Op0331-Hpr barriers to Shared Decision-Making With Women of Reproductive Age Affected by Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Abstract

Background:Previous research has indicated that women with a chronic inflammatory disease (CID) are likely to discontinue treatment during pregnancy. [1] Reasons for this are complex, including sub-optimal integration of shared decision-making (SDM) into practice.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to assess: 1) physicians’ competencies in risk assessment, treatment and management of women of reproductive age (WoRA) with a CID, and 2) clinical gaps, barriers and challenges to SDM with these patients.Methods:A mixed-methods needs assessment was conducted. [2] Participants included rheumatologists and dermatologists practicing in Germany, United Kingdom, or United States, with at least three years of experience. Exposure to patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis or psoriasis was required. A first phase involved collection and thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews to identify main challenge areas. The second phase consisted of online surveys to validate and quantify identified challenges, gaps and barriers. Chi-square and Kruskal Wallis H statistical tests were performed to assess differences by specialty, country and gender. Qualitative and quantitative findings were triangulated with insight from experts in medical education and relevant behavioural and clinical fields. [3] The present summary reports data pertaining to rheumatologists only.Results:A total of 24 interviews and 173 surveys were completed with rheumatologists. Depending on the country and specific item, 22% to 64% reported having sub-optimal knowledge of treatment options, patient education aids, and strategies to assess treatment adherence among WoRA with a CID (see figure 1). In addition, 36% reported having sub-optimal knowledge of methods to achieve SDM. Unplanned pregnancies were reported as a barrier to prescribing biologics to WoRA with a CID. Yet, 61% of rheumatologists reported having sub-optimal skills discussing contraceptive methods with patients. In addition, 41% reported having sub-optimal skills adjusting treatment according to changes in pregnancy status or child-bearing aspirations. Few differences in clinical gaps were observed by gender. Notably, a greater proportion of male rheumatologists reported having sub-optimal skills approaching WoRA in a way that makes them feel comfortable discussing their health concerns, compared to female rheumatologists (52% vs. 30%, p=0.046). This skill gap was identified as a contributing barrier to SDM with these patients.Conclusion:This study identified multiple challenges, gaps and barriers relevant to rheumatologists that prevent optimal SDM, risk assessment, treatment and management of WoRA with CID. Findings may be used to develop medical education and continuous professional development interventions for target learners.References:[1]Tsao NW, Lynd LD, Sadatsafavi M, Hanley G and De Vera MA. Patterns of biologics utilization and discontinuation before and during pregnancy in women with autoimmune diseases: a population-based cohort study.Arthritis Care Res.,2018;70(7):979-986.[2]Creswell JW, Klassen AC, Plano Clark VL, Smith KC. Best practices for mixed methods research in the health sciences, 2nd Ed. Bethesda: NIH, 2018:541-545,.[3]Turner SF, Cardinal LB, Burton RM, A triangulation-based framework and roadmap.Organ. Res. Methods,2017;20(2): 243-26.Acknowledgments:This research was financially supported with educational funds from UCB BioPharma SRL. The authors thank T. Kellner for his contribution.Disclosure of Interests:Suzanne Murray: None declared, Rebecca Fischer-Betz Consultant of: UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, Medac, MSD, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Pfizer., Monica Augustyniak: None declared, Jenny Murase Consultant of: I have led advisory boards for UCB., Speakers bureau: I have done non-branded talks on psoriasis management in women for UCB., Catherine Nelson-Piercy Consultant of: I have received consultancy fees from UCB, Speakers bureau: I have received fees for speaking from UCB., Ivo Vlaev Consultant of: For UCB., Speakers bureau: For UCB, Pfizer, Novartis and boehringer Ingelheim., Cecile Ecoffet Shareholder of: UCB, Employee of: UCB, Morgan Peniuta: None declared, Dean Jenkins Employee of: UCB

Management of chronic rheumatic diseases in women 18–45 years of age in Asia Pacific: insights from patient and clinician surveys

“…Prescribing habits could also be impacted by the lack of experience among clinicians managing CRD in female patients who become pregnant [12]. In a recent study in the U.S. and Europe, 41% of physicians reported having suboptimal skills in adjusting treatment according to the different life stages of their female patients [17]. Similarly, many clinicians in this APAC survey were uncertain about the appropriate treatment to use during pregnancy.…”

Exposure to biologic therapy before and during pregnancy in patients with psoriasis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Research shows that both specialists and patients feel they lack the knowledge and skills needed to manage IMIDs during the childbearing age. A 2021 study 49 reported on interviews of dermatologists and rheumatologists regarding the management of chronic inflammatory disease before, during, and after pregnancy. Professionals perceived a lack of competence for advising patients about pregnancy and family planning; a preference to leave pregnancy-related discussions to obstetricians and/or gynaecologists; and a There is one pregnancy 74 exposed to IFX and CZP that computes in both biological therapies.…”