Infliximab paediatric Crohn's disease educational plan: a European, cross-sectional, multicentre evaluation
Alejandro Arana1, Sam Allen, Jörg Burkowitz
1RiskMR Pharmacovigilance Services, Zaragoza, Spain.
Drug Safety
|May 22, 2010
Summary
The Infliximab Paediatric Crohn's Disease Educational Plan successfully educated healthcare professionals on infliximab risks. While most physicians are aware of benefits and risks, further education is needed on patient alert cards and sponsor outreach in specific countries.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacovigilance
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- A risk management plan for infliximab in pediatric Crohn's disease included an educational program for prescribers.
- The program focused on educating physicians about the risks associated with infliximab use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the infliximab risk minimization plan for pediatric Crohn's disease.
Main Methods:
- The evaluation assessed sponsor personnel training and physician awareness across European countries.
- Physicians were surveyed using structured questionnaires to gauge their knowledge of infliximab benefits and risks.
Main Results:
- Internal staff training was completed successfully across all European countries.
- Over 90% of physicians were aware of infliximab's benefits and risks; however, awareness of patient alert cards varied significantly.
- Physician awareness of the educational program itself was lower, particularly in Germany and the UK.
Conclusions:
- The educational plan was largely effective in increasing physician awareness of infliximab risks.
- Further efforts are required to improve physician education on patient alert cards and sponsor engagement in certain regions.
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