Patient preferences for systemic sclerosis treatment: A descriptive study within an Italian cohort

The aim of this study is to ascertain systemic sclerosis patients' preferences regarding the formulations of the medications they use.

We undertook questionnaires and interviews aimed at understanding systemic sclerosis patients' preferences with respect to the medications they used.

Among 160 systemic sclerosis patients, we found that the majority does not have difficulty taking their medication. However, preferences were identified (81.25% - 65/80 - preferred oral meds and 47.50% - 38/80 - disliked rectal/vaginal meds), as well as some systemic sclerosis patients have significant difficulties using their medications. In fact, factors such as swallowing and fine finger motion difficulties were frequent, while intravenous/intramuscular/subcutaneous medicines were usually not preferred because they are felt as inconvenient (intravenous = 33.4% and subcutaneous/intramuscular = 10%) or painful (intravenous = 37.50% and subcutaneous/intramuscular = 10%).

Most systemic sclerosis patients are able to take their medication despite having some difficulties. However, as there were clear preferences, we could improve patients' adherence to drug therapy if taking these preferences into account.