Abstract Rationale Parenteral prostacyclin therapy is a gold-standard for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment (PAH) and is recommended for intermediate-high and high-risk patients. Despite guidelines, parenteral therapy is underutilized. Patient hesitancy partially contributes to underuse. Previous patient surveys indicate that improvement to infusion pumps may help increase acceptance of parenteral treatment. Recently, a new subcutaneous pump was released, the RemunityPROTM for Remodulin®. Prior to release, we convened panels to discuss the updated pump and collect patient feedback. By understanding the patient’s perspective and feedback we hope to improve and increase accessibility to subcutaneous therapy. Methods Panelists with PAH were recruited by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and participated in either a pump experienced (n = 5) or new to pump therapy (n = 3) virtual discussion group. Panelists were asked to watch six RemunityPRO pump user guide videos prior to the meeting. During the 45-minute meeting each group was given a demonstration of the RemunityPRO and asked similar questions to understand their perceptions of pump education tools, concerns, and insights for subcutaneous therapy and the new pump. Results During the panel, participants provided feedback on the pump function, comfort and daily living aspects of RemunityPRO. The user guide videos were appreciated for being short and clear and the small pump, simplified cassette change, and automatic priming process were noted improvements compared to other devices by experienced pump users. Both panels expressed concerns over site pain and the reliance on a remote. Participants recommended that patients are prepared with realistic expectations and coping strategies for site pain management. It was suggested that a phone app for the pump would help alleviate concerns about forgetting the remote. Overall, the panels felt the device changes made the device simpler and more reliable, which would give them more independence. Patients appreciated being heard and valued being part of therapy development. Conclusions Participants appreciated the compact, convenient nature of the RemunityPRO, and saw it as minimally invasive with easy-to-follow instructions. By continuing to listen to patient insights we can drive better clinical outcomes and patient experiences. This abstract is funded by: United Therapeutics
Ismail et al. (Fri,) studied this question.