A team of investigators has developed a novel digital training tool aimed at improving healthcare providers' ability to communicate effectively with patients about switching to biosimilar medications. The preliminary results, published in JMIR Formative Research, detail a comprehensive approach to addressing one of the key challenges in biosimilar adoption.
Development Process and Methodology
The digital tool's development spanned from December 2020 to May 2023, encompassing four distinct phases. The process began with interviews of healthcare professionals, followed by patient consultations, tool development, and ongoing validation. A scientific committee, comprising two rheumatologists, a dermatologist, and a gastroenterologist, provided oversight and validation throughout the development process.
The research team conducted 11 in-depth interviews with physicians and nurses, focusing on their experiences with biosimilar switching, communication challenges, and patient concerns. These interviews revealed that healthcare professionals typically spent 5-10 minutes explaining biosimilar switches to patients, with only a small fraction utilizing educational materials during these conversations.
Key Findings from Patient Engagement
The study included focus groups with nine patients, including both those who had experienced biosimilar switches and those who hadn't. Several critical factors emerged as influential in patients' reception of biosimilar switches:
Positive reception factors:
- Detailed discussion of current treatment ineffectiveness
- Assurance of comparable results with the biosimilar
- Clear communication about reduced adverse effects
- High-quality information delivery
- Trust in the healthcare provider's expertise
Negative reception factors:
- Uncertainty about benefits and disease progression
- Concerns about being part of an experimental trial
- Insufficient information about switch rationale
- Perception of purely economic motivations
Tool Features and Implementation
The final digital training tool incorporates several sophisticated features:
- A comprehensive library of evidence-based arguments
- Adaptive learning systems
- Patient-specific communication profiles
- Educational resources including links to accredited biosimilar courses
- Interactive scenarios with optimal communication strategies
Healthcare professionals can practice various scenarios until reaching proficiency in communicating biosimilar switches effectively. The tool emphasizes addressing common patient concerns while building trust and minimizing the potential for nocebo effects.
Economic and Regulatory Considerations
The study found that economic factors and regional regulations were primary drivers for biosimilar switches. However, healthcare professionals in the focus groups expressed reservations about emphasizing cost savings and sustainability in patient communications, suggesting a need for more patient-centered messaging approaches.
The tool's development represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges of biosimilar adoption, particularly in improving healthcare provider-patient communication and reducing potential nocebo effects. As validation continues, this innovative approach could become a valuable resource for healthcare professionals managing biosimilar transitions.
