Needs and challenges among physicians and researchers in thrombosis and hemostasis: Results from an international study.

BACKGROUND: Specialty societies, such as the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), are a key source of support for clinical and scientific communities, through the provision of educational activities, tools, and resources to support evidence-based care and high-quality, relevant basic science and clinical research. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify areas where the thrombosis and hemostasis (T&H) community is facing challenges and could benefit from the support of ISTH. METHODS: A 3-phase, mixed-methods study consisting of semistructured individual interviews (phase 1), an online survey (phase 2), and discussion groups (phase 3) was conducted on the challenges experienced by the T&H community. Participants included physicians, clinical and basic science researchers, residents, fellows, students, and industry representatives. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency tables and chi-squares. RESULTS: The study included 468 participants in interviews (n = 45), surveys (n = 404), and discussion groups (n = 19). Nine themes emerged that describe areas where the T&H community may benefit from additional support. Three areas were related to diagnosis and testing: thrombosis risk assessment, genetic testing, and diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD). Another 3 were related to treatment decision making: use of anticoagulants with certain patients, preventive treatments in bleeding disorders, and VWD treatment. The remaining 3 were related to research: collaboration with/among researchers, collaboration between teams to collect data from human subjects, and promotion of basic science research. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive picture of priorities within the T&H community, which should inform the ISTH in its future interventions, including educational offerings and networking opportunities.

Education needs of nurses in thrombosis and hemostasis: An international, mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: The need for a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach to care for individuals with bleeding or clotting disorders has been highlighted in recent years. Evidence-based education adapted to nurses' needs is essential for a successful evolution. However, limited data currently exist on the clinical challenges nurses face in this specialty area. OBJECTIVES: Identify barriers and challenges faced by specialty nurses, and determine possible causes, to develop appropriate educational interventions. METHODS: A mixed-methods study, combining qualitative (semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (online survey) data was conducted on the challenges experienced by hemostasis nurses in nine countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Spain, the UK, and the US), and deployed in five languages (English, French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency tables, chi-squares and standard deviations. RESULTS: Participants (n = 234) included nurses (n = 212; n = 22 qualitative; n = 190 quantitative); and patients receiving care for bleeding or clotting conditions or their caretakers (n = 22 qualitative phase only). Through triangulated data analysis, six challenging areas emerged: (a) Understanding of von Willebrand disease (VWD); (b) Anticoagulant safety profile in specific patients; (c) Understanding the treatment of patients with inhibitors; (d) Patient risk assessments; (e) Individualization of care and communication with patients; and (f) Accessing and implementing relevant professional education. CONCLUSIONS: This needs assessment provides a comprehensive illustration of the current challenges faced by nurses in the field of bleeding and clotting disorders, and indicates where gaps in skills, knowledge or confidence would benefit from nurse-specific educational programming.

Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis - a new ISTH publishing platform for the global thrombosis and hemostasis community.

Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis (RPTH) is the new Open Access journal of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). It was launched to capitalize on the emerging open access publishing trends for knowledge dissemination after extensive methodological research and member and reader surveys identified unmet needs that could not be fully addressed with a traditional print medium. RPTH provides new publishing opportunities to showcase the rich research and education activities of the diverse networks of clinicians, researchers and allied health professionals from around the world active in thrombosis and hemostasis and beyond. The addition of RPTH to the ISTH lineup of publications is designed to foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration and will provide another outlet for more excellent papers to be published under the ISTH umbrella. Moreover, RPTH offers a new forum that make the latest science more accessible to the general public.

Impact of World Thrombosis Day campaign.

Thrombosis is an underlying cause of one in four deaths globally. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis established the inaugural World Thrombosis Day on October 13, 2014. The World Thrombosis Day campaign aims to 1) highlight the disease burden from thrombosis, 2) increase public awareness of the risks, signs, and symptoms of thromboembolic conditions, 3) empower individuals to discuss their thrombosis risk with their healthcare provider, 4) galvanize organizations across the globe, and 5) advocate for "systems of care" to prevent, diagnose, and treat venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation. Public health messages include: "know the risks, signs, and symptoms of blood clots," "potentially fatal blood clots in the veins can be prevented," "atrial fibrillation can be diagnosed by a doctor feeling one's pulse," and "effective strategies for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation are available." To demonstrate the public health impact of the World Thrombosis Day campaign, we measured campaign reach, size and breadth of our partner network, as well as traditional and digital media impressions. The campaign reached an estimated ≥2.3 billion people globally in 2016. As part of the World Thrombosis Day campaign, approximately 8,200 activities were held globally and our partner network expanded to ≥675 partners across 80 countries in 2016. Social media metrics reached 170 million impressions and traditional media reached 1.9 billion impressions. We appreciate and thank our partners for their contributions and encourage others to support this campaign to reduce thrombosis-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.

A report with consensus statements of the International Society of Nephrology 2004 Consensus Workshop on Prevention of Progression of Renal Disease, Hong Kong, June 29, 2004.

This report summarizes the discussions of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) 2004 Consensus Workshop on Prevention of Progression of Renal Disease, which was held in Hong Kong on June 29, 2004. Three key areas were discussed during the workshop: (1) screening for chronic kidney disease; (2) evaluation and estimating progression of chronic kidney disease; and (3) measures to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease. Fifteen consensus statements were made in these three areas, as endorsed by the participants of the workshop. The ISN can make use of and take reference to these statements in formulating its policy for tackling chronic kidney disease, a disease with significant global impact.