Clinical Study attributes
A previous NAMDC survey study (NAMDC 7414 - Diagnostic Odyssey Survey, referred to hereafter as Odyssey1), provided a benchmark account of the substantial challenges faced by patients in achieving a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease, and of the impact such a diagnosis has on them (Grier et al. 2018).1 This study was conducted from October 2015 through January 2016. We propose a new survey study (Odyssey2) which will provide an update, additional data collection (duration of the diagnostic odyssey), and allow assessment of next-generation DNA sequencing techniques since Odyssey1 concluded. Odyssey2 will retain the strengths (simplicity, brevity, confidentiality, and data quality assurance measures) which made Odyssey1 successful. While Odyssey2 adds some refinements based on experience learned from Odyssey1, the basic questions are changed as little as possible to maximize comparability, and the additions are limited. Odyssey1 consisted of between 16 and 23 questions, depending on skip patterns, and took an estimated 15 minutes to complete. Odyssey2 consists of between 23 and 33 questions, depending on skip patterns and we estimate that it will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. As in Odyssey1, only patients who report, directly or through a guardian, that they have been informed by a doctor that they have a confirmed mitochondrial disorder will be eligible for Odyssey2.
