Academic Physician Specialists’ Approaches to Counseling Patients Interested in Unproven Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies—A Qualitative Analysis

Patients seeking stem cell therapies—a prospective qualitative analysis from a Regenerative Medicine Consult Service

“…This may require additional time to counter preconceived beliefs that might be inaccurate and may present challenges to effectively correct. Physicians can use both informational and relational approaches to counsel patients 33 . They can provide fact-based information and alert patients to credible sources of information but be careful that in doing so does not discount or dismiss patients’ knowledge or their concerns over their illness 34 .…”

Tiered approach to considering orthobiologics for patients with musculoskeletal conditions

“…7 Additional obligations for such tier 2 recommendations require that patients are well-informed while expectations and costs are not unrealistic. 8…”

“…Early clinical trial results support BMAC as an effective biologic to reduce pain and improve quality of life though not necessarily superior to other standard of care treatments 7. Additional obligations for such tier 2 recommendations require that patients are well-informed while expectations and costs are not unrealistic 8. Although patient preferences are a central feature in shared decision-making in healthcare and regulatory decision-making, patient preferences and professional judgement are not meant to substitute clinical safety and efficacy data during clinical decision-making.…”

Role of Physicians in Guiding Patients Away From Unproven Stem Cell Interventions

“…13 Informational and relational approaches are both used when counseling patients. 14 Many specialists are comfortable discussing unproven SCIs; however, about one-third, including junior practitioners, feel underprepared to give advice. 14,15 Learning about the risks of unproven SCIs and where to refer patients are important, but even more benefit can be gained by improving communication skills and expressing appropriate empathy.…”

“…When a physician dismisses their interest, patients may be more inclined to visit unproven-SCI clinics where practitioners make them feel heard and entice them with false hopes. 14,24 Accordingly, physicians should practice being nonjudgmental 19 ; they should invite questions and carefully listen to clarify what patients know about SCIs and why they are interested. They should also avoid overstating their own concerns about the legitimacy of SCIs.…”