D1.350 - A patient-centric approach to chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP): developing tools to improve disease management and outcomes

CRSwNP is predominantly driven by type 2 inflammation and associated with chronic sino-nasal symptoms, disease burden and reduced QoL. Comorbid disease can further impact management. Treatment objectives are to reduce severity, improve symptom control, and achieve a state of disease remission. The inflammatory nature of CRSwNP may not be sufficiently recognised in treatment plans, thus management of outcomes including chronicity, severity and control may not be optimised. The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate a patient management plan (PMP) to be used by HCPs in clinical practice to improve the standard of care in Europe for patients with CRSwNP. 

A working group of six ENT specialists and one patient organisation representative (POR) who were part of a larger group, the European CRSwNP Alliance, developed a PMP for use by HCPs (Figure). An online survey to evaluate the design and potential utility in clinical practice was disseminated to ENTs with a specific interest in rhinology/biotherapy and PORs in Dec 2024 (Table). Responses were used to refine the PMP design. A second survey will be disseminated in Jan 2025 to regional CRSwNP Alliance members across Europe to gain country-specific input on the utility of the PMP and future recommendations for patients and HCPs.

Survey respondents (N=12) generally agreed that key themes detailed in the initial PMP including sinonasal symptoms, comorbidities, treatment, and follow-up management were likely to be effective in improving patient management (Table). Respondents felt the PMP would improve patient outcomes and understanding of CRSwNP as a chronic inflammatory disease (mean rating 4.33/5.00), with anticipated benefits in care and outcomes, consultations and shared decision-making. Respondents noted that accessibility and education for patients should be considered. Implementation of the PMP in clinical practice could be facilitated through an online platform, reference guides, online training materials, or detailed written materials (e.g. adoption in guidelines).

A PMP was developed based on input from ENTs and PORs, encompassing symptoms, comorbidities, treatment management, and follow-up recommendations for patients with CRSwNP. The PMP could provide guidance to facilitate timely diagnosis and proactive patient management, in line with the chronic inflammatory nature of CRSwNP, to enhance shared decision-making and patient-centric personalised care.