Exploring the values, preferences, and information needs of patients with NKX2-1-related disorders: A qualitative study protocol

BACKGROUND: NKX2-1-related disorders have a prevalence of 1:500,000 and are therefore considered a rare condition according to the European Commission’s definition. The European Reference Network of Rare Neurological Disorders is developing the first clinical practice guideline on the management of this condition, with the support of the Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Area, Endo-ERN, ERN-Lung and Imegen, within the framework of the ERNs Guidelines programme (DG SANTE/2018/B3/030). Within the scope of this programme, it becomes necessary to explore the patient perspective in order to include it in the ongoing clinical practice guideline and accompanying patient information booklet. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will use qualitative methods to explore the values, preferences and information needs of patient with NKX2-1-related disorders and their caregivers. Participants will come from a variety of countries throughout Europe. One focus group and four semi-structured interviews will be conducted. Pairs will analyse the data using Grounded Theory. The Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health’s Ethics Coordinating Committee for Biomedical Research (Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain) has approved this study protocol (29/03/2022). DISCUSSION: This is the first study to explore the values, preferences, and information needs of patients with NKX2-1-related disorders. The proposed study’s findings will contribute to the generation of useful knowledge that will provide guidance to improve the care given to patients with the studied condition. While this study will provide valuable insights into the perspectives of patients with NKX2-1-related disorders, the findings are unlikely to be generalizable to patients with other conditions.