Understanding Patient Preferences for Medication Process Attributes: A Systematic Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient-Reported Outcomes
• Medical Product Development

Background:

• Patient preference studies identify key aspects of medical products.
• Understanding patient preferences for treatment processes is crucial for product development and adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize patient preferences regarding treatment process attributes, specifically mode and frequency.
• To analyze how patient characteristics influence preferences for different treatment modes and frequencies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of English-language, peer-reviewed studies quantitatively eliciting patient preferences for treatment mode and frequency.
• Searches conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, EconLit, Health Preference Research) and reference lists.
• Study quality assessed using the PREFS checklist; data extracted by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• 164 studies were included, with a mean quality score of 3.48/5 on the PREFS checklist.
• Mode and frequency attributes were often not ranked among the top two patient preferences.
• Oral administration was the most preferred mode when offered; patients with milder disease or less treatment experience favored oral over injected treatments.

Conclusions:

• While mode/frequency may not be primary concerns, specific patient groups show strong preferences, particularly for oral treatments.
• High study quality was noted, but patient engagement in research was limited and needs improvement.
• Future research should involve deeper patient engagement throughout the research lifecycle, aligning with ISPOR definitions.