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

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an upper airways disease predominantly characterized by type 2 (T2) inflammation, leading to reduced quality of life and patient/healthcare burden. Many patients remain underdiagnosed for T2 inflammation in clinical practice as it is not often defined/considered, resulting in inadequate disease management. This research aimed to develop and evaluate a patient management plan (PMP) to be used by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in clinical practice to improve the management and standardization of management of patients with CRSwNP in Europe.

A working group of six otorhinolaryngology (ORL) specialists and one patient advocacy group (PAG) representative, who form part of the European CRSwNP Alliance, developed the PMP. Two online surveys were disseminated to ORLs/PAGs and national CRSwNP Alliance members in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively, to evaluate the design and potential utility of the PMP in clinical practice across Europe.

Survey 1 respondents agreed that key themes in the initial PMP (patient symptoms, management of comorbidities, agreed treatment goals, follow-up management) were likely to be effective in improving patient management. Respondents across both surveys suggested that the PMP would improve shared decision-making, follow-up, adherence, and increase understanding of CRSwNP as a chronic inflammatory condition. They agreed that the PMP could standardize the management of CRSwNP across Europe.

The PMP could support patient-HCP education and communication, supplement management guidance, enhance shared decision-making, and ensure a timely, personalized, long-term treatment and management approach, including follow-up, for patients with CRSwNP.