Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices
Elisabetta Verdun di Cantogno1, Susan Russell2, Tom Snow21Global Clinical Development Unit, Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, Switzerland; 2Global Marketing, Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, SwitzerlandBackground: All established disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis requir...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Dove Medical Press
2011-03-01
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| Series: | Patient Preference and Adherence |
| Online Access: | http://www.dovepress.com/understanding-and-meeting-injection-device-needs-in-multiple-sclerosis-a6863 |
| _version_ | 1811316232797814784 |
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| author | Russell S Verdun di Cantogno E Snow T |
| author_facet | Russell S Verdun di Cantogno E Snow T |
| author_sort | Russell S |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Elisabetta Verdun di Cantogno1, Susan Russell2, Tom Snow21Global Clinical Development Unit, Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, Switzerland; 2Global Marketing, Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, SwitzerlandBackground: All established disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis require parenteral administration, which can cause difficulties for some patients, sometimes leading to suboptimal adherence. A new electronic autoinjection device has been designed to address these issues.Methods: Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis currently receiving subcutaneous or intramuscular interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, or glatiramer acetate completed an online questionnaire (July 4–25, 2008) that surveyed current injection practices, experiences with current injection methods, and impressions and appeal of the new device.Results: In total, 422 patients completed the survey, of whom 44% used autoinjectors, 43% prefilled syringes, and 13% syringes and vials; overall, 66% currently self-injected. Physical and psychological barriers to self-injection included difficulty with injections, needle phobia, and concerns over correct injection technique. Only 40% of respondents were “very satisfied” with their current injection method. The new electronic autoinjector was rated as “very appealing” by 65% of patients. The benefits of the new device included the ability to customize injection settings and to review dosing history.Conclusion: New technologies may help patients overcome physical and psychological barriers to self-injection. The combination of a reliable and flexible autoinjection device with dose-monitoring technology may improve communication between health care professionals and patients, and improve treatment adherence.Keywords: adherence, autoinjection, subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, multiple sclerosis  |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-13T11:45:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-aa2e5c0a565c4f87aa7a4f187b190cd6 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1177-889X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-13T11:45:23Z |
| publishDate | 2011-03-01 |
| publisher | Dove Medical Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Patient Preference and Adherence |
| spelling | doaj.art-aa2e5c0a565c4f87aa7a4f187b190cd62022-12-22T02:48:12ZengDove Medical PressPatient Preference and Adherence1177-889X2011-03-012011default173180Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practicesRussell SVerdun di Cantogno ESnow TElisabetta Verdun di Cantogno1, Susan Russell2, Tom Snow21Global Clinical Development Unit, Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, Switzerland; 2Global Marketing, Merck Serono S.A. – Geneva, SwitzerlandBackground: All established disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis require parenteral administration, which can cause difficulties for some patients, sometimes leading to suboptimal adherence. A new electronic autoinjection device has been designed to address these issues.Methods: Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis currently receiving subcutaneous or intramuscular interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, or glatiramer acetate completed an online questionnaire (July 4–25, 2008) that surveyed current injection practices, experiences with current injection methods, and impressions and appeal of the new device.Results: In total, 422 patients completed the survey, of whom 44% used autoinjectors, 43% prefilled syringes, and 13% syringes and vials; overall, 66% currently self-injected. Physical and psychological barriers to self-injection included difficulty with injections, needle phobia, and concerns over correct injection technique. Only 40% of respondents were “very satisfied” with their current injection method. The new electronic autoinjector was rated as “very appealing” by 65% of patients. The benefits of the new device included the ability to customize injection settings and to review dosing history.Conclusion: New technologies may help patients overcome physical and psychological barriers to self-injection. The combination of a reliable and flexible autoinjection device with dose-monitoring technology may improve communication between health care professionals and patients, and improve treatment adherence.Keywords: adherence, autoinjection, subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, multiple sclerosis http://www.dovepress.com/understanding-and-meeting-injection-device-needs-in-multiple-sclerosis-a6863 |
| spellingShingle | Russell S Verdun di Cantogno E Snow T Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices Patient Preference and Adherence |
| title | Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices |
| title_full | Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices |
| title_fullStr | Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices |
| title_short | Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices |
| title_sort | understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis a survey of patient attitudes and practices |
| url | http://www.dovepress.com/understanding-and-meeting-injection-device-needs-in-multiple-sclerosis-a6863 |
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