Search

PURPOSE: Stigma surrounding prescription opioids, or opioid stigma, is increasingly recognized as a barrier to effective and guideline-concordant cancer pain management. Patients with advanced cancer report high rates of pain and prescription opioid exposure, yet little is known about how opioid stigma may manifest in this population. METHODS: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 patients with advanced cancer and 11 support providers between March 2020, and May 2021. We took a rigorous inductive, qualitative descriptive approach to characterize how opioid stigma manifests in the lives of patients with advanced cancer. RESULTS: Patients and their support providers described three primary manifestations of opioid stigma: (1) direct experiences with opioid stigma and discrimination in health care settings (eg, negative, stigmatizing interactions in pharmacies or a pain clinic); (2) concerns about opioid stigma affecting patient care in the future, or anticipated stigma; and (3) opioid-restricting attitudes and behaviors that may reflect internalized stigma and fear of addiction (eg, feelings of guilt). CONCLUSION: This qualitative study advances our understanding of opioid stigma manifestations in patients with advanced cancer, as well as coping strategies that patients may use to alleviate their unease (eg, minimizing prescription opioid use, changing clinicians, and distancing from perceptions of addiction). In recognition of the costs of undermanaged cancer pain, it is important to consider innovative treatment strategies to address opioid stigma and improve pain management for patients with advanced cancer. Future research should examine opportunities to build an effective, multilevel opioid stigma intervention targeting patients, clinicians, and health care systems. more...

We conducted 15 interviews and 3 focus groups (total N = 36) among women 60 and older with low libido to better understand the role that it plays in their lives. Interviews and focus groups were led by facilitators using open-ended questions. A codebook was developed, then codes were assigned to all data. We identified three themes. First, women reported that sex was an important aspect of their lives. Second, women desired to know what was "normal" with regards to sexuality and aging. Third, women were distressed by low libido, concerned that it could have negative effects on romantic relationships and self-image. more...

BACKGROUND Treatment-resistant depression in late-life (TRLLD) is common. Perspectives of primary care providers (PCPs) and psychiatrists treating TRLLD could give insights into the challenges and potential solutions for managing this condition. METHODS To identify perspectives of providers who treat TRLLD, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with providers treating older adults with TRLLD in five locations across North America (i.e., Los Angeles, New York City, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Toronto). We conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 care providers (24 primary care providers [PCPs], 22 psychiatrists, and 4 depression care managers). Interviews elicited providers' perspectives on treatment options for TRLLD, including treatment within the primary care setting and referral to psychiatry, and sought suggestions for improvement. RESULTS We identified four themes. (1) Treating TRLLD takes an emotional toll on providers; (2) existing psychiatric services are inadequate to meet the needs of patients with TRLLD, mainly because of lack of access; (3) PCPs often attempt to treat TRLLD, even when they are not comfortable doing so; and (4) to better meet the needs of patients with TRLLD, providers recommend integrated care models involving PCPs, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists, potentially made more feasible by the growth of telehealth. CONCLUSIONS Findings from these qualitative interviews show the challenges in providing care for TRLLD. These findings can guide knowledge dissemination to psychiatrists, PCPs, policy-makers, and other stakeholders involved in the mental health system. They can also inform structural changes to clinical practice that may increase the implementation of the best treatment strategies across settings to improve long-term outcomes for TRLLD. more...

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common, yet physicians do not routinely screen patients for IPV. There are no clear recommendations for best educational practices for physician train... more...

ObjectiveRheumatologists have identified challenges to providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to patients with gestational capacity. We conducted focus groups with rheumatologists and rheumatology advanced practice providers (APPs) to elicit their solutions to overcoming barriers to SRH care.MethodsQualitative focus groups were conducted with rheumatologists (3 groups) and APPs (2 groups) using videoconferencing. Discussions were transcribed and 2 trained research coordinators developed a content-based codebook. The coordinators applied the codebook to transcripts, and discrepancies were adjudicated to full agreement. The codes were synthesized and used to conduct a thematic analysis. Differences in codes were also identified between the clinician groups by provider type.ResultsA total of 22 clinicians were included in the sample, including 12 rheumatologists and 10 APPs. Four themes emerged: (1) clinicians recommended preparing patients to engage in SRH conversations before and during clinic visits; (2) consultation systems are needed to facilitate rapid SRH care with women’s health providers; (3) clinicians advised development of training opportunities and easy-to-access resources to address SRH knowledge gaps; and (4) clinicians recommended that educational materials about SRH in the rheumatology context are provided for patients. Although similar ideas were generated between the APP and rheumatologist groups, the rheumatologists were generally more interested in additional training and education, whereas APPs were more interested in electronic health record prompts and tools.ConclusionProviders identified many potential solutions and facilitators to enhancing SRH care in rheumatology that might serve as a foundation for intervention development. more...

We conducted 15 interviews and 3 focus groups (total N = 36) among women 60 and older with low libido to better understand the role that it plays in their lives. Interviews and focus groups were led by facilitators using open-ended questions. A codebook was developed, then codes were assigned to all data. We identified three themes. First, women reported that sex was an important aspect of their lives. Second, women desired to know what was "normal" with regards to sexuality and aging. Third, women were distressed by low libido, concerned that it could have negative effects on romantic relationships and self-image. more...

PURPOSE: Responses to the opioid epidemic in the United States, including efforts to monitor and limit prescriptions for noncancer pain, may be affecting patients with cancer. Oncologists' views on how the opioid epidemic may be influencing treatment of cancer-related pain are not well understood. METHODS: We conducted a multisite qualitative interview study with 26 oncologists from a mix of urban and rural practices in Western Pennsylvania. The interview guide asked about oncologists' views of and experiences in treating cancer-related pain in the context of the opioid epidemic. A multidisciplinary team conducted thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify and refine themes related to challenges to safe and effective opioid prescribing for cancer-related pain and recommendations for improvement. RESULTS: Oncologists described three main challenges: (1) patients who receive opioids for cancer-related pain feel stigmatized by clinicians, pharmacists, and society; (2) patients with cancer-related pain fear becoming addicted, which affects their willingness to accept prescription opioids; and (3) guidelines for safe and effective opioid prescribing are often misinterpreted, leading to access issues. Suggested improvements included educational materials for patients and families, efforts to better inform prescribers and the public about safe and appropriate uses of opioids for cancer-related pain, and additional support from pain and/or palliative care specialists. CONCLUSION: Challenges to safe and effective opioid prescribing for cancer-related pain include opioid stigma and access barriers. Interventions that address opioid stigma and provide additional resources for clinicians navigating complex opioid prescribing guidelines may help to optimize cancer pain treatment. more...

Background Caregivers of children with intestinal failure (IF) face difficult decisions without a clear best alternative. Providers assist in decision-making but often lack knowledge of caregiver perspectives. Using decision-making around anemia treatment as a focal point, we explored how caregivers of children with IF prefer to make decisions. Our goal was to offer insight to guide providers as they assist in decision-making. Methods We conducted 12 half-hour semistructured interviews with parents of children with IF. Interview questions addressed general decision-making and specifics of iron supplementation, including key factors and stakeholders in decision-making. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Two investigators coded the transcripts and inductively derived themes. Results Four themes were identified regarding decision-making. They involved the search for reliable, accurate, and positive information; the role of caretakers on the medical team; the relationships between caretakers and the medical team; and effective communication. Themes around anemia treatment included: identification of anemia by bloodwork; proactive supplementation; individualized regimens; prioritizing safety and convenience. Conclusions Understanding caregiver perspectives regarding anemia treatment in pediatric IF identifies opportunities for systematic quality improvement. more...

Highlights • What is the primary question addressed by this study? What is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of older adults with pre-existing major depressive disorder? • What is the main finding of this study? 73 older adults with pre-existing depression who participated in this study show no increase in depression, anxiety, or suicidality, as measured by the PHQ-9 and PROMIS anxiety scale before and after the pandemic. Findings from qualitative interviews conducted at the same time as the scales indicate that participants were upset by the governmental response and were more concerned about the risks of contracting the virus than the risks of isolation, but were experiencing decreased quality of life and anticipated that their mental health would suffer with continued physical distancing. • What is the meaning of the finding? Older adults with MDD showed resilience during the initial phase of the pandemic, but that will need additional resources, such as ways to maintain social connection, as the pandemic continues., Objective To determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of older adults with pre-existing major depressive disorder (MDD). Participants Participants were 73 community-living older adults with pre-existing MDD (mean age 69 [SD 6]) in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, and St Louis. Design and Measurements During the first two months of the pandemic, we interviewed participants with a semi-structured qualitative interview evaluating access to care, mental health, quality of life, and coping. We also assessed depression, anxiety, and suicidality with validated scales and compared scores before and during the pandemic. Results Five themes from the interviews highlight the experience of older adults with MDD: (1) They are more concerned about the risk of contracting the virus than the risks of isolation. (2) They exhibit resilience to the stress and isolation of physical distancing. (3) Most are not isolated socially, with virtual contact with friends and family. (4) Their quality of life is lower, and they worry their mental health will suffer with continued physical distancing. (5) They are outraged by an inadequate governmental response to the pandemic. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation symptom scores did not differ from scores before the pandemic. Conclusions Most older adults with pre-existing MDD show resilience in the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic but have concerns about the future. Policies and interventions to provide access to medical services and opportunities for social interaction are needed to help to maintain mental health and quality of life as the pandemic continues. more...

Introduction Patient-related factors determining implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) use for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with cardiomyopathy have not been well explored. To assess race and sex differences regarding ICD preferences in this patient population, we sought to analyze a diverse cohort of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews of 28 adults with severe HF and either (1) an ICD or (2) no ICD. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using an inductively developed codebook by independent investigators. Coding was fully adjudicated and transcripts were reviewed to identify themes. Results We recruited patients between 12/2015 and 06/2017, primarily from the outpatient cardiology clinic (24/28 = 86%). Half were women (50%) and 13/28 (46%) were black. Eight did not have an ICD. Neither race nor sex was associated with ICD. Four themes emerged: (1) HF requiring an ICD is profoundly disruptive to patients’ lives; (2) patients had positive, yet unrealistic opinions of ICDs; or (3) Patients had negative/ambivalent opinions of ICDs; (4) medical decision-making included aspects of shared decision-making and informed consent. Conclusions Patients without ICDs perceived less benefit from ICDs and had less decision support. Participants viewed conversations with providers as insufficient. Needed interventions include the development and validation of processes for informed decisions about ICDs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40119-020-00180-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. more...

Prescription opioids can treat acute pain in primary care but have potential for unsafe use and progression to prolonged opioid prescribing.To compare clinician-facing interventions to prevent unsafe opioid prescribing in opioid-naive primary care patients with acute noncancer pain.We conducted a multisite, cluster-randomized, 2 × 2 factorial, clinical trial in 3 health care systems that comprised 48 primary care practices and 525 participating clinicians from September 2018 through January 2021. Patient participants were opioid-naive outpatients, 18 years or older, who presented for a qualifying clinic visit with acute noncancer musculoskeletal pain or nonmigraine headache.Practices randomized to: (1) control; (2) opioid justification; (3) monthly clinician comparison emails; or (4) opioid justification and clinician comparison. All groups received opioid prescribing guidelines via the electronic health record at the time of a new opioid prescription.Primary outcome measures were receipt of an initial opioid prescription at the qualifying clinic visit. Other outcomes were opioid prescribing for more than 3 months and a concurrent opioid/benzodiazepine prescription over 12-month follow-up.Among 22 616 enrolled patient participants (9740 women [43.1%]; 64 American Indian/Alaska Native [0.3%]; 590 Asian [2.6%], 1120 Black/African American [5.0%], 1777 Hispanic [7.9%], 225 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [1.0%], and 18 981 White [83.9%] individuals), the initial opioid prescribing rates at the qualifying clinic visit were 3.1% in the total sample, 4.2% in control, 3.6% in opioid justification, 2.6% in clinician comparison, and 1.9% in opioid justification and clinician comparison. Compared with control, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for a new opioid prescription was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.46-1.18;In this cluster randomized clinical trial, comparison emails decreased the proportion of opioid-naive patients with acute noncancer pain who received an opioid prescription, progressed to treatment with long-term opioid therapy, or were exposed to concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine therapy. Health care systems can consider adding clinician-targeted nudges to other initiatives as an efficient, scalable approach to further decrease potentially unsafe opioid prescribing.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03537573. more...

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) women undergoing multiagent chemotherapy are at risk for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). There is a paucity of data on the experiences with menses of AYA women with cancer, their risk for HMB, and how they perceive menstrual suppression. Objective: This study aimed to (1) describe the attitudes and experiences of AYA women with a history of cancer regarding their menses and menstrual suppression and to (2) investigate facilitators and barriers to improve this aspect of oncologic care. Design/Methods: AYA women with a history of cancer completed individual semistructured interviews regarding their experiences, attitudes, and preferences around menstrual health. Two independent reviewers conducted a thematic analysis of transcribed interviews to elicit major themes. Results: We interviewed 20 young women with a history of cancer (mean age 19.9 years) who were treated with chemotherapy within the past 5 years. Themes included the following: (1) negative feelings and worry about menstrual bleeding; (2) positive attitudes toward menstrual suppression; (3) misconceptions about menstrual health; and (4) desire for tailored discussions about menstrual suppression. Conclusions: AYA women with a cancer history elucidate clear opinions regarding menstruation during chemotherapy, and many hold misconceptions regarding menses and menstrual suppression. Enhanced patient-provider communication and patient educational resources around menstrual health and menstrual suppression are needed to improve comprehensive oncologic care during chemotherapy. more...

Rationale: Although survival during critical illness is improving, little evidence exists to guide post-intensive care unit (ICU) care. Understanding patients' needs and priorities is fundamental to improving care quality. Objectives: To describe the evolution of patients' priorities for recovery across the spectrum of post-ICU care. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of 39 semistructured interviews conducted from 2005 to 2006 in participants' homes 19 days to 11 years after hospital discharge after critical illness. Adult critical illness survivors (N = 39) aged 20 years or older from multiple ICUs across the United Kingdom were purposively selected to maximize diversity with respect to time since diagnosis, disease severity, sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic group/status, region. age, ICU admitting diagnoses, and length of stay. We used the method of qualitative description to characterize patients' priorities for recovery and their evolution within and between individual patients across three post-ICU periods: ICU transition to wards, early period (approximately the first 2 mo) after discharge to home, and late period (>2 mo) after discharge to home. Results: The analysis revealed 12 core patient priorities during recovery: feeling safe, being comfortable, engaging in mobility, participating in self-care, asserting personhood, connecting with people, ensuring family well-being, going home, restoring psychological health, restoring physical health, resuming previous roles and routines, and seeking new life experiences. In general, priorities evolved from those pertaining to basic survival during the stay on wards to being broader and more aspirational by the late postdischarge period. Conclusions: Understanding patients' priorities for post-ICU care is critical for developing stakeholder-driven clinical guidelines. Engaging other stakeholders (e.g., family members, healthcare providers, and institutionalized and frail older adults) to inform the development of clinical guidelines for post-ICU care, together with the barriers and facilitators faced in achieving patient- and family-centered care, is an important next step. more...

Purpose:Although there is evidence of associations between social media (SM) use and mental well-being among the general population, these associations among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons are poorly understood. This study compared the influence of SM experiences on mental well-being between LGB and non-LGB persons.Design and Setting:Online cross-sectional survey.Participants:National sample of 2408 US adults aged 18 to 30 years.Method:We asked participants to provide examples of when SM affected their well-being separately in good and bad ways. We coded, summed, and used rate ratios (RRs) to compare responses of LGB and non-LGB individuals. Thematically similar codes were described and grouped into categories.Results:Most responses described positive SM effects. However, of 6 codes that were significantly more frequent among LGB respondents, only social capital (RR = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-2.12) described a positive effect. Five codes described negative effects of SM for LGB users: negative emotional contagion (RR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.04-1.58), comparison with others (RR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.01-1.62), real-life repercussions (RR = 1.86, 95% CI, 1.18-2.94), envy (RR = 2.49, 95% CI, 1.48-4.19), and need for profile management (RR = 2.32, 95% CI, 1.07-5.03).Conclusion:These findings suggest that, for LGB persons, gaining social capital from SM is valuable for establishing and maintaining connections. Increased negative SM experiences may pose a risk for the mental well-being of LGB individuals. more...

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the effectiveness of Glucose to Goal (G2G), a diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) model for primary care (PC). Methods PC providers and staff were recruited from 5 PC practices participating in the 18-month intervention to participate in focus groups and interviews, which were used to gain insights about their perspectives on DSMES and how G2G was implemented across the intervention. Data were collected by qualitative researchers at baseline, midpoint, and study completion. Results At baseline, PC participants held a favorable view of DSMES and welcomed having a diabetes educator (DE) in their practice. Most participants suggested DEs would be helpful in meeting patients’ nutrition needs but should give therapeutic advice only with a doctor’s oversight. Participants anticipated that having a DE onsite would mitigate transportation, scheduling, communication, and cost barriers. Participant viewpoints about G2G remained unchanged from midpoint to study end, while barriers regarding location and transportation were perceived as being reduced by having a DE in the practice. Despite referral rates remaining low in some practices, many concerns stated at earlier timepoints appeared to have been attenuated by G2G components (eg, bringing the DE onsite, preidentifying patients, and DE ability to communicate and make diabetes management recommendations). Conclusions This study demonstrates that G2G, providing DSMES in PC, appeared to be a welcome service where acceptance of and enthusiasm for the model grew over the course of the intervention. more...

This study utilized focus groups of residents, who report adverse events at differing rates depending on their hospital site, to better understand barriers to residents’ reporting and identify modifiable aspects of an institution’s culture that could encourage resident event reporting. Focus groups included residents who rotated at 3 hospitals and represented 4 training programs. Focus groups were audio recorded and analyzed using qualitative methods. A total of 64 residents participated in 8 focus groups. Reporting behavior varied by hospital culture. Residents worried about damage to their professional relationships and lacked insight into the benefits of multiple reports of the same event or how human factors engineering can prevent errors. Residents did not understand how reporting affects litigation. Residents at other academic institutions likely experience similar barriers. This study illustrates that resident reporting is modifiable by changing hospital culture, but hospitals have only a few opportunities to mishandle reporting before resident reporting attitudes solidify. more...

Background Screening Wizard (SW) is a technology-based decision support tool aimed at guiding primary care providers (PCPs) to respond to depression and suicidality screens in adolescents. Separate screens assess adolescents’ and parents’ reports on mental health symptoms, treatment preferences, and potential treatment barriers. A detailed summary is provided to PCPs, also identifying adolescent-parent discrepancies. The goal of SW is to enhance decision-making to increase the utilization of evidence-based treatments. Objective This qualitative study aims to describe multi-stakeholder perspectives of adolescents, parents, and providers to understand the potential barriers to the implementation of SW. Methods We interviewed 11 parents and 11 adolescents and conducted two focus groups with 18 health care providers (PCPs, nurses, therapists, and staff) across 2 pediatric practices. Participants described previous experiences with screening for depression and were shown a mock-up of SW and asked for feedback. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and codebooks were inductively developed based on content. Transcripts were double coded, and disagreements were adjudicated to full agreement. Completed coding was used to produce thematic analyses of the interviews and focus groups. Results We identified five main themes across the interviews and focus groups: parents, adolescents, and pediatric PCPs agree that depression screening should occur in pediatric primary care; there is concern that accurate self-disclosure does not always occur during depression screening; SW is viewed as a tool that could facilitate depression screening and that might encourage more honesty in screening responses; parents, adolescents, and providers do not want SW to replace mental health discussions with providers; and providers want to maintain autonomy in treatment decisions. Conclusions We identified that providers, parents, and adolescents are all concerned with current screening practices, mainly regarding inaccurate self-disclosure. They recognized value in SW as a computerized tool that may elicit more honest responses and identify adolescent-parent discrepancies. Surprisingly, providers did not want the SW report to include treatment recommendations, and all groups did not want the SW report to replace conversations with the PCP about depression. Although SW was originally developed as a treatment decision algorithm, this qualitative study has led us to remove this component, and instead, SW focuses on aspects identified as most useful by all groups. We hope that this initial qualitative work will improve the future implementation of SW. more...

Uncertainty is common and impacts both patients and clinicians. The approach to uncertainty in medical trainees may be distinct from that of practicing clinicians and has important implications for medical education.Describe trainee approach to uncertainty with the use of chart-stimulated recall (CSR)-based interviews, as well as the utility of such interviews in promoting reflection about decision-making among senior internal medicine (IM) residents.Qualitative analysis of CSR-based interviews with IM residents.Senior IM residents rotating on inpatient night float at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from February to September 2019.Each participant completed one, 20-min CSR session based on a self-selected case in which there was uncertainty in decision-making. Interviews explored the sources of, approaches to, and feelings about uncertainty.Two independent coders developed a codebook and independently coded all transcripts. Transcripts were then analyzed using thematic analysis.The perceived acuity of the patient presentation was the main driver of the approach to and stress related to uncertainty. Perceived level of responsibility in resolving uncertainty during the overnight shift also varied among individual participants. Attending expression of uncertainty provided comfort to residents and alleviated stress related to uncertainty. Residents felt comfortable discussing their uncertainty and felt that the opportunity to think aloud during the exercise was valuable.Our study demonstrated a novel approach to the exploration of uncertainty in medical decision-making, with the use of CSR. Variations in resident perceived level of responsibility in resolving uncertainty during the overnight shift suggest a need for curriculum development in approach to uncertainty during night shifts. Though residents often experienced stress related to uncertainty, attending expression of uncertainty was an important mitigator of that stress, emphasizing the important role that the trainee-attending interaction plays in the diagnostic process. more...

Introduction: Rural populations routinely rank poorly on common health indicators including urologic cancer-specific mortality. While it is understood that rural residents face barriers to healthcare, the exact nature of these barriers has not been well described. In order to define these barriers, we performed a qualitative study to directly identify primary care physician perspective on healthcare access in rural areas. Methods: From January to August 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 primary care physicians practicing in rural areas within western Pennsylvania. We purposively sampled primary care physicians in rural counties in Pennsylvania. We then recruited additional participants using a snowball recruitment strategy, in which the initial interviewees recommend other potential participants in their field. Data was then transcribed, coded, and analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: Participants identify the following as major healthcare barriers rural residents face: access to specialists, lack of transportation to medical centers, and financial burden. Financial barriers impact patients’ willingness to obtain screenings measures and attend specialist appointments secondary to co-pays. Primary care physicians report patients experience numerous hardships after being referred to a specialist, as they often have to travel long distances, lack means of transportation, are unwilling to skip work, have low healthcare literacy, and tend to be suspicious of medical treatment. Conclusion: Rural residents face numerous barriers to obtaining healthcare. Policy to rectify this disparity should focus on improving local access to care, transportation to tertiary care centers, and financial assistance for preventative screening measures. more...

Chronic pain is a common comorbidity in people with HIV (PWH), with prevalence estimates of 25-85%. Research in this area is growing, but significant gaps remain. A Global Task Force of HIV experts was organized to brainstorm a scientific agenda and identify measurement domains critical to advancing research in this field. Experts were identified through literature searches and snowball sampling. Two online questionnaires were developed by Task Force members. Questionnaire 1 asked participants to identify knowledge gaps in the field of HIV and chronic pain and identify measurement domains in studies of chronic pain in PWH. Responses were ranked in order of importance in Questionnaire 2, which was followed by a group discussion. 29 experts completed Questionnaire 1, 25 completed Questionnaire 2, and 21 participated in the group. Many important clinical and research priorities emerged, including the need to examine etiologies of chronic pain in PWH. Pain-related measurement domains were discussed, with a primary focus on domains that could be assessed in a standardized manner across various cohorts that include PWH in different countries. We collaboratively identified clinical and research priorities, as well as gaps in standardization of measurement domains, that can be used to move the field forward. more...

BACKGROUND Health systems are increasingly implementing interventions to reduce older patients' use of low-value medications. However, prescribers' perspectives on medication value and the acceptability of interventions to reduce low-value prescribing are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To identify the characteristics that affect the value of a medication and those factors influencing low-value prescribing from the perspective of primary care physicians. DESIGN Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. SETTING Academic and community primary care practices within University of Pittsburgh Medical Center health system. PARTICIPANTS Sixteen primary care physicians. MEASUREMENTS We elicited 16 prescribers' perspectives on definitions and examples of low-value prescribing in older adults, the factors that incentivize them to engage in such prescribing, and the characteristics of interventions that would make them less likely to engage in low-value prescribing. RESULTS We identified three key themes. First, prescribers viewed low-value prescribing among older adults as common, characterized both by features of the medications themselves and of the particular patients to whom they were prescribed. Second, prescribers described the causes of low-value prescribing as multifactorial, with factors related to patients, prescribers, and the health system as a whole, making low-value prescribing a default practice pattern. Third, interventions addressing low-value prescribing must minimize the cognitive load and time pressures that make low-value prescribing common. Interventions increasing time pressure or cognitive load, such as increased documentation, were considered less acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that low-value prescribing is a well-recognized phenomenon, and that interventions to reduce low-value prescribing must consider physicians' perspectives and address the specific patient, prescriber and health system factors that make low-value prescribing a default practice. more...

Introduction: Human-centered design (HCD) training offers the potential to improve both team processes and products. However, the use of HCD to improve the quality of team science is a relatively recent application, and its benefits and challenges have not been rigorously evaluated. We conducted a qualitative study with health sciences researchers trained in HCD methods. We aimed to determine how researchers applied HCD methods and perceived the benefits and barriers to using HCD on research teams. Methods: We conducted 1-hour, semi-structured interviews with trainees from three training cohorts. Interviews focused on perceptions of the training, subsequent uses of HCD, barriers and facilitators, and perceptions of the utility of HCD to science teams. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s process for thematic analysis. Results: We interviewed nine faculty and nine staff trained in HCD methods and identified four themes encompassing HCD use, benefits, challenges, and tensions between HCD approaches and academic culture. Conclusions: Trainees found HCD relevant to research teams for stakeholder engagement, research design, project planning, meeting facilitation, and team management. They also described benefits of HCD in five distinct areas: creativity, egalitarianism, structure, efficiency, and visibility. Our data suggest that HCD has the potential to help researchers work more inclusively and collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams and generate more innovative and impactful science. The application of HCD methods is not without challenges; however, we believe these challenges can be overcome with institutional investment. more...

Individuals living with a serious mental illness are disproportionately affected by preventable and/or manageable chronic conditions. Integrated care and support for behavioral and physical health within community mental health provider (CMHP) settings, also known as behavioral health homes (BHH), can lead to improvements in care and cost outcomes. This study explored staff perceptions of barriers and facilitators to BHH implementation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with CMHP staff at baseline, 1, and 2 years after the start of implementation. We analyzed interviews to identify major themes. We conducted 65 total interviews with 30 unique staff members. Common barriers included staff turnover, hesitation to change care processes, and acute service user needs. Facilitators included agency-wide culture change, intervention champions, and integration of intervention processes into daily workflows. Despite common barriers, CMHP staff identified several elements related to successful BHH implementation, including the CMHP-wide cultural shift to comprehensively address health/wellness that benefitted service users and staff alike. more...

BACKGROUND Screening Wizard (SW) is a technology-based decision support tool aimed at guiding primary care providers (PCPs) to respond to depression and suicidality screens in adolescents. Separate screens assess adolescents’ and parents’ reports on mental health symptoms, treatment preferences, and potential treatment barriers. A detailed summary is provided to PCPs, also identifying adolescent-parent discrepancies. The goal of SW is to enhance decision-making to increase the utilization of evidence-based treatments. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study aims to describe multi-stakeholder perspectives of adolescents, parents, and providers to understand the potential barriers to the implementation of SW. METHODS We interviewed 11 parents and 11 adolescents and conducted two focus groups with 18 health care providers (PCPs, nurses, therapists, and staff) across 2 pediatric practices. Participants described previous experiences with screening for depression and were shown a mock-up of SW and asked for feedback. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and codebooks were inductively developed based on content. Transcripts were double coded, and disagreements were adjudicated to full agreement. Completed coding was used to produce thematic analyses of the interviews and focus groups. RESULTS We identified five main themes across the interviews and focus groups: parents, adolescents, and pediatric PCPs agree that depression screening should occur in pediatric primary care; there is concern that accurate self-disclosure does not always occur during depression screening; SW is viewed as a tool that could facilitate depression screening and that might encourage more honesty in screening responses; parents, adolescents, and providers do not want SW to replace mental health discussions with providers; and providers want to maintain autonomy in treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS We identified that providers, parents, and adolescents are all concerned with current screening practices, mainly regarding inaccurate self-disclosure. They recognized value in SW as a computerized tool that may elicit more honest responses and identify adolescent-parent discrepancies. Surprisingly, providers did not want the SW report to include treatment recommendations, and all groups did not want the SW report to replace conversations with the PCP about depression. Although SW was originally developed as a treatment decision algorithm, this qualitative study has led us to remove this component, and instead, SW focuses on aspects identified as most useful by all groups. We hope that this initial qualitative work will improve the future implementation of SW. more...

INTRODUCTION: Outpatient exam room presentations (OERPs) in resident continuity clinics could address several current challenges in graduate medical education including increasing patient satisfaction, enhancing patient-centered care, and operationalizing competency-based education through direct observation. The authors’ aim of this study was to explore the positive and negative aspects of OERPs as a precepting model in resident continuity clinics and to develop a list of best practices for medical educators to utilize when conducting OERPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors defined an OERP as a case presentation and subsequent discussion taking place inside the exam room with the attending physician, resident physician, and patient present. Following a 1-month pilot period of conducting OERPs in internal medicine resident continuity clinics, the authors conducted individual phone interviews and focus groups with internal medicine attendings and residents, respectively. The authors analyzed transcripts using thematic analysis and the constant comparative method. Sixteen attendings participated in individual phone interviews and four resident focus groups averaged five participants per group. RESULTS: Four main topics emerged: (1) effect of OERPs on patient care, (2) effect of OERPs on medical education, (3) barriers to OERPs, and (4) OERP best practices. CONCLUSION: Participants noted both positive and negative effects of OERPs on patient care and medical education. Best practices suggested to maximize these benefits and minimize drawbacks included targeting OERPs to certain types of clinical encounters and employing strategies to preserve the resident physician-patient relationship and resident autonomy. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s40670-020-01092-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. more...

Introduction:Shared decision-making (SDM) is a critical component of delivering patient-centered care. Members of vulnerable populations may play a passive role in clinical decision-making; therefore, understanding their prior decision-making experiences is a key step to engaging them in SDM.Objective:To understand the previous healthcare experiences and current expectations of vulnerable populations on clinical decision-making regarding therapeutic options.Methods:Clients of a local food bank were recruited to participate in focus groups. Participants were asked to share prior health decision experiences, explain difficulties they faced when making a therapeutic decision, describe features of previous satisfactory decision-making processes, share factors under consideration when choosing between treatment options, and suggest tools that would help them to communicate with healthcare providers. We used the inductive content analysis to interpret data gathered from the focus groups.Results:Twenty-six food bank clients participated in four focus groups. All participants lived in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. Four themes emerged: prior negative clinical decision-making experience with providers, patients preparing to engage in SDM, challenges encountered during the decision-making process, and patients’ expectations of decision aids. Participants also reported they were unable to discuss therapeutic options at the time of decision-making. They also expressed financial concerns and the need for sufficiently detailed information to evaluate risks.Conclusion:Our findings suggest the necessity of developing decision aids that would improve the engagement of vulnerable populations in the SDM process, including consideration of affordability, use of patient-friendly language, and incorporation of drug–drug and drug–food interactions information. more...

Objectives While some attention has been paid to men's contraceptive use and attitudes in international contexts, relatively little is known about the attitudes towards contraception and pregnancy of low-income, urban men in the U.S. Study design We conducted semi-structured interviews with 58 low-income men in Pittsburgh, PA, to explore their perspectives on contraception, pregnancy, fatherhood, and relationships. We analyzed the interviews using a combination of content analysis, the constant comparison method, and thematic analysis. Results Men who we interviewed frequently described feeling that they lacked agency regarding when pregnancies occurred and whether or not they became fathers. Several factors contributed to their sense of low agency, including the belief that women should control contraception and reproduction, a reluctance to have conversations about contraception in some contexts, a lack of acceptable male-controlled contraceptive methods, experiences with pregnancy-promoting behaviors by women, and fatalistic attitudes towards pregnancy occurrence. Conclusions Many men in our study described perceptions of limited reproductive agency. In describing their lack of agency, men reinforced contemporary gender norms in which the “work” of pregnancy prevention is a woman's responsibility. Responses to men's perceived limited reproductive agency should work towards deconstructing gendered norms in the work of pregnancy prevention and promote shared and mutual gender responsibility over reproduction while also supporting women's reproductive autonomy. Implications This study identifies several factors that contribute to low-income men's sense of low reproductive agency and highlights the complexity of acknowledging men's feelings and perceptions about reproductive control in the broader context of gender and power. more...

Women surgeons continue to face unique challenges to professional advancement. Higher attrition rates and lower confidence among female surgical residents suggest that experiences during residency differ by gender. Few studies have investigated gender-specific experiences during training. This study identifies gender-based differences in the experiences of general surgery residents that could affect professional development.Male and female general surgery residents at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center participated in a semi-structured interview study exploring the significance of gender in training. Recurring themes were identified from transcribed interviews using inductive methods. Two individuals independently coded interviews. Themes were compared for male and female residents. Certain themes arose with greater frequency in reference to one gender over the other.Twenty-four male and eighteen female residents participated (87.5%) in the study. Fewer female residents self-identified as a "surgeon" (11.1% versus 37.5%, P 0.001). Residents felt that patients and physicians more frequently disregarded female residents' professional role (P 0.001). Female residents also more often mentioned perceiving aggressive behaviors from attendings and support staff (9% versus 1% and 10% versus 3%, respectively). Relative to men, women more often mentioned lack of mentorship (0% versus 8%), discomfort (4% versus 8%), feeling pressured to participate in unprofessional behaviors (2% versus 5%), and having difficulty completing tasks (5% versus 10%, P 0.001).Women experience gender-based challenges during surgical training. Further investigation is needed to determine how these experiences affect professional development. more...

OBJECTIVE: Women experience a variety of changes at midlife that may affect sexual function. Qualitative research approaches can allow a deeper understanding of women’s experiences. We conducted 20 individual interviews and 3 focus groups among sexually active women aged 45–60 (total N=39) to explore how sexual function changes during midlife. METHODS: Interviews and focus groups were conducted by a trained facilitator using a semi-structured guide. All data were audio recorded and transcribed. Two investigators used a subsample of data to iteratively develop a codebook. The primary investigator coded all data. A second investigator coded a randomly selected 25% of interviews. Codes regarding changes in sexual function were examined and key themes emerged. RESULTS: The mean age was 52, and most women were peri-or postmenopausal. Fifty-four percent of women were white, 36% black, and 10% of another race. Participants discussed positive and negative changes in sexual function. The most common negative changes were decreased frequency of sex, low libido, vaginal dryness, and anorgasmia. Participants attributed negative changes to menopause, partner issues, and stress. Most participants responded to negative changes with adaptation, including changing sexual behavior and prioritizing different aspects of sex. Participants also reported positive changes, attributed to higher self-confidence, increased self-knowledge, and better communication skills with aging. CONCLUSIONS: In this qualitative study, women described experiencing both positive and negative changes in sexual function during midlife. When negative changes occurred, women often adapted behaviorally and psychologically. Providers should recognize that each woman’s experience is unique and nuanced and provide tailored care regarding sexual function at midlife. more...

Introduction: Early team experiences can influence the professional trajectories of early-career investigators profoundly, yet they remain underexplored in the team science literature, which has focused primarily on large, multisite teams led by established researchers. To better understand the unique challenges of teams led by early-career investigators, we conducted a qualitative pilot study.Methods: Interviews were conducted with the principal investigator and members of 5 teams led by KL2 and K12 scholars at the University of Pittsburgh. A code book was developed and thematic analysis was conducted.Results: Seven distinct themes emerged. Interview subjects reported a high level of trust and strong communication patterns on their teams; however, the data also suggested underlying tensions that have the potential to escalate into larger problems if unaddressed.Conclusions: This study yields a deeper understanding of teams led by early-career investigators, which can help us provide appropriately targeted training and support. more...

Objective Following the 2016 US presidential election, social media posts and news stories amplified concerns about the potential for reduced access to contraception under the incoming administration and urged women to seek long-acting reversible contraception. We aimed to describe women's concerns about future access to contraception, in their own words. Study design A social-media-based, anonymous online survey assessing thoughts and concerns about future access to contraception was distributed to reproductive-aged US women for 1 week in mid-January 2017. Participants who were concerned about future access to contraception could share their thoughts and feelings in an open-ended comments box. We qualitatively analyzed 449 written responses for content and themes, with the goal of characterizing key concerns. Results Women who provided written comments had a mean age of 28 years; 85% were white, 88% had at least a college degree, and 93% identified as Democratic or Democratic-leaning. Women were highly concerned about future affordability of contraceptive methods due to potential loss of insurance, reduced insurance coverage for contraceptive methods and reduced access to low-cost care at Planned Parenthood. Many also worried about increased restrictions on abortion. Participants' concerns regarding access to contraception and abortion centered around themes of reproductive and bodily autonomy, which women described as fundamental rights. Conclusions Women in this study expressed considerable fear and uncertainty regarding their future access to contraception and abortion following the 2016 US presidential election. The potential for restricted access to affordable contraception and abortion was viewed as an unacceptable limitation on bodily autonomy. Implications As the future of US health care policy is debated, many women are concerned about the impact of policy changes on their ability to access affordable contraception and abortion, which many view as essential to the preservation of bodily and reproductive autonomy. more...