Survey of Multiple Myeloma Patients, APPs Reveal Desire for Increased Educational Resources

Dwight Macero, PA-C, MS, of University of Colorado Health, discusses the results from a survey of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and advanced practice providers (APP) who treat MM.

The survey included 200 patients with MM and 100 APPs, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs), who revealed a desire for increased educational resources surrounding the treatment and diagnosis of the blood cancer. The survey was conducted as part of the collaborative ASPHO/Janssen Make it HAPPEN Research project and presented at JADPRO Live 2023, the Annual APSHO Meeting.

Macero, who was one of the clinical consultants on the survey, provided an overview from the perspective of a PA. “The survey gave a better insight into any gaps or needs that are unmet in delivering care from both the [APP] perspective as well as the patient perspective,” he said.

As a clinical consultant, Macero helps tailor the survey’s content and takes part in disseminating and reviewing the survey’s data in conjunction with ASPHO and Janssen.

“The survey validated a few things,” Macero said. “It validated that patients find their relationships with [APPs] as critical to getting their care.”

30% of patient respondents incorrectly identified nurses as an APP, but following educational intervention, 93% of patients with an APP on their care team marked them as “essential to MM care.”

“[The survey] also validated that [APPS] are passionate about being more involved in delivering care to [MM] patients,” Macero continued.

According to Macero, half of the APPs surveyed expressed a desire to become more involved in reviewing progression of disease and available treatment options, as well as advocating for patients to receive the current standard of care.

“It was great to see that data,” Macero reflected. “It was great to see the passion and appreciation from both sides, and the desire to continue delivering the best care for patients. Having that premise will translate to improving the delivery of care, and clinical care overall, now that we’re identifying these needs.”