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Background/purpose: Patients' considerations when choosing an orthodontist are influenced by many factors, including background, ethnicity, and location. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify factors influencing patients’ considerations when selecting an orthodontist in both Malaysia and Taiwan. Materials and methods: In total, 248 dental students from Taipei Medical University and 110 dental students from Manipal University College Malaysia were selected for this study. Participants' considerations when selecting an orthodontist were assessed using a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire collected data regarding participants’ demographic characteristics and their preferences regarding clinical settings, orthodontist attributes, administrative systems, and the influence of social media. The gathered data were analyzed and compared using independent t-test, ANOVA, and chi-squared for both cohorts. Results: The present results revealed significant differences between the Malaysian and Taiwanese participants with several variables, including orthodontist experience, recommendations, pain-free treatment procedures, treatment duration, friendly reception, sources of information about orthodontists, and preferred social media platforms. Notably, among the Taiwanese participants, “person responsible for treatment costs,” was significantly correlated with the orthodontist's age, the orthodontist's work experience, information sources, travel distance, and content posted by orthodontists on social media. By contrast, among the Malaysian participants, this variable was correlated with the work experience of orthodontists. Conclusion: Significant differences were observed between the Malaysian and Taiwanese participants in terms of their considerations when choosing an orthodontist. Participant's gender significantly influenced orthodontist preferences among the Malaysian participants, whereas the individual responsible for treatment costs was identified to be the most crucial factor influencing the Taiwanese participants.

Background: In patients with early-stage breast cancer following breast surgery, ultra-hypofractionated (UHF) breast/chest wall radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to be non-inferior to a moderate-hypofractionated (MHF) regimen, with a minimal risk of breast induration, in the FAST-Forward trial, and UHF is now becoming the standard regimen in Europe. Herein, we aimed to investigate Japanese patients' attitudes toward the UHF regimen. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted at 13 RT centers in nine prefectures across Japan. All patients underwent breast-conserving surgery, followed by either conventional fractionation (2 Gy/fr) or MHF (2.66 Gy/fr) whole-breast irradiation (WBI) with or without a tumor bed boost. The questionnaire consisted of 13 questions mainly addressing quality-of-life during RT. Key questions included an 11-point scale (0–10) for rating the patients' enthusiasm for the UHF regimen and prioritization of the following treatment-related effects: treatment efficacy, acute/late adverse effects, physical/emotional/financial burden, and breast cosmesis. The patient and treatment characteristics were assessed by a physician. Results: In total, 247 questionnaires were administered between November 2022 and June 2023. The age distribution was as follows: < 50:50 s:60 s: ≥ 70 = 59 (24%):76 (30%):63 (26%):49 (20%). Sixty-nine percent of patients rated their enthusiasm for the UHF regimen at ≥ 6 out of 10 points (45% rated 10/10). Treatment efficacy was the highest priority for most patients (89%), whereas breast cosmesis the lowest priority (53%). Conclusions: Patients' enthusiasm for UHF-WBI was observed across the cohort. These results could motivate researchers and clinicians to introduce UHF regimens in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients' considerations when choosing an orthodontist are influenced by many factors, including background, ethnicity, and location. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify factors influencing patients' considerations when selecting an orthodontist in both Malaysia and Taiwan. In total, 248 dental students from Taipei Medical University and 110 dental students from Manipal University College Malaysia were selected for this study. Participants' considerations when selecting an orthodontist were assessed using a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire collected data regarding participants' demographic characteristics and their preferences regarding clinical settings, orthodontist attributes, administrative systems, and the influence of social media. The gathered data were analyzed and compared using independent t -test, ANOVA, and chi-squared for both cohorts. The present results revealed significant differences between the Malaysian and Taiwanese participants with several variables, including orthodontist experience, recommendations, pain-free treatment procedures, treatment duration, friendly reception, sources of information about orthodontists, and preferred social media platforms. Notably, among the Taiwanese participants, "person responsible for treatment costs," was significantly correlated with the orthodontist's age, the orthodontist's work experience, information sources, travel distance, and content posted by orthodontists on social media. By contrast, among the Malaysian participants, this variable was correlated with the work experience of orthodontists. Significant differences were observed between the Malaysian and Taiwanese participants in terms of their considerations when choosing an orthodontist. Participant's gender significantly influenced orthodontist preferences among the Malaysian participants, whereas the individual responsible for treatment costs was identified to be the most crucial factor influencing the Taiwanese participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study challenges the prevalent belief that surgical roles demand masculine traits, potentially limiting women's suitability for such positions. Contrary to this stereotype, we explored the hypothesis that in sensitive surgical procedures, where communal traits are valued, women patients might favor women surgeons. Two experimental studies investigated women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon in a breast exam and breast surgery. Methods: In two studies we experimentally tested women's preferences for a man versus a woman surgeon for a breast exam (a noninvasive and non‐complicated procedure), and breast surgery (an invasive and more complicated procedure). Study 2 delved into factors influencing these preferences, including patients' age, stereotypical perceptions of women surgeons as communal/warm, past negative experiences with men and women doctors, and previous body‐related trauma. Results: Women consistently preferred a woman surgeon for both procedures and expressed increased willingness to wait for an appointment with a woman surgeon. However, this preference was less pronounced for surgery than for an exam. Study 2 identified the stereotypical perception of women surgeons as communal/warm as the strongest predictor for this preference, along with previous negative experiences with men doctors and age. Conclusions: While some gender bias persists, this study underscores a notable preference for women surgeons in intimate medical services like breast exams or surgery. This preference holds practical implications for healthcare providers encouraging women's preventive checkups and offers insights for women medical students making residency choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trastuzumab given intravenously in combination with chemotherapy is standard of care for patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Different randomised studies have shown equivalent efficacy of a subcutaneous injection into the thigh compared to the intravenous formulation. Other body regions for injection have not been investigated but might be more convenient for patients. Methods: After surgery, patients were randomised to receive either subcutaneous trastuzumab into the thigh or into the abdominal wall (AW). Patient preferences were evaluated using validated questionnaires (PINT). Primary objectives of this multicentre, non-blinded, randomised substudy of the GAIN-2 study were to investigate pharmacokinetics of the injection into the thigh versus AW and to determine patients' preferences of either administration site versus the previously received intravenous application. Results: 226 patients were randomised and 219 patients (thigh: N = 110; AW: N = 109) formed the modified intent-to-treat (mITT). Overall, 83.5% (out of N = 182 with information about patients’ preference) preferred subcutaneous over previous intravenous application or had no preference. Preference was similar between both administration sites (thigh: 80.6%; AW: 86.5; p = 0.322). Pharmacokinetic analysis included 30 patients. Geometric means of Cmax and AUC0-21d were higher in thigh than in AW group (geometric mean ratio with body weight adjustment: Cmax: 1.291, 90%-CI 1.052–1.584; AUC0-21d: 1.291, 90%-CI 1.026–1.626). Safety profile was in line with previous reports of subcutaneous trastuzumab. Conclusion: Subcutaneous trastuzumab into the thigh showed an approximately 30% higher bioavailability. Injections were well tolerated and preferred over intravenous administration. The subcutaneous injection into the thigh should remain the standard of care.

Yuyu Lv,1,2 Ru Ren,1– 3 Chengxiang Tang,4 Kuimeng Song,5 Shunping Li,1– 3 Haipeng Wang1,2 1Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 2NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 3Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China; 4Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University Business School & Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; 5School of Health Care Security, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shunping Li; Haipeng Wang, Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, Wenhua Xi Road 44, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-131-8893-4998, +86-186-6899-6362, Email lishunping@sdu.edu.cn; wanghaipeng@sdu.edu.cnPurpose: To evaluate preferences for medications among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from urban community health stations or rural village clinics in Shandong province, China.Methods: We use a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to measure the medication preferences. Each patient completed six DCE choice sets. The attributes for the DCE questionnaire include mode of administration, out-of-pocket medication cost per month, fasting blood glucose control effect and frequency of hypoglycemia events. The conditional logit model (Clogit) and mixed logit model (MXL) were used to evaluate choice data.Results: A total of 887 patients with T2DM completed the survey. The mean age of participants was 64 years, 36.42% experienced complications, and the mean duration of diabetes was about 8 years. Overall, patients’ ideal medication would not have hypoglycemia events, provide normal fasting glucose levels, have oral medication three times a day and lower monthly medication cost. Patients prioritized the frequency of hypoglycemia events (β=15.055, P < 0.01) and were willing to spend CNY 393.10 per month to avoid hypoglycemia events. For patients with higher educational levels and with longer diagnosis time, the effect of fasting blood glucose was more relevant than all other outcomes.Conclusion: This study provides information on T2DM patients’ preference for medications. Our results suggest that clinical doctors should present patients with a variety of pharmaceutical characteristics and include their preference into medication decision, which will improve patient adherence and health outcomes.Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, patients’ preference, medication, discrete choice experiment

Trastuzumab given intravenously in combination with chemotherapy is standard of care for patients with early HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Different randomised studies have shown equivalent efficacy of a subcutaneous injection into the thigh compared to the intravenous formulation. Other body regions for injection have not been investigated but might be more convenient for patients. After surgery, patients were randomised to receive either subcutaneous trastuzumab into the thigh or into the abdominal wall (AW). Patient preferences were evaluated using validated questionnaires (PINT). Primary objectives of this multicentre, non-blinded, randomised substudy of the GAIN-2 study were to investigate pharmacokinetics of the injection into the thigh versus AW and to determine patients' preferences of either administration site versus the previously received intravenous application. 226 patients were randomised and 219 patients (thigh: N = 110; AW: N = 109) formed the modified intent-to-treat (mITT). Overall, 83.5% (out of N = 182 with information about patients' preference) preferred subcutaneous over previous intravenous application or had no preference. Preference was similar between both administration sites (thigh: 80.6%; AW: 86.5; p = 0.322). Pharmacokinetic analysis included 30 patients. Geometric means of C max and AUC 0-21d were higher in thigh than in AW group (geometric mean ratio with body weight adjustment: C max : 1.291, 90%-CI 1.052–1.584; AUC 0-21d : 1.291, 90%-CI 1.026–1.626). Safety profile was in line with previous reports of subcutaneous trastuzumab. Subcutaneous trastuzumab into the thigh showed an approximately 30% higher bioavailability. Injections were well tolerated and preferred over intravenous administration. The subcutaneous injection into the thigh should remain the standard of care. • The bioavailability of subcutaneous trastuzumab was 30% higher when injected the thigh vs the abdominal wall. • Patients preferred subcutaneous over intravenous injection of trastuzumab. • Patient preference was comparable between abdominal wall or thigh subcutaneous injection. • There were no new safety signals for subcutaneous trastuzumab injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between patients' preferred treatment and eventual treatment. Second, to compare patients with surgical treatment to watchful waiting in order to identify predictive factors for surgery. Methods A single‐centre retrospective study was performed between December 2015 and August 2018. Patients (≥18 years) who used a patient decision aid (PDA) for gallstones or inguinal hernia were included. After their first surgical consultation, patients received access to an online PDA. The patients' preferred treatment after the PDA was compared with their choice of eventual treatment. Multivariable regression analyses were performed for predictive factors for surgery. Results In total, 567 patients with gallstones and 585 patients with an inguinal hernia were included. Of the patients with gallstones, 121 (21%) preferred watchful waiting, 367 (65%) preferred surgery, and 79 (14%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 85.9%. Frequent pain attacks (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1‐3.9, P = .020) and preference for surgery (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.9‐10.1, P = .001) independently predicted surgery. Of the patients with an inguinal hernia, 77 (13.2%) preferred watchful waiting, 452 (78.8%) preferred surgery, and 56 (9.6%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 86.0%. The preference for surgery (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.5‐10.6, P

BackgroundMinimally invasive cardiac surgery-coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG) has emerged as a safe alternative to standard cardiac surgery. However, treatment preferences can decrease the generalizability of RCT results to the clinical population (i.e., reduce external validity) and influence adherence to the treatment protocol and study outcomes (i.e., reduce internal validity). However, this has not yet been properly investigated in randomized trials with consideration of treatment preferences.Study DesignIn this study, patients with a preference will be allocated to treatment strategies accordingly, whereas only those patients without a distinct preference will be randomized. The randomized trial is a 248-patient controlled, randomized, investigator-blinded trial. It is designed to compare whether treatment with MICS-CABG is beneficial in comparison to CABG. This study is aimed to establish the superiority hypothesis for the physical component summary (PCS) accompanied by the non-inferiority hypothesis for overall graft patency. Patients with no treatment preference will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to one of the two treatment arms. The primary efficacy endpoints are the PCS score at 30 days after surgery and the overall patency rate of the grafts within 14 days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures include the PCS score and patency rate at different time points. Safety endpoints include major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, complications, bleeding, wound infection, death, etc.ConclusionsThis trial will address essential questions of the efficacy and safety of MICS-CABG. The study will also address the impact of patients' preferences on external validity and internal validity.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cultural, psychological, and religious influences on the choice of autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic bone products for the grafting procedure and with implant placement. Materials and Methods: A qualitative methodology was employed, using the principles of the constant comparative method of the grounded theory; to investigate how people perceive and understand their experiences regarding the graft materials in implant dentistry. The data were collected using detailed qualitative interviews, till saturation was achieved, from 10 patients. Results: The three main themes that emerged in the analysis were: (a) grafting material preference, (b) religious and psychological influences, and (c) trust the doctor and cost influences. The three themes that emerged seemed to be interrelated. There were many statements of preference or rejection of choice based on religious, cultural, and psychological influences. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, three themes emerged and they indicated that the influence on the grafting material's choice is unique to every individual; it also shares similarities, based on common religious and cultural values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Meeting the increasing demand and satisfaction of patients from hospital services is considered the most important factor in the survival of health care institutions. The aim of this study was to identify the most effective reasons for patients to select health centers based on seven factors of marketing mix (7p) in Iranian hospitals. Materials & Methods: The present research is a escriptive-analytical study implemented in a cross-sectional approach in 2016. To collect data, Soltani et al.'s questionnaire, which was validated by qualified people and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (85%), was used. The statistical population of this study covered admited and discharged patients at educational hospitals affiliated to Iran's medical universities, selected out of five counties of north, south, east, west, and center of Iran and randomly selected from two hospitals in each region. Using a sample size formula, a ratio of N = 400 was determined. The obtained data was analyzed using Kruskal Wallis test in SPSS version 19. Findings: Among the seven dimensions of marketing in the selection of health centers, the highest index of prices (60.2) and the lowest of advertising (17.7) was the most significant. The type of insurance in the price index and the recommendation of the doctor in the index of advertising ranked first. The findings indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between the factors affecting patients' preferences in choosing a hospital (r=0.278, p=0.00). Discussion & Conclusions: The results showed that the most important factor in patients' interests was the low costs of the hospital as well as hospitals’ acceptance of all types of insurance, so that the patients’ payment charge might be reduced and some services provided to them free of charge.

Objective: We compared patients' preferences for intravenous (IV‐t) versus subcutaneous (SC‐t) trastuzumab administration. Methods: Phase III, open‐label, multicentre study in HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer. Patients were receiving IV‐t for at least 4 months without progression. Randomisation was 1:1 to administer 2 cycles of SC‐t with vial followed by 2 cycles with single injection device (SID) or the reverse sequence (600mg SC‐t every 3 weeks for 4 cycles). Primary objective: patients' preference for IV‐t versus SC‐t; secondary objectives: patients' preference for vial versus SID, healthcare professional (HCP) preference and safety. Results: We randomised 166 patients in 26 sites. Median number of previous lines of chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy was 1 (1–7). Median duration of prior IV‐t was 1.8 years (0.3–14). Of the159 patients completing the questionnaires, 86.2% preferred SC‐t, 6.9% preferred IV‐t, and 6.9% had no preference. Patients preferred SID (59.2%) over vial (26.3%). Most (87.2%) HCP preferred SC‐t of whom 51.3% and 28.2% preferred SID and vial respectively. Related adverse events included G1‐2 injection site reactions in 18 patients (10.8%), G1 pain in 8 (4.8%), G1‐2 allergic reaction in 2 (1.2%), one G3 heart failure and 1 G2 ejection fraction decrease. Conclusions: SC‐t is preferred with no safety impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between patients' preferred treatment and eventual treatment. Second, to compare patients with surgical treatment to watchful waiting in order to identify predictive factors for surgery. Methods: A single‐centre retrospective study was performed between December 2015 and August 2018. Patients (≥18 years) who used a patient decision aid (PDA) for gallstones or inguinal hernia were included. After their first surgical consultation, patients received access to an online PDA. The patients' preferred treatment after the PDA was compared with their choice of eventual treatment. Multivariable regression analyses were performed for predictive factors for surgery. Results: In total, 567 patients with gallstones and 585 patients with an inguinal hernia were included. Of the patients with gallstones, 121 (21%) preferred watchful waiting, 367 (65%) preferred surgery, and 79 (14%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 85.9%. Frequent pain attacks (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1‐3.9, P =.020) and preference for surgery (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.9‐10.1, P =.001) independently predicted surgery. Of the patients with an inguinal hernia, 77 (13.2%) preferred watchful waiting, 452 (78.8%) preferred surgery, and 56 (9.6%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 86.0%. The preference for surgery (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.5‐10.6, P <.001) independently predicted surgery and worry about complications predicted avoidance of surgery (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2‐1.0, P =.037). Conclusion: This study, reflecting current clinical care, shows that patients' preferred treatment after using a PDA matches their eventual treatment choice in 86% of patients with gallstones or an inguinal hernia. In these patients, symptoms and patients' preference for surgery independently predicts eventual choice of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence of the oncological benefit of scheduled follow‐up in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is weak; symptom‐oriented self‐referral may be an alternative. Patients' preferences regarding follow‐up remain poorly investigated. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among patients undergoing follow‐up at a tertiary outpatient clinic, focusing on their preferences, correlating factors, fear of recurrence, and willingness for participation in a randomized trial on follow‐up. Results: Of 101 patients, 89.1% preferred scheduled follow‐up to self‐referral, 57% favored fewer visits than the current standard, and 85.1% endorsed regular imaging. Recurrence or second primary was associated with preference of intensive follow‐up schedules (P = 0.02). There were trends for women and patients with high fear of recurrence score to favor intensive follow‐up. Two‐third of the participants declared willingness to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Conclusions: Patients' preferences only partially correspond to current follow‐up guidelines. Recruitment for randomized controlled studies evaluating the value of follow‐up seems feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is lack of studies assessing the preference of Indian patients for integration of homeopathy into standard therapy settings. The objectives of this study were to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of homeopathy among Indian patients already availing homeopathy treatment and its integration into mainstream healthcare. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult patients attending the out-patients of the four government homeopathic hospitals in West Bengal, India. A self-administered 24-items questionnaire in local vernacular Bengali was developed and administered to the patients. A total of 1352 patients' responses were included in the current analysis. 40% patients thought that homeopathic medicines can be used along with standard therapy. 32.5% thought that homeopathic medicines might cause side effects, while only 13.3% believed that those might interact with other medications. Patients' knowledge ranged between 25.1 and 76.5% regarding regulations of practicing and safety of homeopathic medicine in India and abroad; while positive attitude towards the same ranged between 25.4 and 88.5%. 88.6% of the patients had favorable attitude toward integrated services. 68.2% of the patients used homeopathic medicines in any acute or chronic illness for themselves and 76.6% for their children. Preference for integrated services was significantly associated with better knowledge (P = 0.002), positive attitudes toward safety and regulations (P

Patient groups are increasingly engaging in research to understand patients' preferences and incorporate their perspectives into drug development and regulation. Several models of patient engagement have emerged, but there is little guidance on how to partner with patient groups to engage the disease community. Our group has been using an approach to engage patient groups that we call research as an event. Research as an event is a method for researchers to use a community-centered event to engage patients in their own environment at modest incremental cost. It is a pragmatic solution to address the challenges of engaging patients in research to minimize patients' frustration, decrease the time burden, and limit the overall cost. The community, the event, and the research are the three components that constitute the research as an event framework. The community represents a disease-specific community. The event is a meeting of common interest for patients and other stakeholders, such as a patient advocacy conference. The research describes activities in engaging the community for the purpose of research. Research as an event follows a six-step approach. A case study is used to demonstrate the six steps followed by recommendations for future implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Patients with complex regional pain syndrome ( CRPS) confined to the knee are often therapy resistant. Neurostimulation is an accepted treatment for CRPS. Although results with dorsal column ( DC) stimulation in patients with CRPS confined to the knee are often disappointing, the availability of dorsal root ganglion ( DRG) stimulation may provide new opportunities for this complaint. Therefore, this study explores patients' preference for DC stimulation vs. DRG stimulation in treating chronic pain due to CRPS confined to the knee. Methods A prospective, observational crossover cohort study was conducted comparing 2 methods of neurostimulation, in randomized order, in patients with CRPS confined to the knee. After receiving DC and DRG stimulation during a trial period of 16 days, patients were asked which of the 2 methods they preferred. Patients with a successful trial period with one or both stimulation methods received a fully implantable system. Results Twelve patients were included. After finishing the trial period, 10 patients (83.3%) preferred DRG stimulation and 2 (16.7%) preferred DC stimulation ( P = 0.04). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare these 2 neurostimulation methods in patients with CRPS confined to the knee. Results show that the probability of the preference for either neurostimulation treatment significantly deviates from chance in favor of DRG stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian patients’ preference for integrated homoeopathy services remains underresearched. Two earlier surveys revealed favorable attitude toward and satisfaction from integrated services. The objectives of this study were to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practice of homoeopathy and to evaluate preference toward its integration into secondary-level health care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during May to October 2015 among 659 adult patients visiting randomly selected secondary-level conventional health care setups in Kolkata, Mumbai, Kottayam, and New Delhi (India) using a self-administered 24-item questionnaire in 4 local vernaculars (Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and Hindi). Knowledge and practice scores were compromised; attitude scores toward integration and legal regulation were high. Respondents were uncertain regarding side effects of homoeopathy and concurrent use and interactions with conventional medicines. A total of 82.40% (95% confidence interval = 79.23, 85.19) of the participants were in favor of integrating homoeopathy services. Preference was significantly higher in Delhi and lower in Kottayam. Probable strategic measures for further development of integrated models are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, as a measure of objective functional impairment in lumbar degenerative disk disease (DDD), complements patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of subjective functional impairment. Methods Prospective 2-center study on consecutive patients scheduled for surgical treatment for lumbar DDD who underwent an objective (TUG test) and subjective (PROMs) functional assessment before and 1 and 3 days after surgery. PROMs included the visual analog scale (VAS), Roland-Morris Disability Index (RMDI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Euro-Qol (EQ-5D), and Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaires. On completion of each assessment, patients were asked whether they would prefer performing the TUG test or completing the PROMs questionnaires. Results A total of 109 of 125 patients (87.2%) completed the assessments. Preoperatively, patients were 2.18 times as likely to prefer the TUG test to the PROMs (odds ratio [OR], 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–3.75). On postoperative days 1 and 3, patients were 5.79 (OR, 5.79; 95% CI, 3.23–10.37) and 6.33 times as likely to prefer the TUG test to the PROMs, respectively (OR, 6.33; 95% CI, 3.51–11.41). There were no statistical differences in baseline characteristics, TUG t scores, VAS, RMDI, ODI, SF-12, and EQ-5D index between patients preferring either the TUG test or the PROMs questionnaires. Conclusions The TUG test is preferred over a battery of PROMs by 60%–70% of patients with lumbar DDD not only in the preoperative, but also in the postoperative, setting. High functional disability does not result in avoidance of the TUG test, and repeated assessments lead to higher preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: Current knowledge of patients' preferences for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is limited. Our goal was to determine the most favorable mode of therapy and the reasons behind choosing each route among RA patients in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Saudi Database (RASD)., Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional, nationwide, qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 308 RA patients to assess their preferred mode of therapy (oral, subcutaneous (SC) injection, or intravenous (IV) infusion) and to determine the reasons behind their choice. The determining factors behind patients' preferred mode of therapy were evaluated using a 10-point allocation system (1 = least important, 10 = most important)., Results: We interviewed 308 RA patients (83.4% females, mean age, 48 years). Among all administration modes, the oral route was identified as the most preferred mode among our patients, with a percentage of 73.3%, followed by SC injection and IV infusion at 19.5% and 7.3%, respectively. Ease of drug administration was the most reported reason for patients who chose the oral route over the injection route (63.2%). Difficulty remembering to take the drug and finding it hard to swallow the pills were the highest-scored reasons for avoiding the oral route (24.9%)., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates and emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making between patients and their physicians. The oral route of therapy is, by far, the most preferred mode among our cohort of RA patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Bukhari et al.)

Background: Inhalation devices represent per sé critical factors because they can affect the therapeutic outcomes independently of the drug used. The role of patients' usability and preference (PUP) for Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) is high indeed because they can influence the extent of the adherence to treatment and the therapeutic outcomes. Aim of the study was to assess and compare the PUP of three different DPIs in out-patients with persistent airflow limitation due to asthma or COPD. Methods: The PUP of three different DPIs (Breezhaler; Genuair; Handihaler) were investigated by means of the Handling Questionnaire in out-patients with persistent airflow limitation needing an inhalation therapy. Patients had to report their preference before and after the nurse's instruction on the handling of each device. The nurse had also to note the critical steps during the patient's procedure for actuation; to count the number of attempts needed for actuating the device properly, and to measure the time (in sec.) required for these procedures. Data were collected up to three attempts per device. Statistics: Welch test was used for normal distributed variables, while the Wilcoxon test for not normal distributed variables. The χ² test and the ANOVA test were also used. Univariate and multivariate regressions were also performed in order to investigate the effect of patients' characteristics and of technical differences of each device on their proper use. Results: Three hundred thirty-three consecutive out-patients (age range 55-58 years, and well matched for gender), with persistent airway limitation of different severity were investigated, suffering from bronchial asthma (n =175)or from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 158). In particular, 127 patients (38 %) tested the three DPIs, while 110 (33 %) tested Breezhaler and Genuair, and 96 (29 %) Breezhaler and Handihaler. More than 50 % of patients who tested all devices preferred the Genuair and perceived this device as the easiest to use. The nurse's judgement confirmed their opinion. When compared to the other two DPIs, Genuair proved the least problematic either according to the patients' judgement and to the nurse's opinion. Mean number of attempts aimed to achieving the first proper actuation was lower with Genuair than with Breezhaler and Handihaler (1.5 vs 2.5-2.6, p < 0.0001). Finally, Genuair also proved the easiest to use and the least problematic according to the nurse judgement (0.0001), the most easily learned (0.0001), and that one with a successful rate of more than 56 % at the first attempt. Breezhaler and Handihaler needed an average of about one additional attempt to be used properly (p < 0.0001), and their usability proved significantly more difficult (OR of successful rate between 0.15 and 0.17, p < 0.001). In general, older patients needed more attempts to perform their first proper inhalation; their successful rate was lower, and they needed more time to learn how to use devices properly: with Genuair these differences were minimized. Conclusions: The possibility of grading objectively the performance of different DPIs in terms of their usability and therapeutic convenience in daily life represents a crucial operational opportunity to pursue. To note that a substantial discrepancy exists between the patients' belief "at glance" and the patients' effective usability with can be registered with some devices. From a general point of view, devices requiring less manual actions for their actuation confirmed their better usability and proper handling after less attempts. In particular, Genuair came out as the most preferred DPI also when several different aspects of preference and usability are assessed objectively and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing number of inhalation devices are presently available in the market. They are differently characterized in terms of their handling and usability, both factors which may affect the outcomes of respiratory treatment. The assessment of the preference and the usability rate of all devices can be carried out by means of specific questionnaires. Before their use, the identification of errors due to the incorrect wording of questions included in the questionnaires, together with the trans-cultural reliability represents the main issues of their cultural and linguistic validation. Methods and results: The New Handling Questionnaire - NHQ-2 is a novel specific questionnaire aimed to measure both the preference and the usability of all kinds of inhalation devices. The method used for its validation has been summarized in the first section of the present paper, while the results of the specific validation and translation process have been described in the second section, together with the grading of improvement achieved over the process. The comprehensibility and the reproducibility rates achieved for both the Italian and the English final versions of the NHQ-2 questionnaire were very high, such as >90 % for each question included. Conclusions: The novel NHQ-2 questionnaire proved very high comprehensibility and reproducibility in both its Italian and English final versions. It can be proposed for the trans-cultural clinical use when the usability, and not only the patients' preference of devices, should be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite differences in the information obtained by capsule endoscopy (CE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), one of these modalities is usually needed when evaluating disease activity. There are no data on patients' preference that would help guide the choice between these two modalities in these instances. Aim: To compare patients' tolerance and preference to MRE versus CE. Patients and methods: Patients with known small bowel Crohn's disease (CD) in clinical remission (Crohn's disease activity index [CDAI] ,150) or with mild symptoms (CDAI ,220) were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent MRE followed by CE. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire addressing specific points regarding inconvenience during the preparation for the procedures, the procedures, and postprocedures. Side effects and procedure preference were addressed. Questionnaires were included for analysis only when more than 95% of the items were addressed. Results: Fifty-six patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Pre-exam discomfort, during-exam discomfort , nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain were all significantly more prominent in MRE as compared to CE (P,0.0001, P,0.0001, P,0.0001, P=0.009, P=0.0002, P,0.0001, respectively). MRE was perceived as a more difficult procedure (P,0.0001). Furthermore, MRE was associated with a specific adverse event - claustrophobia. Seventy-eight percent of patients (44 patients) preferred to repeat CE as compared to 22% (P,0.0001) who preferred MRE. Conclusion: CE was better tolerated by CD patients compared to MRE and was preferred by 78% of patients. The superior tolerability of CE should be considered along with the diagnostic features, and more data sought when choosing between these two modalities for CD patients for long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare patient comfort and preference between the use of Icare tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometer for the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP). This was a prospective study carried out at the Eye clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan on volunteers aged 18 years and above. Demographic information of the participants was collected using a proforma. All participants had Icare tonometry and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) performed on them in sequence within a 15-min period. After the measurements, participants were asked to report their assessment of the level of comfort with each method and to state their preferred choice for IOP measurement. One hundred subjects participated in the study; 45 (45 %) were males, and the mean age was 47.1 (± 17.4) years. Forty-three subjects (43 %) reported that Icare was either much more comfortable or more comfortable than GAT, while 31 (31 %) stated that Goldmann applanation was either much more or more comfortable. Twenty-six participants (26 %) reported that the level of comfort was the same with the two instruments. With regard to which of the instruments will be preferred for IOP check at another clinic visit, 53 (53 %) of the respondents preferred the Goldmann applanation tonometer. Some of the participants preferred GAT because they believed it was more sophisticated, while the main reported reason for preferring Icare was the stinging sensation of the anesthetic eye drop when using GAT. Although more participants reported the Icare tonometer to be more comfortable, the Goldmann tonometer was preferred by majority of the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate patient's characteristics that affects their decision on the management of asymptomatic renal calculi, and to determine the impact of anesthetic on the selection of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). A survey was distributed to 100 patients in our multi-disciplinary stone clinic. The patients were given a hypothetical scenario of an asymptomatic 8 mm lower pole stone and descriptions for managements options including active surveillance (annual radiography, 40 % chance of growth >10 mm within 4 years, 20 % chance of passage), SWL under conscious sedation (65 % success rate), and URS (90 % success rate, with stent placement for 1 week). Patients were asked what was the most important variable impacting the choice of treatment. Patients preferred SWL (45 %) over URS (32 %) and active surveillance (23 %). Patients with a previous experience with URS were more likely to choose it again ( p = 0.0433). Decisions were driven primarily by success rate (52 %), followed by risk of complications (29 %), postoperative pain (7 %) and others (12 %). Patients choosing URS had the highest magnitude of history of pain ( p = 0.03) and were more likely to prioritize success (78 %) and less likely to prioritize surgical risk (13 %) or anticipated pain after surgery (0 %) ( p = 0.01). Most (85 %) of the patients would rely on the physician's recommendation for the treatment modality. Patients place differing value on risk versus success. As they rely heavily on the physician's recommendation, it is important that their urologist determine whether risk or success is of highest priority for them to facilitate a shared medical decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Standard treatment of primary T1 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva < 4 cm consists of wide local excision (WLE) and sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure of the groin(s). In case of a local recurrence WLE and inguino femoral lymphadenectomy (IFL) is generally recommended. In this study we assessed the feasibility of repeat SLN procedure in patients with recurrent vulvar SCC who were not able or willing to undergo IFL. Methods A retrospective study was performed in consecutive patients with recurrent vulvar SCC who underwent a repeat SLN procedure between 2006 and 2014. We present the clinical and pathological outcomes. The study conforms to the STROBE guidelines. Results A total number of 27 patients aged 35–87 years at first diagnosis of SCC of the vulva were identified. Median follow-up after 2nd surgery was 27.4 (range 2–96) months. In 78% of patients and in 84% of the groins the repeat SLN procedure was successful. No structured questionnaires were used to describe details on the repeat SLN procedures but in general the gynecologic oncologists experienced repeat SLN procedures more challenging compared to primary procedures. There were no groin recurrences documented. Conclusions Our findings suggest that it is feasible to perform a repeat SLN procedure in recurrent vulvar SCC, but the procedure appears technically more challenging compared to primary setting, resulting in a lower SLN identification rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the preference of place of death among Chinese patients with cancer and their caregivers and to identify factors associated with the preference. Methods: A prospective questionnaire research was conducted in terminally ill patients with cancer and their caregivers. Questions included sociodemographic characteristics and information about patients’ diseases and patients’ preference of place of death. Results: Home (53.64%) was the first choice for 522 patients, 51.34% of participated caregivers chose home as the preferred place of death, and patient–caregiver dyads achieved 84.10% agreement. Patients who lived in rural area, with lower education level and lived with relatives, expressed more preference to die at home. Conclusion: This study described information about the preference of place of death and its potential predictive factors in terminally ill patients with cancer in mainland of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The purposes of this study were to develop a communication skills training (CST) workshop program based on patient preferences, and to evaluate preliminary feasibility of the CST program on the objective performances of physicians and the subjective ratings of their confidence about the communication with patients at the pre- and post-CST.Methods:The CST program was developed, based on the previous surveys on patient preferences (setting up the supporting environment of the interview, making consideration for how to deliver bad news, discussing about additional information, and provision of reassurance and emotional support) and addressing the patient's emotion with empathic responses, and stressing the oncologists' emotional support. The program was participants' centered approach, consisted a didactic lecture, role plays with simulated patients, discussions and an ice-breaking; a total of 2-days. To evaluate feasibility of the newly developed CST program, oncologists who participated it were assessed their communication performances (behaviors and utterances) during simulated consultation at the pre- and post-CST. Participants also rated their confidence communicating with patients at the pre-, post-, and 3-months after CST, burnout at pre and 3 months after CST, and the helpfulness of the program at post-CST.Results:Sixteen oncologists attended a newly developed CST. A comparison of pre-post measures showed improvement of oncologists' communication performances, especially skills of emotional support and consideration for how to deliver information. Their confidence in communicating bad news was rated higher score at post-CST than at pre-CST and was persisted at 3-months after the CST. Emotional exhaustion scores decreased at 3-months after CST. In addition, oncologists rated high satisfaction with all components of the program.Significance of results:This pilot study suggests that the newly developed CST program based on patient preferences seemed feasible and potentially effective on improving oncologists' communication behaviors what patients prefer and confidence in communicating with patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: External cephalic version (ECV) is a relatively simple and safe maneuver that reduces the cesarean section (CS) rate for breech presentation. There is professional consensus that ECV should be offered to all women, but only up to 70% of patients opt for this treatment. To improve counseling, we investigated the value patients place on various aspects of ECV. Methods: We studied patient preferences by means of a vignette study. Varying levels of treatment characteristics were investigated in 16 scenarios, all including the 'opt out' alternative of an elective CS. The probability that women preferred ECV was estimated using a logistic regression approach. Results: Forty seven women participated in the study. Pain was the most important factor negatively influencing the willingness to opt for ECV (OR 0.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05-0.23) for a pain score of 8-10 compared to 1-2 on a visual analog scale of 0-10). Higher success rates of vaginal delivery after successful ECV increased women's willingness (OR 3.42 (95% CI 2.04-5.74), if chance of vaginal delivery after successful ECV increased from 24% to 52%). The risk of an emergency CS during ECV did not influence the willingness to opt for ECV (OR 0.83 (95% CI 0.59-1.18) of chance increased from 0% to 1%). Conclusions: We conclude that expected pain during treatment and the success rate are the most important factors influencing the willingness to undergo ECV. Taking this information into account when counseling for ECV and reassuring women that unbearable pain is always a reason to stop ECV, and that the vast majority of women reported that the experienced pain is bearable, might improve the uptake of ECV and decrease the number of CS due to breech presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: To assess whether patients prefer surgery or a pessary as treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: A structured interview was performed among treated and untreated women with POP. We conducted fictive scenarios of potential disadvantages of surgery and pessary use. Our main outcome was the willingness to alter treatment preference (by increasing percentages of defined disadvantages) and determine conditions at which treatment preference changes to alternative treatment. Results: Three groups of 25 patients were interviewed: (1) untreated patients, (2) patients who underwent surgery, and (3) patients treated with a pessary. In the treatment-naive group, 48% preferred surgery, 36% a pessary and 16% had no preferable treatment. Patients switched preference from surgery to a pessary at a median risk of stress urinary incontinence of 22% and of recurrent prolapse of 43%. Patients switched preference from pessary to surgery at a median risk of vaginal irritation of 32%, of placing problems of 32% and of incomplete symptom relief of 17%. Conclusions: Patients tend to prefer surgery for POP. When realistic assumptions for (dis)advantages are made, most women consider the disadvantages following both treatment options to be acceptable as they do not exceed the risks described in the literature. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During EMDR, patients make eye movements (EMs) while recalling traumatic memories, but recently therapists have replaced EMs by alternating beep tones. There are no outcome studies on the effects of tones. In an earlier analogue study, tones were inferior to EMs in the reduction of vividness of aversive memories. In a first EMDR session, 12 PTSD patients recalled trauma memories in three conditions: recall only, recall + tones, and recall + EMs. Three competing hypotheses were tested: 1) EMs are as effective as tones and better than recall only, 2) EMs are better than tones and tones are as effective as recall only, and 3) EMs are better than tones and tones are better than recall only. The order of conditions was balanced, each condition was delivered twice, and decline in memory vividness and emotionality served as outcome measures. The data strongly support hypothesis 2 and 3 over 1: EMs outperformed tones while it remained unclear if tones add to recall only. The findings add to earlier considerations and earlier analogue findings suggesting that EMs are superior to tones and that replacing the former by the latter was premature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a study which determined what teaching general practitioners (TGPs) think about francophone Internet sites dedicated to chronic low back pain (CLBP). The study enrolled 112 TGPs in the Southern region and then used an assessment scale to evaluate 7 web sites about CLBP in semicontrolled conditions. It concluded that French TGPs believe that CLBP sites should focus on nonmedical, practical advice.

Objective: To assess the degree of acceptance of patients undergoing computed tomography colonography (CTC) in comparison with colonoscopy in the screening of colorectal disease. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with suspected colorectal disease underwent CTC and colonoscopy. Questionnaires were administered before and after the performance of the CTC and after the colonoscopy. The discomfort expected and experienced before and after the performance of both procedures as well as the patients' preference for each method were evaluated. Results: As regards CTC, before the procedure, 18% of the patients reported expecting little discomfort, 78%, mild discomfort, and 4%, a lot of discomfort. After the procedure, 72% of the patients reported little discomfort, 26%, mild discomfort, and only one (2%) of the patients reported a lot of discomfort. Upon completion of the colonoscopy, 86% of the patients reported their preference for CTC. The degree of colonic distention and residual amount of fluid had no influence on the patients' preference. Conclusion: CTC was preferred to colonoscopy, with no statistical relationship with the degree of colonic distention at CTC and efficiency of bowel preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We assessed the preferences of women with an adnexal mass for the mode of surgery. Methods. A structured interview was designed in which women, scheduled for surgery for an adnexal mass, were confronted with fictive scenarios of the different approaches. Women were asked at what probability of a false negative test result of frozen section diagnosis they would prefer frozen section diagnosis over primary radical surgery. Furthermore, the women were asked at what probability of ovarian malignancy they would prefer laparoscopy over laparotomy. Results. We interviewed 43 women. When the probability of frozen section diagnosis being false negative was set at 90%, 97% of the women preferred primary radical surgery. The mean threshold at which women switched their preference from primary radical surgery to frozen section diagnosis was at a risk of 49% on a false negative test result of frozen section diagnosis. In the choice between laparoscopy over laparotomy, the mean threshold at which the women switched their preference from laparoscopy to laparotomy was at a risk of 55% on ovarian malignancy. Conclusion. Women scheduled for surgery of an adnexal mass at low risk of ovarian malignancy, prefer frozen section diagnosis over primary radical surgery and prefer laparoscopy over laparotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, women’s preferences on advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and abdominal hysterectomy (AH) have been studied. Patients’ preferences were evaluated in individual, structured interviews in women scheduled for hysterectomy and questionnaires in nurses. Forty-three patients and 39 nurses were included. After general information, 84% of patients and 74% of nurses preferred LH over AH. This preference did not change after supplying more detailed information or after hysterectomy. The avoidance of complications was indicated as the most important factor in the decision. More than half of the women evaluated a difference of 1% as the maximum acceptable risk of major complications. When confronted with scenarios based on current evidence, both patients and nurses prefer LH over AH. This study supports further implementation of LH in clinical practice. The actual major complication rate in hysterectomy, however, is perceived as high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand patients' preferences regarding the disclosure of bad news is important in the clinical oncology setting. The aim of this study was to clarify descriptively the preferences of cancer patients. Five hundred and twenty-nine Japanese cancer outpatients were surveyed regarding their preferences regarding the disclosure of bad news, and several psychosocial and medical demographic variables were analyzed. In a descriptive analysis, more than 90% of the patients strongly preferred to discuss their current medical condition and treatment options with their physician and to have their physicians take the feelings of their family into consideration as well. While half of the patients preferred to receive information regarding their life expectancy, 30% preferred not to receive it. Multiple regression analyses indicated the preferences showing interindividual variations were associated with the level of education and the mental adjustment to cancer scores. A factor analysis revealed four preferences factors: method of disclosure of the bad news, provision of emotional support, provision of additional information, and setting. These four factors had good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93-0.77). Providing emotional support, including the desire for the physician to show consideration for the patient's family, and understanding an individual's communication preferences may be useful for promoting patient–physician communication. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:  Life expectancy is an important tool for physicians and patients to determine when medical services for disease prevention should be rendered. Since patients' preference is an important predictor for cancer screening compliance, incorporating life expectancy with cancer screening preferences becomes essential. The purpose of the study is to explore the mean life expectancy duration that hospitalized women expect in order to undergo cancer screening tests., Methods:  A cross-sectional bedside survey including the contingent valuation method was used to assess the mean life expectancy among 475 cancer-free hospitalized women aged 50-75 years, which justified their willingness to undergo cancer screening tests. The probit and logistic regression models were used for the analysis in October 2021., Results: A total of 74% of women were willing to undergo cancer screening if the mean life expectancy was 24.3 months (SE = 12.8, p = 0.058). After adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical covariates, hospitalized women were willing to undergo cancer screening if the mean life expectancy was 26.6 months (SE = 13.3, p = 0.045). Race (African American and others vs Caucasians, OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.43-3.81) and annual household income <$20,000 (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02-2.86) were associated with the willingness to undergo cancer screening among hospitalized women., Conclusion:  The study's findings suggest that hospitalized women value the prospect of cancer screening tests, given the mean life expectancy of approximately 27 months. Therefore, offering screening tests to nonadherent hospitalized women with a mean life expectancy of 2¼ years, especially to those at high risk for developing cancer, with low income, or women of color, may improve adherence to cancer screening recommendations., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Shubella et al.)

Abstract Background Randomised controlled trials are widely accepted as the gold standard method to evaluate medical interventions, but they are still open to bias. One such bias is the effect of patient’s preference on outcome measures. The aims of this study were to examine whether patients’ treatment preference affected clearance of plantar warts and explore whether there were any associations between patients’ treatment preference and baseline variables in the EverT trial. Methods Two hundred and forty patients were recruited from University podiatry schools, NHS podiatry clinics and primary care. Patients were aged 12 years and over and had at least one plantar wart which was suitable for treatment with salicylic acid and cryotherapy. Patients were asked their treatment preference prior to randomisation. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to test the association between preference group and continuous baseline variables. The Fisher’s exact test was performed to test the association between preference group and categorical baseline variables. A logistic regression analysis was undertaken with verruca clearance (yes or no) as the dependent variable and treatment, age, type of verruca, previous treatment, treatment preference as independent variables. Two analyses were undertaken, one using the health professional reported outcome and one using the patient’s self reported outcomes. Data on whether the patient found it necessary to stop the treatment to which they had been allocated and whether they started another treatment were summarised by treatment group. Results Pre-randomisation preferences were: 10% for salicylic acid; 42% for cryotherapy and 48% no treatment preference. There was no evidence of an association between treatment preference group and either patient (p=0.95) or healthcare professional (p=0.46) reported verruca clearance rates. There was no evidence of an association between preference group and any of the baseline variables except gender, with more females expressing a preference for salicylic acid (p=0.004). There was no evidence that the number of times salicylic acid was applied was different between the preference groups at one week (p=0.89) or at three weeks (p=0.24). Similarly, for the number of clinic visits for cryotherapy (p=0.71) Conclusions This secondary analysis showed no evidence to suggest that patients’ baseline preferences affected verruca clearance rates or adherence with the treatment. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18994246 and National Research Register N0484189151

Aim: To explore the factors determining the interest in extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) injections among patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in France.Methods: 366 patients receiving OAT for opioid use disorder, recruited in 66 French centers, were interviewed from 12/2018 to 05/2019. A structured questionnaire assessed their interest in XR-BUP using a [1-10] Likert scale. 'More' vs. 'less' interested groups were defined using the median score of interest, and their characteristics were explored using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI). Independent variables were as follows: sociodemographic characteristics, OAT-related features (e.g., type of OAT and prescriber, dosing, or duration of treatment), OAT representations, and personal objectives of treatment.Results: The median interest in XR-BUP was 7 (interquartile range: 3-9) out of 10. The participants who were 'more interested' (i.e. those scoring ≥7) showed no substantial difference in sociodemographic characteristics, relative to the 'less interested' participants. However, they more frequently reported forgetting to take their OAT (OR = 1.81; CI95 % = 1.06-3.10) or reported experiencing situations where taking their OAT was impractical (aOR = 1.69; CI95 % = 1.05-2.73). Their treatment objective was more focused on stopping illicit drugs (aOR = 1.67; 95 %CI = 1.02-2.70), reducing health risks (aOR = 3.57; 95 %CI = 1.67-7.69) and craving (aOR = 2.38; 95 %CI = 1.39-4.02) or improving family (aOR = 1.81; 95 %CI = 1.03-3.13) or professional (aOR = 2.22; 95 %CI = 1.43-3.85) recovery.Conclusions: In France, where the access to OAT is relatively unrestricted, the majority of participants were interested in XR-BUP formulations. Being interested was associated with treatment objectives focused on abstinence and recovery, and with experiencing constraints in taking a daily oral OAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]