To understand the perception of intravenous infusions in patients receiving infliximab (Remicade) within the BioAdvance patient support program (PSP).
Intravenous infusion of infliximab occurs at approximately 200 clinics across Canada and is managed via the BioAdvance PSP. Patients were invited to complete a 28-question survey on demographics, disease/treatment characteristics, health rating, lifestyle, employment, and perception of intravenous infusions and the BioAdvance program.
Analyses were exploratory and descriptive; collected data were self-reported ordinal (Likert scale, unfavorable-to-favorable, 1-10). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess statistical significance, and multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of a positive perception of intravenous infusions.
1,712 patients completed the survey. Most respondents had been treated with infliximab for >2 years (58%), had not been previously treated with a biologic (74%), and were receiving treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (76%). Sixty-two percent of patients were employed and most traveled for personal/work reasons (57%) and had a busy/active lifestyle (76%) while attending the BioAdvance clinics. Before treatment, participants rated their perceived favorability of intravenous infusions at 5/10 (median; interquartile range, 5-7); after multiple infusions, their rating increased significantly to 8 (7-9) (P<.001). Regression analysis identified four predictors of a positive infusion experience: French language, favorable ratings of health, accuracy of physician's description, and satisfaction with their BioAdvance coordinator. The vast majority of participants were likely to recommend the BioAdvance PSP.
The survey results indicate that the majority of patients receiving infliximab have a positive infusion experience within the BioAdvance PSP.