Search

This observational study assessed the prevalence of co-existing type 2 inflammatory conditions [T2Cs; asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)] in patients with moderate-to-severe (M/S) type 2 asthma, M/S CRSwNP, or M/S AD, in the real-world setting. Data from 761 physicians in the US and EUR5 were sourced from Adelphi Disease-Specific Programmes covering patients with M/S asthma (n = 899), M/S CRSwNP (n = 683), and M/S AD (n = 1497). At least one T2C was identified in 66%, 69%, and 46% of M/S asthma, M/S CRSwNP, and M/S AD cohorts, respectively, and 24%, 36% and 16% had at least two T2Cs; trends were similar in the US and EUR5. In patients with M/S asthma or M/S CRSwNP, T2Cs commonly presented as mild or moderate. The comorbidity burden suggests that an integrated treatment approach is warranted to address underlying type 2 inflammation in patients with M/S type 2 diseases., Author(s): Asif H. Khan [sup.1], Imène Gouia [sup.1], Siddhesh Kamat [sup.2], Robert Johnson [sup.3], Mark Small [sup.4], James Siddall [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.417924.d, Sanofi, , Chilly-Mazarin, France (2) grid.418961.3, [...]

Although it seems reasonable to assume that start-up packages are important for faculty success, the contribution of start-up packages to faculty professional development is understudied. The aim of this study was to explore how the number of benefits obtained in start-up package agreements (number of benefits), faculty satisfaction with the start-up packages (faculty satisfaction), and faculty perception if the university honored the start-up package agreements (honored packages) influenced faculty perception of the contribution of start-up packages to faculty professional development (contribution to professional development). Professional development is a planned activity that improves faculty member's knowledge and skills that are essential to their performance. Faculty at all ranks (N = 121) from a public research university from the southeastern U.S. completed a Start-Up Package Satisfaction Survey. To measure the contribution to professional development, we asked participants to rate their level of agreement with the following statement, "My start-up package has helped me or contributed to my professional development." Multiple mediation analyses revealed that: (1) number of benefits was positively associated with contribution to professional development, (2) both honored packages and faculty satisfaction mediated the link between number of benefits and contribution to professional development in a parallel fashion, and (3) honored packages and faculty satisfaction also sequentially mediated the link between number of benefits and contribution to professional development. The findings are valuable for university practice because they provide evidence of the importance of faculty satisfaction with start-up packages as well as faculty perception of university fair treatment and accountability.

BackgroundImproper use of bronchodilators is associated with poor disease control, nonadherence to long-term therapy, and poor clinical outcomes. Our current understanding of factors associated with correct inhaler use and adherence is limited. We measured physician-and patient-reported confidence in device usage and associations with treatment adherence and COPD-related health status.MethodsThis was an analysis of a US observational, point-in-time survey of physicians and patients. Physicians who met study eligibility criteria completed surveys for 5 consecutive, eligible patients who were then invited to respond to questionnaires. We assessed patient demographics, type of prescribed inhaler device(s), device training, COPD severity, comorbidities, physician-and patient self-reported confidence in device usage, treatment adherence, and health status.ResultsCompleted questionnaires for 373 patients were provided by 134 physicians. Complete confidence in device usage was observed for 22% and 17% of patients as reported by patients and physicians, respectively. Greater confidence was associated with higher self-reported adherence to inhaler usage. Physicians were more likely than patients to report lower levels of patient confidence in device usage. High physician- and patient-reported confidence were associated with more favorable health status. Predictors of confidence in device usage included fewer comorbidities, no depression, and higher education levels.ConclusionLow confidence in inhaler usage was associated with lower adherence and poor COPD-related health status. Choice of inhaler device tailored to patients' ability to use specific devices and ongoing education to support optimal inhaler usage may improve patient confidence and enhance both adherence and health status.

Start-up packages are a tool for a successful transition to an academic career. This institutional case study examined the faculty experience with start-up packages at one public university in the Southeastern United States, including gender differences, content, negotiation, and perceived outcomes. A mixed-method research design was utilized to answer the study research questions. Data were gathered through an online survey with quantitative and qualitative questions. Data from 121 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, and thematic analysis. Most start-up package agreements included moving expenses, personal computers and software, and start-up funds. Conversely, child daycare, guaranteed junior sabbatical, and salary advancement were the most missing benefits in the agreements. Male faculty obtained, significantly more often than female faculty, a specific number of years for secure funding, laboratory space, and student or postdoc funding in their agreements. Faculty, in general, were not well prepared for the negotiation process and were not aware of what they needed to establish a successful research program. Universities should focus more on the influence of start-up packages on faculty careers because perceived unfair treatment during the negotiation process or administration can influence faculty performance and turnover intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]