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Bruce Crawford1, Richard H Stanford2, Audrey Y Wong1, Anand A Dalal2, Martha S Bayliss11Mapi Values, Boston, MA, USA; 2GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USABackground: Allergic rhinitis affects 10%–20% of the US population. Its chronic nature, combined with patients' perceptions of safety/efficacy, administration, and sensory attributes of nasal sprays (corticosteroids), impact patient adherence to therapy. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of experience with and preference for corticosteroid therapy for treatment of allergic rhinitis.Methods: Questionnaire development was conducted through qualitative research including concept elicitation and content testing in 153 patients with allergic rhinitis. Patient focus groups (n = 66), in conjunction with content confirmation and saturation in additional groups (n = 87), provided research data. A literature-based conceptual framework was incorporated into the interview guide. An iterative process of data collection, analysis, and theory development yielded the conceptual framework.Results: Consistent comments from the focus groups combined with those from cognitive debriefing interviews led to the incorporation of 14 finalized attributes into the Experience with Allergic Rhinitis Nasal Spray Questionnaire (EARNS-Q) items. Between the first and second cognitive debriefing interviews, researchers revised the EARNS-Q for retesting. Face and content validity tests indicated that the items, responses, and instructions were understood by study participants. The EARNS-Q is comprised of two modules that measure patient experience with nasal sprays (experience module), and patient preference for a nasal spray relative to another (preference module).Conclusion: The EARNS-Q accurately measured patient experience with and preference for nasal sprays used in treating allergic rhinitis. A potential application of this questionnaire may be as a patient-reported outcomes endpoint in clinical trials of intranasal corticosteroids in patients with allergic rhinitis.Keywords: EARNS-Q, allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroid, patient preference, experience, questionnaire development

Suggestions are offered for making business and financial affairs of educational institutions more personal and accountable to faculty, students, administrators, and the community. Objectives are identified for business managers to: (1) devise more ways for student, staff, and faculty participation in shaping the college culture and managing the organization; (2) provide better evaluation and accountability of efforts; (3) keep the institution relevant to the society that supports it; and (4) devise a built-in reward system for employees. Efforts of Central Washington State College in these areas are described. Internal programs initiated include a departmental evaluation between business and academic staff, an intern program for students, and the use of time productivity logs to help individuals become accountable and more effective in time management. It is concluded that business officers are in the most strategic place to help the institution become positive, constructive, and helpful. (LBH)