Disparity in perceptions of disease characteristics, treatment effectiveness, and factors influencing treatment adherence between physicians and patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have an incomplete understanding of their disease, which may influence adherence to prescribed regimens and outcomes.

Methods: To better understand physician and patient perceptions about MDS and MDS therapy, the authors conducted 2 surveys in February 2012: 1 for patients with MDS and 1 for health care professionals (HCPs) who cared for patients with MDS. Patient and HCP surveys consisted of 57 and 49 questions, respectively, assessing understanding of MDS, perceptions of specific treatments, barriers to treatment adherence, and treatment experience.