Exploring the use of a participative design in the early development of a predictive test : the importance of physician involvement

In this study, we contribute to the personalized medicine and health care management literature by developing and testing a new participative design approach. We propose that involving gastroenterologists in the development of a predictive test to assist them in their clinical decision-making process for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases will increase the likelihood of their acceptance of the innovation. Based on data obtained from 6 focus groups across Canada from a total of 28 physicians, analyses reveal that current tools do not enable discriminating between treatment options to find the best fit for each patient. Physicians expect a new predictive tool to have the capability of showing clear reliability and significant benefits for the patient, while being accessible in a timely manner that facilitates clinical decisions. Physicians also insist on their key role in the implementation process, hence confirming the relevance and importance of participative designs in personalized medicine

Patients’ perception of their involvement in shared treatment decision making : key factors in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Objectives This study aims to characterize the relationships between the quality of the information given by the physician, the involvement of the patient in shared decision making (SDM), and outcomes in terms of satisfaction and anxiety pertaining to the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods A Web survey was conducted among 200 Canadian patients affected with IBD. The theoretical model of SDM was adjusted using path analysis. SAS software was used for all statistical analyses. Results The quality of the knowledge transfer between the physician and the patient is significantly associated with the components of SDM: information comprehension, patient involvement and decision certainty about the chosen treatment. In return, patient involvement in SDM is significantly associated with higher satisfaction and, as a result, lower anxiety as regards treatment selection. Conclusions This study demonstrates the importance of involving patients in shared treatment decision making in the context of IBD. Practice implications Understanding shared decision making may motivate patients to be more active in understanding the relevant information for treatment selection, as it is related to their level of satisfaction, anxiety and adherence to treatment. This relationship should encourage physicians to promote shared decision making

Inflammatory bowel disease patient perceptions of diagnostic and monitoring tests and procedures

Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with its high incidence and prevalence rates in Canada generates a heavy burden of tests and procedures. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the transfer of information from physician to patient, as well as the patient understanding and perceptions about the tests and procedures that are ordered to them in the context of IBD diagnosis and monitoring. Methods An online questionnaire was completed by 210 IBD patients in Canada. Information on the five most-often used tests or procedures in IBD diagnosis/monitoring was collected. These include: general blood test, colonoscopy, colon biopsy, medical imaging and stool testing. Results The general blood test is both the most ordered and most refused tool. It is also the one with which patients are the least comfortable, the one that generates the least concern and the one about which physicians provide the least information. The stool test is the test/procedure with which patients are the most comfortable. Procedures raise more concerns among patients and physicians provide more information about why they are needed, their impact and the risks they present. Very little information is provided to patients about the risks of having false positives or negative tests. Conclusions This study provides an initial understanding of patient perceptions, the transfer of information from a physician to a patient and a patient’s understanding of the tests and procedures that will be required to treat IBD throughout what is a lifelong disease. The present study takes a first step in better understanding the acceptance of the test or procedure by IBD patients, which is essential for them to adhere to the monitoring process

Baccalauréat en sciences biopharmaceutiques de l’Université de Montréal : déjà 10 ans

Objectif : Présenter les principaux jalons et données de la mise en oeuvre et de l’évolution du programme de premier cycle du baccalauréat en sciences biopharmaceutiques d’une durée de trois ans, à la Faculté de pharmacie de l’Université de Montréal.  Mise en contexte : Montréal est une plaque tournante de la recherche et de l’innovation pharmaceutique, et différentes facultés québécoises forment des diplômés qui contribuent au développement du médicament au Canada. Un programme de baccalauréat spécialisé en développement du médicament a été mis en place en accueillant sa première cohorte d’étudiants en septembre 2009, soit le baccalauréat en sciences biopharmaceutiques.  Résultats : En date du 30 avril 2020, le programme comportait 25 cours pour un total de 75 crédits répartis sur cinq trimestres, et le sixième trimestre offrait la possibilité de faire un stage de 15 crédits ou de suivre des cours optionnels pour l’option multivolets. Selon les données administratives du programme pour les cohortes 2009-2010 à 2019-2020, 265 étudiants ont suivi un stage de formation et 319 ont obtenu un baccalauréat en sciences biopharmaceutiques. À la suite de la revue descriptive qui met en évidence 61 jalons associés à la mise en place et à l’évolution de ce programme universitaire de premier cycle, 36 jalons ont été retenus.  Conclusion : Le baccalauréat, qui a célébré son 10e anniversaire en 2020, comble les besoins pour lesquels il a été créé, mais il devra s’ajuster au fil de l’évolution rapide du domaine du développement du médicament.  Abstract  Objective: To present the main milestones and data concerning the launch and evolution of the Université de Montréal Faculty of Pharmacy undergraduate 3 year-program in biopharmaceutical sciences.  Background: Montreal is a pharmaceutical research and innovation hub, and different Quebec faculties prepare graduates who contribute to Canadian drug development. A specialized undergraduate degree program in drug development, the Bachelor of Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BBPS), was launched, welcoming its first cohort of students in September 2009.  Results: As at April 30, 2020, the program comprised 25 courses for a total of 75 credits taken over five sessions, with the sixth session offering the option of doing a 15-credit work term or taking electives for the multi-track option. According to the administrative data on the program for the 2009-2010 to 2019-2020 cohorts, 265 students completed a training work term and 319 obtained a Bachelor of Biopharmaceutical Sciences degree. Following the descriptive review identifying 61 milestones associated with the launch and evolution of this undergraduate university program, 36 milestones were selected.  Conclusion: This undergraduate degree program, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2020, is meeting the needs for which it was created but will need to adjust to the rapid changes in the field of drug development. 

Factors leading to acceptance of and willingness to pay for predictive testing among chronically Ill patients

Background: Personalized medicine can lower healthcare system costs and help ensure that chronic patients get the most appropriate treatment for their individual illness. However, individual factors leading to acceptance of personalized medicine technologies such as predictive testing by chronic patients remain largely unknown. Objectives: This study was aimed at identifying individual sociodemographic factors leading to the acceptance of predictive testing in chronic patients and their willingness to pay for these tests. Design and methods: A web survey was conducted with 210 Canadian patients affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The data was processed using the SPSS software. Inferential statistical analyses were conducted using the chi square test. Results: Chronic patients were massively in favour of undergoing a genetic test that could predict response to treatment options, and the majority were in favour of paying for the test. While the population in general has concerns regarding genetic testing, the present study indicates that the seriousness of chronic illness along with side effects of treatments leads to a higher acceptance among patients. Only the yearly number of consultations was positively related to acceptance and willingness to pay. Conclusions: While previous studies have reported resistance to genomic technologies amongst the general population, the present study demonstrates that chronic patients are largely open to genetic predictive testing. Furthermore, a vast majority was even prepared to pay for such tests. Clinicians, healthcare organizations and pharmaceutical companies should take this result into consideration when building and promoting predictive testing options. Based on these findings, future studies are warranted for further investigating and characterizing patients’ perception towards genetic predictive testing across other chronic illnesses