CHARLES A. BUNDY, MD

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This study focused on understanding and defining "difficult-to-manage" and "treatment-refractory" psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition affecting how well patients respond to treatment. Researchers found that a significant number of patients with PsA do not get better even with the best available therapies, with potential contributing factors like inflammation and other health issues. They created specific guidelines to better identify these challenging cases, which can lead to improved care for affected individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with psoriatic arthritis and their doctors by providing clearer definitions and criteria for managing difficult cases.

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This study looked at how to effectively deliver HIV prevention medication, known as PrEP, to young people aged 12 to 24 in the U.S. Researchers reviewed 10 studies and found that using a mix of modern technology, support from healthcare providers, and personalized guidance helped improve both the regular use of PrEP and young people's engagement with healthcare clinics. It’s important to address these barriers since many young people in this age group still don’t have access to PrEP. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and young adults at risk of HIV.

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This study looked at the challenges faced by diagnostic radiographers in the UK who work varied shift patterns. Researchers found that 70% of the radiographers reported feeling burned out, and 30% showed signs of depression, with many believing that their current working conditions were negatively affecting their health. This is important because it highlights the severe impact of staffing shortages and challenging shift schedules on the well-being of healthcare workers, which can ultimately affect patient care. Who this helps: This helps radiographers and ultimately the patients who rely on their imaging services.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the emotional well-being of nurses and nursing students in Wales. Researchers surveyed 287 participants and found that many experienced high levels of moral distress, especially those who had been moved to different roles or who cared for many COVID-19 patients; for example, those with 2-6 years of experience reported stronger feelings of distress. This matters because the stress and trauma from their work can lead to depression and cause some nurses to consider leaving the profession, highlighting the need for support systems for healthcare workers. Who this helps: This helps nurses and nursing students cope better with their emotional challenges during difficult times.

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This study looked at how long it takes for people with a certain type of arthritis, called axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), to get diagnosed after their first symptoms appear. On average, patients waited 7.4 years for a diagnosis, with the longest delays in South Africa and the shortest in Asia. Factors that caused longer delays included being younger when symptoms started, being female, seeing more healthcare providers before getting a diagnosis, and having a history of eye inflammation. Who this helps: This helps patients with axSpA and their doctors by highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and awareness of factors affecting delay.

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This study looked at how acceptably a new smartphone app called MiDerm could help adults with skin conditions manage their health. Researchers interviewed 43 people, mainly with vitiligo and psoriasis, and found that while many were open to using the app for support, they also highlighted some challenges, like needing more control and facing social barriers. The findings show that creating a supportive and informative tool could greatly improve the lives of these patients, so addressing their concerns is important for widespread use. Who this helps: Patients with skin conditions, particularly those with vitiligo and psoriasis.

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This study looked at how caring for people who have been incarcerated can be improved by involving those who have experienced it themselves in teaching future healthcare providers. The researchers focused on two women with personal stories of incarceration, collaborating with medical students and faculty to create a training program that emphasizes understanding the humanity of these individuals. They found that involving community members with lived experience can prepare future doctors to provide better care and advocate for systemic changes in healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients with histories of incarceration and the healthcare providers serving them.

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This study focused on creating a clear definition for a type of difficult-to-treat axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), particularly cases that don't respond to standard treatments. Researchers reviewed existing literature and used expert opinions through a structured process to develop a consensus definition, which highlights factors like treatment failure and ongoing problematic symptoms. The new definition was supported by 89% of experts at a recent meeting, aiming to further identify patients who need better treatment options and encourage more research. Who this helps: This benefits patients with difficult-to-treat axSpA, helping doctors better recognize their needs.

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This study looked at how different medical specialties can work together to better care for people with complex immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), which are autoimmune conditions that often occur together. Researchers found that a collaborative approach, where specialists share knowledge and resources, can significantly improve patients' quality of life and satisfaction with their care, compared to traditional methods that focus on individual diseases. For example, patients reported a better experience and improved control over their conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with multiple autoimmune diseases, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This research focused on improving healthcare for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the UK by gathering input from patients, caregivers, and clinicians about the biggest gaps in care. They found that out of 138 suggestions submitted, 118 (85.5%) related to how health services could be improved, highlighting issues like access to treatment, better communication, and inclusive care. Addressing these needs is important for ensuring that patients receive the best possible support and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with psoriatic arthritis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how nurses cope while caring for patients during severe viral pandemics, like COVID-19 and SARS. Researchers reviewed 71 studies and found that nurses faced significant stress due to factors like heavy workloads and inadequate protective equipment. These challenges affected their well-being and ability to provide care, highlighting the need for better support systems to help nurses deal with such crises in the future. Who this helps: This benefits nurses, healthcare managers, and policymakers.

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This study focused on creating a new tool called the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) to better understand how skin conditions affect people's lives. Researchers surveyed 983 adults with skin issues worldwide and found that a 16-item version of PRIDD effectively captures the physical, psychological, and social impacts of these conditions. This new measure is important because it has been designed with input from patients and shows reliable results, which could lead to better care and support for individuals with dermatological diseases. Who this helps: Patients with dermatological conditions.

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This study looks at how fatigue is defined and measured in adults suffering from long COVID, which affects 10% to 20% of COVID-19 survivors for at least three months. The researchers aim to gather and analyze different definitions and methods currently used to understand this fatigue, as there’s no standard way to describe it yet. Understanding this will help create better treatments and support for those struggling with long COVID fatigue. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing long COVID fatigue.

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This study looked at how axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) shows up differently in patients from various parts of the world by analyzing data from 5,557 patients across 27 countries. It found that symptoms typically start between the ages of 25 and 30, with the longest delays in diagnosis occurring in South Africa, while Asia had the lowest delays. Additionally, almost half of the patients had used biologic treatments, with more use seen in the Americas, highlighting significant differences in how axSpA affects people globally. Who this helps: This research helps patients and doctors by improving understanding of how axSpA varies by region, leading to better diagnosis and treatment.

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Researchers aimed to understand which aspects of living with skin diseases are most important to patients, as part of developing a new tool called the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD). Over 1,150 patients from 66 countries reviewed 263 potential issues related to their conditions, leading to 27 key items being chosen for the final measure. This tool is important because it will help ensure that the real-life effects of skin conditions are properly assessed, improving treatment and care strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with skin diseases by giving them a voice in how their health is measured and treated.

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This study looked at how useful and acceptable a specialized mental health service was for nurses dealing with stress and emotional challenges. It involved interviews with 20 nurses in Wales, revealing that many felt overwhelmed by their roles, especially after COVID-19. They reported that the service helped them regain their sense of self and provided much-needed support, with most participants rating it as extremely helpful. Who this helps: This benefits nurses and healthcare professionals experiencing mental health issues.

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Researchers examined the experiences of over 5,500 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) from 27 countries to understand how long it takes to get diagnosed and how often healthcare services are used. On average, patients waited 7.4 years and needed more than two doctor visits and diagnostic tests, with regions like North America and Europe having the most visits. This research highlights the significant delays and high healthcare use associated with axSpA, indicating a need for improved diagnosis and treatment accessibility. Who this helps: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis and their healthcare providers.

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The International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) studied the experiences of 5,557 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) from 27 countries. They found that the average time it took for patients to get diagnosed was 7.4 years, and 75% of participants were experiencing active disease. This research highlights the delays in diagnosis and the high burden of living with the disease, underscoring the need for better care and support for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the mental health of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) by analyzing data from over 5,500 individuals worldwide. It found that nearly 60% of these patients reported poor mental health, with the highest rates in South Africa (70%) and the lowest in Asia (52%). Factors like being younger, female, unemployed, or less physically active were linked to worse mental health, highlighting the need for care that addresses both physical and mental well-being. Who this helps: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how working mixed shifts affects the sleep, burnout, and overall well-being of doctors, particularly focusing on non-consultant doctors. Out of 13 studies reviewed, 85% found that shift work negatively impacted sleep, increased fatigue, and led to higher burnout levels, even when changes were made to the shift patterns. This is important because it suggests that such work schedules can harm healthcare workers' mental health, which may also affect patient care. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and their employers understand the mental health risks of shift work.

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Researchers developed a new tool called the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) to measure how skin conditions affect people's daily lives. In a study with 504 participants from 38 countries, PRIDD showed strong reliability and validity, meaning it accurately reflects patients' experiences and can be trusted to measure the impact of dermatological diseases. This tool is important because it is the first of its kind to meet rigorous quality standards, making it useful for both research and clinical practice. Who this helps: This helps patients with skin conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how sensory processing issues might contribute to fatigue in people with long COVID. Researchers compared 44 individuals suffering from long COVID fatigue with 44 healthy individuals and examined factors like mood and physical response to effort. They found that problems with how the body processes sensations are linked to increased fatigue and other symptoms, helping to explain why some people with long COVID feel so tired. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with long COVID and their doctors by providing insights into their fatigue.

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This study looked at how living with skin conditions affects adults, particularly their mental health and how they manage their symptoms. The researchers conducted eight group interviews with 43 adults, revealing that many feel a significant psychological burden and struggle to find reliable support. They found that while psychological help is beneficial, many patients lack access to it and want digital tools to help them manage their conditions better. Who this helps: Patients with skin conditions.

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This study analyzed a survey of over 5,500 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) to understand how many had active disease and what factors were related to it. They found that about 75% of patients reported having active disease, with even higher rates (87%) in South Africa compared to lower rates (68.5%) in Asia. Those with active disease faced more challenges in daily life, such as greater difficulty with work and worse mental health. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with axSpA and their doctors in managing treatment and improving quality of life.

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This study looked at gender differences in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), analyzing responses from over 5,500 individuals worldwide. It found that women experienced a longer diagnostic delay by about 2.4 years compared to men and had a lower likelihood of testing positive for the HLA-B27 gene. Understanding these differences is crucial because it can lead to better diagnosis and treatment options, ultimately reducing the impact of the disease on women's health. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially women with axial spondyloarthritis.

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This study examined how fatigue is defined and measured in people experiencing long COVID. Researchers looked at 9,839 studies published between January 2020 and May 2023 and found that only 21 of the 57 studies provided a definition of fatigue, revealing a wide range of interpretations, from physical and mental fatigue to emotional and psychosocial aspects. It’s important to standardize how fatigue is defined and measured to improve understanding and treatment for those affected by long COVID. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with long COVID fatigue and the doctors caring for them.

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This study looked at how young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in Chicago successfully stick to their pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, which helps prevent HIV. Researchers spoke to 19 highly adherent participants, who shared that they use a mix of psychological techniques (like mindfulness), practical tools (like reminders), and support from friends to stay on track with their medication. The findings highlight the importance of teaching new PrEP users how to adapt their strategies to overcome challenges, ensuring better adherence and health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who are starting on PrEP, especially young men who have sex with men.

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This study looked at how patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis felt about remote consultations using phone or video during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 126 respondents, 78% were satisfied with these remote appointments, and 21% wanted them to continue. However, 39% preferred a mix of remote and in-person visits, indicating not everyone found remote care ideal. Who this helps: This benefits patients managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by informing how their care can be improved in the future.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new survey called the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD), which measures how skin conditions affect people's lives. Researchers conducted interviews with 68 patients and surveyed 1,154 more to ensure the questions were meaningful and important. The results showed that patients found the survey clear and relevant, leading to a finalized version with 26 questions that better captures their experiences, which is important for improving treatment and support. Who this helps: This helps patients with skin conditions by giving them a voice in how their health affects their lives.

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This study looked at how registered nurses and nursing students experience moral distress, which occurs when they feel unable to do what they believe is right in their jobs. Researchers found that moral distress negatively affects their health and well-being, with 77 studies showing consistent themes across different regions and healthcare settings. Understanding these challenges is important because it can lead to better support for nurses, improving their job satisfaction and patient care. Who this helps: This helps nurses and nursing students by highlighting the need for emotional support in their work environments.

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This research looked at how changing lifestyle habits and using non-medical methods could improve the health of people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition that causes joint pain and skin problems. Out of more than 26,000 studies, only 8 studies specifically focused on changes like diet, exercise, and other non-drug therapies; however, they did not provide strong enough evidence to make clear recommendations. The findings suggested that being physically active might help reduce disease symptoms and improve mental health, but more studies are needed to confirm these effects. Who this helps: Patients with psoriatic arthritis.

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This research focused on creating helpful materials for people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) to support them in making healthier lifestyle changes. Experts worked together with patients to identify important topics, like diet and exercise, and developed resources like a website and postcards based on feedback from those patients. The goal was to provide clear, practical guidance tailored to the needs of PsA patients to improve their health and quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits patients with psoriatic arthritis.

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This study focused on understanding which aspects of living with skin diseases are most important to patients in Europe. Researchers gathered information from 441 patients and found that psychological impacts, such as anxiety and frustration, were the most significant issues affecting their lives. The study highlights the need for better psychological support for skin disease patients and provides valuable insights for healthcare providers and researchers looking to improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with dermatological diseases and healthcare providers who care for them.

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The study aimed to identify the most important research questions about psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by asking people who live with the condition, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. They gathered 988 questions through surveys, narrowed them down to 46, and then ranked them with 422 participants. The top question identified was about the best ways to manage PsA, covering both medication and non-medication strategies, among others, to guide future research. Who this helps: This helps patients with psoriatic arthritis and their doctors by focusing research on the issues that matter most to them.

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The APPRECIATE study looked at how effective the medication apremilast is for patients with psoriasis and how satisfied they are with it. Of the 480 people in the study, 90.9% reported that they received significant benefits from the treatment, with a mean score of 2.8 out of 4 on a patient benefit scale. The study found that those who had not tried other treatments before had even better results, meaning getting apremilast earlier could lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with psoriasis seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how dermatologists' personal beliefs and experiences affect their ability to engage patients in discussions about treatment for psoriasis, specifically when prescribing a new medication called Apremilast. It found that while many dermatologists support a patient-centered approach, not all apply it in practice, with concerns about the new medication influencing their decision-making. Improving training for doctors could enhance how they interact with patients and make treatment decisions together. Who this helps: This benefits patients with psoriasis by promoting better communication and shared decision-making with their doctors.

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This study looked at how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the thoughts and feelings of people in the UK, both those with existing health conditions and those without. Out of over 9,000 survey participants, more than 2,700 shared open-ended responses revealing three main ideas: many people felt a lack of control over their situation, experienced negative emotions based on their personal circumstances, and adopted various coping strategies to handle stress. These findings highlight the need for better support and communication strategies to help individuals manage their mental health and develop healthier habits during and after the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's moods and coping strategies in the UK, focusing on those with and without existing health issues. It involved over 9,000 adults, finding that those with physical health conditions had a 1.11 higher score for avoidant coping, while individuals with mental health conditions scored 3.06 higher, indicating they struggled more with coping compared to healthy participants. This matters because it highlights the need for psychological support and interventions to help those with pre-existing conditions manage their mental health during challenging times. Who this helps: This helps patients with existing health conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at African immigrants in the U.S. who have HIV to see how many were infected after moving to the country. They found that 29% of the participants likely caught HIV after arriving in the U.S., and less than half had tested negative before their HIV diagnosis. This is important because it shows that a significant number of African immigrants may be getting HIV after they arrive, highlighting the need for better prevention and testing strategies for this group. Who this helps: This helps African immigrants and healthcare providers who work with them.

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This study looked at how well vaccinated people manage COVID-19 infections compared to those who aren't vaccinated. The researchers found that vaccinated individuals had a shorter time of being contagious and experiencing symptoms, with fully vaccinated people being less likely to spread the virus. Specifically, those who were vaccinated for COVID-19 had significantly reduced viral shedding compared to those who were unvaccinated. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those at higher risk for severe illness, by reducing the chances of spreading the virus.

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Researchers studied how living with skin diseases affects people in various aspects of their lives. They interviewed 65 individuals from 29 different countries and found that the impact of these conditions is complex and includes physical, emotional, social, financial, and daily living challenges. This is important because it can help create a new way for patients to report how their dermatological conditions affect them, leading to better care and support. Who this helps: This helps patients with skin diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well digital tools, like apps and websites, help people with skin conditions improve their mental health and overall well-being. The researchers found 23 relevant papers, with reports showing that these digital interventions often helped improve knowledge, mood, and quality of life for patients, but results varied widely. This is important because it highlights the potential for digital solutions to provide accessible psychological support for those with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, despite some users facing challenges in using these tools. Who this helps: Patients with dermatological conditions seeking mental health support.

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This study looked at how young men who have sex with men in Chicago changed their use of PrEP, a medication to prevent HIV, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that many participants who had been taking PrEP regularly started skipping doses or stopped taking it altogether because they were having less sex; out of 28 people interviewed, those who were once consistent users reported falling off their routine. This is important because it highlights the need for better support and counseling to help people restart their PrEP use as sexual activity increases again, and suggests that telehealth can play a key role in maintaining medication adherence during challenging times. Who this helps: This research benefits young sexual minority men at risk of HIV.