Challenging Misinformation and Engaging Patients: Characterizing a Regenerative Medicine Consult Service

Abstract

Aim: To address the unmet needs of patients interested in regenerative medicine, Mayo Clinic created a Regenerative Medicine Consult Service (RMCS). We describe the service and patient satisfaction. Materials & methods: We analyzed RMCS databases through retrospective chart analysis and performed qualitative interviews with patients. Results: The average patient was older to elderly and seeking information about regenerative options for their condition. Patients reported various conditions with osteoarthritis being most common. Over a third of consults included discussions about unproven interventions. About a third of patients received a clinical or research referral. Patients reported the RMCS as useful and the consultant as knowledgeable. Conclusion: An institutional RMCS can meet patients’ informational needs and support the responsible translation of regenerative medicine.

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

“…Direct advertising targets patients who have serious illnesses or painful injuries that are refractory to conventional treatments. 3,5 Advertisements for treatments misinform patients by emphasizing the general promise of regenerative medicine and strongly imply that they are scientifically legitimate. Potential clients are targeted on websites, in seminars, and through social media, typically with testimonials from patients (actual or purported) and celebrities.…”

Unproven stem cell interventions: A global public health problem requiring global deliberation

“…The target demographic for unproven SCIs are older adults who are avid seekers of information on stem cells and regenerative interventions ( Smith et al., 2020 ). Patients receiving unproven SCIs have resulted in neoplastic, neurologic and cardiovascular complications, and infections, some of which have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality ( Bauer et al., 2018 ).…”

Stem cell preservation for regenerative therapies: ethical and governance considerations for the health care sector

“…As with any service, properly informing consumers through a robust information-sharing platform is key to preventing misunderstanding of the services being offered. This is particularly essential for this highly vulnerable population of patients and their families which are in need of a regenerative therapy most of whom have exhausted conventional options 36 . As future application of stored cells is by no means guaranteed because it is contingent on the development of treatments, organizations should emphasize that users are paying solely for stem cell isolation and storage services and that there is no guarantee a client will need these cells or that a treatment will exist where the cells could be used in the future.…”