EUPPNES: Patient experiences and Real-world Evaluation of treatment with esketamine nasal spray in Treatment-Resistant Depression: REN - TRD

The antidepressant clinical effect of ESK has been demonstrated in several randomized studies, but research on patient experiences is limited and there are few studies focusing on treatment evaluations in a clinical context.

The current project uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to highlight different aspects of the treatment. The qualitative part is based on semi-structured interviews with patients, with the aim of exploring three themes: the recovery process, quality of life and function; experiences of contact with healthcare personnel and the clinical environment; and patients' subjective experiences of the treatment, including its temporary mind-altering effects.

The first sub-study, with a person-centered perspective on patients' experiences, has been published. The quantitative part consists of a retrospective observational study based on analysis of already available medical record data. The aim is to describe patient characteristics in a clinical context during treatment with nasal esketamine, follow the development of depressive symptoms, and identify potential improvements in terms of function and return to work.