Comparing the efficacy of different proton pump inhibitor dosing regimens for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dosing regimens that vary by strength and frequency (once [Qday] or twice [BID] daily) are available to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of various PPI regimens on esophageal healing and GERD and heartburn symptoms. To identify relevant studies, we searched EMBASE and PubMed in January 2023, which yielded 1381 records.

Bridging the Gap: Culturally Responsive Strategies for NIH Trial Recruitment.

Objective: To enhance recruitment and participation rates of non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic adult patients in a NIH-funded clinical trial studying an emerging health technology.

Data Sources And Study Setting: This study includes primary data collected in Los Angeles, California from November 2020 through November 2023.

Study Design: To improve the representation of NHB and Hispanic patients in a NIH-funded (NCT04409353) trial on virtual reality for chronic lower back pain (cLBP), we conducted a multi-phase study utilizing a mixed-method approach.

The Cost Effectiveness of Adjunctive Treatments for Proton Pump Inhibitor-Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background And Objective: Half of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience persistent symptoms while on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), thus driving efforts to develop novel adjunctive therapies for PPI-refractory GERD. An economic analysis was performed to establish at what cost and efficacy such potential medications are likely to become cost effective in clinical practice.

Methods: A Markov decision model was used to examine a hypothetical cohort of patients being evaluated for PPI-refractory GERD in the USA.

What Is Medical Extended Reality? A Taxonomy Defining the Current Breadth and Depth of an Evolving Field.

Medical extended reality (MXR) has emerged as a dynamic field at the intersection of health care and immersive technology, encompassing virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications across a wide range of medical disciplines. Despite its rapid growth and recognition by regulatory bodies, the field lacks a standardized taxonomy to categorize its diverse research and applications. This American Medical Extended Reality Association guideline, authored by the editorial board of the , introduces a comprehensive taxonomy for MXR, developed through a multidisciplinary and international collaboration of experts.

Feasibility of combining spatial computing and AI for mental health support in anxiety and depression.

The increasing need for mental health support and a shortage of therapists have led to the development of the eXtended-reality Artificial Intelligence Assistant (XAIA). This platform combines spatial computing, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide immersive mental health support. Utilizing GPT-4 for AI-driven therapy, XAIA engaged participants with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression in biophilic VR environments.

Perspectives, experiences, and concerns with cyclical vomiting syndrome: Insights from online targeted-disease forums.

Introduction: There is limited research examining the biopsychosocial impact of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) on patients. This study aims to assess individuals' experiences, fears, and concerns associated with CVS and the impact of CVS on their daily lives.

Methods: We employed social netnography to analyze publicly available posts related to CVS that were identified from six US online forums and Twitter.

Patients' Perspectives, Experiences, and Concerns With Perianal Fistulae: Insights From Online Targeted-Disease Forums.

Background: Perianal fistulae can undermine physical, emotional, and social well-being in patients with Crohn's disease and are challenging to manage. Social media offers a rich opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of perianal fistulae on patients' daily lives outside of controlled environments. In this study, we conducted social media analytics to examine patients' experiences with perianal fistulae and assessed the impact of perianal fistulae on patients' behavior and overall well-being.

Determining patient preferences for the medical management of osteoporosis using conjoint analysis.

Unlabelled: We used conjoint analysis-a method that assesses complex decision making-to quantify patients' choices when selecting an osteoporosis therapy. While 60% of people prioritized medication efficacy when deciding among treatments, the remaining 40% highly valued factors other than efficacy, suggesting the need for personalized shared decision-making tools.

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to examine patient decision-making surrounding osteoporosis medications using conjoint analysis.

Virtual Reality Improves Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Pilot Study.

Introduction: We investigated the efficacy and safety of virtual reality (VR) for functional dyspepsia.

Methods: Patients were randomized 2:1 between active vs sham VR. Symptoms were assessed using the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) over 2-week.

Web-Based Video Education to Improve Uptake of Influenza Vaccination and Other Preventive Health Recommendations in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial of Project PREVENT.

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of infections, bone fractures, and skin cancers.

Objective: We developed preventive health videos using a patient-centered approach and tested their impact on preventive health uptake.

Methods: Five animated videos explaining preventive health recommendations in IBD were iteratively developed with patient-centered focus groups and interviews.

Prevalence and Burden of Illness of Rome IV Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the United States: Results From a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Background & Aims: The estimated prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using Rome IV criteria in the United States (US) ranges from 4.7% to 5.3%, although these estimates arise from studies with relatively small sample sizes.

Prevalence and Burden of Illness of Rome IV Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, Opioid-Induced Constipation, and Opioid-Exacerbated Constipation in the United States.

Introduction: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) are disorders that negatively affect quality of life. We sought to assess the prevalence, symptom severity, and medication use among people with Rome IV CIC, OIC, and opioid-exacerbated constipation (OEC) using a nationally representative data set with nearly 89,000 people in the United States.

Methods: From May 3, 2020, to June 24, 2020, we recruited a representative sample of people in the United States ≥ 18 years to complete an online national health survey.

Cluster-Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Physician-Directed Clinical Decision Support Versus Patient-Directed Education to Promote Appropriate Use of Opioids for Chronic Pain.

We compared the effectiveness of physician-directed clinical decision support (CDS) administered via electronic health record versus patient-directed education to promote the appropriate use of opioids by conducting a cluster-randomized trial involving 82 primary care physicians and 951 of their patients with chronic pain. Primary outcomes were satisfaction with patient-physician communication consumer assessment of health care providers and system clinician and group survey (CG-CAHPS) and pain interference patient-reported outcomes measurement information system. Secondary outcomes included physical function (patient-reported outcomes measurement information system), depression (PHQ-9), high-risk opioid prescribing (>90 morphine milligram equivalents per day [≥90 mg morphine equivalent/day]), and co-prescription of opioids and benzodiazepines.

Patient perceptions of virtual reality for pain relief in labor: A qualitative study.

Introduction: Labor represents the most common reason for hospitalization, and most patients will use some form of pain management during their labor. While some studies have suggested that virtual reality (VR) may be an effective option for managing pain, more study is necessary to understand the patient experience of VR. The aim of this study is to characterize the effect of VR on patient perceptions of coping in labor and their descriptions of the VR experience.

Azathioprine Withdrawal Is Cost-Effective in Patients with Crohn's Disease in Remission on Infliximab and Azathioprine.

Background: In Crohn's disease, combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine is more effective than either drug alone but is associated with a higher risk of therapy-related complications. Though therapy de-escalation can reduce risks and save costs, it is associated with a risk of Crohn's disease relapse.

Aims: We aimed to study the cost-effectiveness of de-escalation strategies in Crohn's disease patients in remission on infliximab and azathioprine.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients' Preferences for Subcutaneous versus Intravenous Therapies: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Background: Multiple biologics are available to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can either be administered subcutaneously or intravenously. The factors that determine patients' preferences for SC/IV administration in IBD are largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate how IBD patients trade off between medications' route of administration and other medication characteristics and to understand what drives patients' preferences.

Experiences of Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: What Can We Learn From Women's Online Discussions?

Purpose: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating chronic condition that disproportionately affects women at a ratio of 5:1. We sought to capture women's experiences with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome by conducting a large-scale digital ethnographic analysis of anonymous posts on Internet forums.

Materials And Methods: Online posts were identified using condition-specific keywords and data mining extraction services.

Social Media for the Dissemination of Educational Videos About Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Introduction: To broadly disseminate 5 user-centered educational videos for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their family and friends on social media.

Methods: Relevant social media users were iteratively identified based on their online behavior. For each video, 2 different accompanying texts were tested.

Patient Preferences for Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests in Light of Lowering the Screening Age to 45 Years.

Background & Aims: In 2021, the US Preventive Services Task Force lowered the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening age to 45 years. We used conjoint analysis, a method that assesses complex decision making, to update our understanding on people's CRC screening test preferences in the context of new guidelines.

Methods: We conducted a conjoint analysis survey among unscreened individuals ≥40 years at average risk for CRC to determine the relative importance of screening test attributes in their decision making (eg, modality, effectiveness at reducing CRC risk, bowel prep).

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) versus colonoscopy: Does knowing that a positive FIT requires a follow-up colonoscopy affect initial decision making in the US?

Although many people prefer fecal immunochemical test (FIT) over colonoscopy due to its noninvasive nature, it is unclear whether FIT would still be preferred for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening if they were explicitly informed that + FIT requires follow-up colonoscopy. To address this gap, we administered two conjoint analysis surveys-one that explained the need for a follow-up colonoscopy after + FIT while the other did not-to a US nationwide sample of Americans and then assessed whether there were differences in colonoscopy/FIT preferences between cohorts. We recruited adults ≥ 40yo who had not undergone CRC screening via an online survey research firm.

Evaluation of Trends in Alcohol Use Disorder-Related Mortality in the US Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This cross-sectional study uses US vital statistics data to evaluate alcohol use disorder–related mortality rates from 2012 to 2021, with a focus on trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualitative Validation of a Novel VR Program for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A VR1 Study.

Introduction: Although gut-directed psychotherapies are effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), they are rarely prescribed, given a paucity of trained clinicians. Virtual reality (VR) offers a solution by allowing patients to self-practice these techniques in a standardized manner.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team developed IBS/VR, a program that transports users into immersive VR worlds that teach patients about the brain-gut axis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and gut-directed meditation.