Patient and caregiver insights into lung cancer treatment decision-making: an exploratory focus group.

Objective: We describe discussions about the lung cancer treatment decision-making process across the patient journey from the perspective of patients and caregivers with diverse experiences of living with lung cancer.

Methods: Patient preference studies show individuals with lung cancer usually favor more aggressive treatments despite adverse events (AEs), in pursuit of better survival. However, patients are frequently passive in treatment decisions, suggesting there are barriers impairing patients' abilities to engage in shared decision-making.

Patient and caregiver perspectives on treatment decision-making for stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma.

Purpose: Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is considered standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) but is still associated with substantial challenges for patients and caregivers. Given the challenging treatment process and availability of other treatment options, it is important to engage patients in treatment decision-making, particularly patients with MM who may have unique goals and preferences.

Methods: We conducted an exploratory focus-group study to evaluate how patients and caregivers make treatment decisions related to SCT.

Design of and Early Insights From a Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Patient Engagement Research Council.

Background And Aims: An exploratory focus group study was conducted to better understand the needs of patients living with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).

Methods: US-based adults with gMG and caregivers of patients with gMG participated in a Patient Engagement Research Council between August 2022 and January 2023. The study consisted of a 15-min prework survey, followed by virtual focus groups facilitated using a semi-structured interview guide.

Average Age of Resuscitation Blood Products Is not Associated With In-Hospital Mortality Among Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) or low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) has become standard practice in trauma patients with significant blood loss. As blood ages, it undergoes metabolic and structural changes. This study aimed to test the association between age of PRBC/LTOWB and mortality among adult trauma patients.

Patient and care partner perspectives and preferences related to myasthenia gravis treatment: A qualitative study.

Background And Aims: Due to the high symptom and treatment burden in myasthenia gravis (MG), understanding patient and care partner perspectives and preferences is crucial.

Methods: This study used voice analysis and virtual focus groups to understand patient and care partner experiences with MG-related symptoms, treatments, and preferences. The voice analysis via social media listening used artificial intelligence-powered tools to gather and structure public digital conversations on MG.

Impact of Social Needs and Identity Experiences on the Burden of Illness in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematologic malignancy, but due to its incurable nature, patients experience many relapses in their lifetime and hence face unique challenges. This mixed-methods study consisting of an online survey and subsequent focus groups aimed to understand how social and identity experiences affected the diagnostic, treatment, and care journey for patients with MM. Twenty-three adult patients with MM participated in this study.

Patient Perspectives on Social and Identity Factors Affecting Multiple Myeloma Care: Barriers and Opportunities.

Patients living with multiple myeloma (MM) have a substantial disease burden and face multiple barriers to care. Building upon our previous research using mixed methods, this focus group research aimed to identify patients' priorities regarding specific social and identity-related needs, map these prioritized needs to the disease journey, and describe patient-generated ideas to improve patient support. Participants noted that patients with MM need a range of emotional, social, and financial support throughout the disease journey.

Experience of Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma: The Patient and Caregiver Perspective.

A qualitative study of the experiences of patients who received autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) was conducted to better understand their MM disease journey, including first symptoms, diagnosis, ASCT, and recovery. Sixteen participants, including 12 patients with MM and 4 caregivers of patients with MM, were interviewed in focus group meetings. Pain, weakness, and bone pain were common first symptoms among patients.

How can pharmacists better support patients with chronic diseases? The patient perspective.

Background: Patients' perceptions of their interaction with pharmacists can affect how they use this resource for chronic disease care.

Objective: This qualitative study explored pharmacist-patient interactions and patients' perceptions of pharmacists' roles in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: Patient volunteers, recruited through Janssen's Patient Engagement Research Council program, completed a 15-minute prework survey before a 90-minute live virtual focus group session to provide feedback on pharmacist-patient interactions, the pharmacist's role in patient care, and recommendations for improvement.

Patient perceptions of copay card utilization and policies.

Background: Copay cards are intended to mitigate patient out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses. This qualitative, exploratory focus group study aimed to capture patient perceptions of copay cards and copay adjustment programs (CAPs; insurers' accumulator and maximizer policies), which redirect the copay card utilization benefits intended for patients' OOP expenses.

Methods: Patients with chronic conditions were recruited through Janssen's Patient Engagement Research Council program.

Trauma Incidence During the New Jersey COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Order: A Multicenter Study.

Introduction: Given the early surge of COVID-19 in New Jersey (NJ), a statewide executive order (EO) to stay-at-home was instituted on March 22, 2020. We hypothesized that the EO would result in a decreased number of trauma admissions, length of stay, and resources utilized in trauma patients at NJ trauma centers.

Methods: In an institutional review board-approved, retrospective, multicenter study, trauma registries at three level one trauma centers in NJ were queried from March 22 to June 14 in 2020 and compared to the same timeframe the year prior.

Development and implementation of an online community as a strategy for mixed methods research during a pandemic.

Conducting mixed methods research is critical for healthcare researchers to understand attitudes, behaviors, and experiences on health-related topics, such as vaccine acceptance. As the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to employ traditional, face-to-face qualitative methodologies, this paper describes the use of a virtual platform to conduct person-centered research. To overcome these challenges and better understand the attitudes and behaviors of vaccine-eligible individuals in the United States, an online health community called the Virtual Engagement Research Community (VERC) was designed and implemented.

Improving diversity in study participation: Patient perspectives on barriers, racial differences and the role of communities.

Introduction: The lack of racial/ethnic diversity in research potentially limits the generalizability of findings to a broader population, highlighting the need for greater diversity and inclusion in clinical research. Qualitative research (i.e.

Whole Blood in Trauma Resuscitation: What Is the Real Cost?

Introduction: Whole blood (WB) has gained popularity in trauma resuscitation within the past 5 y. Previously, its civilian use was limited due to advances in blood component fractionation and fears of hemolysis and infectious disease transmission. Although there are studies and review articles on the efficacy of WB, the analysis of cost pertaining to the use of WB is limited.

Association Between Perceived Threat and the Development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Patients With Life-threatening Medical Emergencies.

Background: Our objectives were to test whether during a potentially life-threatening medical emergency, perceived threat (a patient's sense of life endangerment) in the emergency department (ED) is common and associated with the subsequent development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Methods: This study was an ED-based prospective cohort study in an academic hospital. We included adult patients requiring acute intervention in the ED for resuscitation of a potentially life-threatening medical emergency, defined as respiratory or cardiovascular instability.

Healthcare provider compassion is associated with lower PTSD symptoms among patients with life-threatening medical emergencies: a prospective cohort study.

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that, during a life-threatening medical emergency, patient perception of healthcare provider (HCP) compassion is associated with the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Methods: Prospective cohort study in the emergency department (ED) of an urban academic medical center. We included adult patients presenting with a life-threatening medical emergency, defined as respiratory or cardiovascular instability requiring a potentially life-sustaining intervention in the ED.

Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide after resuscitation from cardiac arrest and neurological outcome: A prospective multi-center protocol-directed cohort study.

Aims: Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO) is a regulator of cerebral blood flow after brain injury. We sought to test the association between PaCO after resuscitation from cardiac arrest and neurological outcome.

Methods: A prospective protocol-directed cohort study across six hospitals.

Association Between Elevated Mean Arterial Blood Pressure and Neurologic Outcome After Resuscitation From Cardiac Arrest: Results From a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: Laboratory studies suggest elevated blood pressure after resuscitation from cardiac arrest may be protective; however, clinical data are limited. We sought to test the hypothesis that elevated postresuscitation mean arterial blood pressure is associated with neurologic outcome.

Design: Preplanned analysis of a prospective cohort study.