gubernamentales en Junio del 2020. Se analizaron el bienestar (Inventario Breve de Síntomas, Escalera de Cantril, nivel de estrés percibido y cambio de síntomas), el uso de la VCT, la satisfacción con la VCT y su asociación con variables demográficas (género, edad, nivel educacional y condición de refugiado).Resultados: De los 318 encuestados (tasa de respuesta del 64,5%), 139 (43,7%) reportaron un aumento de síntomas, lo cual se asoció con niveles de estrés asociado al coronavirus más altos y con psicopatología general, así como con una menor satisfacción con la vida. Hubo efectos significativos entre la edad y el nivel educativo sobre el bienestar. 228 (71,7%) pacientes reportaron haber usado la VCT. Los índices de satisfacción con la VCT fueron más altos entre las mujeres y entre aquellos con menores niveles de estrés (r = −.20, p < .01) y de psicopatología general (r = .21, p < .01). No se encontraron diferencias entre la satisfacción con el tratamiento en pacientes que usaron la VCT en comparación con aquellos que no lo usaron (diferencia media = −.09 IC del 95%: −.79 a .62, p = .81).Conclusiones: La pandemia por el coronavirus ha agravado las quejas de salud mental en un porcentaje importante de pacientes en tratamiento por psicotrauma. A pesar que se halló que la VCT era aceptable, el tratamiento presencial puede seguir siendo necesario para grupos específicos con acceso limitado a la VCT (como los refugiados) y para los pacientes con altos niveles de psicopatología general.

Hypoglycemia frequency and treatment satisfaction in patients receiving insulin analogues for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of hypoglycemia and the treatment satisfaction in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using insulin analogues. METHODS: This observational retrospective study included 516 adult patients with T1D from 38 cities in Southern Brazil. Demographics and clinical data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Hypoglycemia was defined as an event based on either symptoms or self-monitored blood glucose < 70 mg/dL. Treatment satisfaction was evaluated using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) and with a specific question with scores ranging from 0-10. Common mental disorders were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). RESULTS: Overall, the mean age was 38 ± 14 years and 52% of the participants were women. The median diabetes duration was 18 years. The scores for insulin analogue treatment satisfaction were higher than those for previous treatments. DTSQ scores had a median value of 32 (interquartile range 29-35) and remained unchanged over time. The percentage of patients with hypoglycemia (including severe and nocturnal) was comparable across groups divided according to duration of use of insulin analogues. Most patients (n=395, 77%) screened positive for common mental disorders. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with insulin analogue treatment was high and remained unchanged with time. Episodes of hypoglycemia also remained unchanged over time among patients using insulin analogues.