Exploring Stakeholder Perceptions and Experience of Biosimilar Insulin Switching: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Health Services Research
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Biosimilar insulins offer cost-effective alternatives to reference products, with market share gradually increasing since 2014.
• Stakeholder perceptions and experiences regarding biosimilar insulin switching are not well understood.
• This scoping review synthesizes current knowledge on stakeholder views of biosimilar insulin switches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and synthesize current knowledge on stakeholder perceptions and experiences of biosimilar insulin switches.
• To explore barriers and facilitators to the adoption of biosimilar insulin switching.
• To highlight gaps in the literature regarding managed biosimilar insulin switch programs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Ultimate).
• Inclusion of grey literature and reference scouring.
• Thematic analysis of eligible articles to synthesize findings narratively.

Main Results:

• 20 records were included from 184 identified, encompassing studies, reviews, and opinion pieces.
• Healthcare professional concerns and patient perceptions were key barriers to adoption, though most patients were not strongly opposed.
• Established efficacy of reference products and financial considerations influenced acceptance; facilitators for switching were also identified.

Conclusions:

• Significant uncertainty exists regarding stakeholder perceptions of biosimilar insulin switches, especially managed programs.
• There is a notable lack of literature detailing the experiences of stakeholders who have undergone biosimilar insulin switching.
• Further research is essential to guide healthcare systems in implementing acceptable biosimilar insulin switch programs for both professionals and patients.