Poster
24
(#24) Patient-Defined Goal Attainment and Progress in the PatientsLikeMe (PLM) Community: Insights From a Longitudinal, Quantitative, Decentralized Study Using the PLM Platform
Psych Congress 2025
Abstract: Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability, and many patients do not achieve remission. Goal-setting can direct desirable behavioral changes and improve patient-provider engagement. This patient-centric study captured real-world outcomes on goal attainment and patient engagement via the PatientsLikeMe (PLM) platform.
Methods: Decentralized, longitudinal, observational study enrolled US-based adults with MDD from the PLM online community and a recent antidepressant start or switch. Participants completed surveys at baseline, week (W) 12, and W24. Secondary endpoints included setting 3 goals using Goal Attainment Scale Adapted for Depression (GAS-D); PGI-I, PDQ-D5, WHO-5, CD-RISC-10, Q-LES-Q-SF, and PHQ-9 scores; and patient engagement. Primary and key secondary results were previously reported.
Results: Participants reflected population diversity (N=503; 38% non-White). At baseline, 56% of participants reported discussing treatment goals with their HCP, and 33% had personal health goals, of which 53% were developed with an HCP. By W12, 61% reported discussions about goal-setting, and 49% received HCP guidance; ~90% of participants were willing to use a goal-tracking tool, and 87% preferred mobile apps. GAS-D scores significantly correlated with improvements in depression severity (PHQ-9, W12: P.001; W24: P.01), cognitive function (PDQ-D5, W12: P.001), resilience (CD-RISC-10, W12: P.001), and life satisfaction (Q-LES-Q-SF, W24: P 0.05). Retention rate reflecting patient engagement was 95% at W12 and 90% at W24.
Conclusion: The diverse population and exceptionally high retention rate in this study underscore the role of community in understanding patient experiences and informing care models. These findings support the clinical relevance of patient-defined goals in MDD.
Short Description: Using the PatientsLikeMe community, a 24-week real-world study was conducted in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) to assess goal-setting behaviors and clinical outcomes. Surveys at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks achieved >90% retention. Respondents reported their history with personal health goals and interest in tracking goals within the study platform. As goal attainment correlated with improved MDD outcomes, this study highlights opportunities to increase the use of goal-setting in driving better treatment outcomes.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): The study was funded by Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. Medical writing was funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Cambridge, MA, US
Methods: Decentralized, longitudinal, observational study enrolled US-based adults with MDD from the PLM online community and a recent antidepressant start or switch. Participants completed surveys at baseline, week (W) 12, and W24. Secondary endpoints included setting 3 goals using Goal Attainment Scale Adapted for Depression (GAS-D); PGI-I, PDQ-D5, WHO-5, CD-RISC-10, Q-LES-Q-SF, and PHQ-9 scores; and patient engagement. Primary and key secondary results were previously reported.
Results: Participants reflected population diversity (N=503; 38% non-White). At baseline, 56% of participants reported discussing treatment goals with their HCP, and 33% had personal health goals, of which 53% were developed with an HCP. By W12, 61% reported discussions about goal-setting, and 49% received HCP guidance; ~90% of participants were willing to use a goal-tracking tool, and 87% preferred mobile apps. GAS-D scores significantly correlated with improvements in depression severity (PHQ-9, W12: P.001; W24: P.01), cognitive function (PDQ-D5, W12: P.001), resilience (CD-RISC-10, W12: P.001), and life satisfaction (Q-LES-Q-SF, W24: P 0.05). Retention rate reflecting patient engagement was 95% at W12 and 90% at W24.
Conclusion: The diverse population and exceptionally high retention rate in this study underscore the role of community in understanding patient experiences and informing care models. These findings support the clinical relevance of patient-defined goals in MDD.
Short Description: Using the PatientsLikeMe community, a 24-week real-world study was conducted in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) to assess goal-setting behaviors and clinical outcomes. Surveys at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks achieved >90% retention. Respondents reported their history with personal health goals and interest in tracking goals within the study platform. As goal attainment correlated with improved MDD outcomes, this study highlights opportunities to increase the use of goal-setting in driving better treatment outcomes.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): The study was funded by Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. Medical writing was funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Cambridge, MA, US
