BioAdvance Patient Support Program Survey: Positive Perception of Intravenous Infusions of Infliximab

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Patient Support Programs
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Infliximab (Remicade) is administered via intravenous infusion, managed by the BioAdvance patient support program (PSP) across Canada.
• Understanding patient perception of these infusions is crucial for optimizing care within patient support programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient perceptions of intravenous infusions for infliximab (Remicade) within the BioAdvance PSP.
• To identify factors influencing the patient experience with infliximab infusions.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 28 questions was administered to 1,712 patients in the BioAdvance PSP.
• Data collected included demographics, disease/treatment characteristics, and perceptions of infusions, analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with logistic regression for predictor identification.

Main Results:

• Patient-reported favorability of infusions increased significantly from a median of 5/10 before treatment to 8/10 after multiple infusions (P<.001).
• Key predictors of a positive infusion experience included using French as a primary language, positive health ratings, accurate physician descriptions, and satisfaction with the BioAdvance coordinator.
• The majority of patients (76%) had inflammatory bowel disease, 58% had received infliximab for over 2 years, and most reported a busy lifestyle.

Conclusions:

• The BioAdvance PSP facilitates a predominantly positive infusion experience for patients receiving infliximab.
• Patient satisfaction with communication and support services significantly impacts the perception of intravenous infliximab therapy.