Preferences of patients and health professionals for route and frequency of administration of biologic agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Figures & data

Figure 1 Number of patients and HPs preferring SCH or IVC.

Note: Patients are categorized according to the current mode of treatment administration.
Abbreviations: DMARD, disease modifying antirheumatic drug; HP, health professional; IVC, intravenous infusion at the outpatient clinic; NS, not significant; SCH, subcutaneous injection at home.

Table 1 Statements chosen by RA patients regarding preferences for route of administration of biologic agents (part two of the questionnaire)

	Preference		P
	SCH	IVC
	n=80	n=62
More easy to manage preferred administration	43	50	NS
More safe to get an infusion at the hospital	8	65	<0.0001
More comfortable with self-injections at home	38	5	<0.0001
Appreciate the social contact at the hospital	6	24	<0.005
Dislike hospitals	4	0	NS
Wish to minimize time of transportation and treatment	63	31	<0.0001
If “yes” because of functional impairment	11	7	NS

Note: Results are given as number of patients in percent.

Abbreviations: IVC, intravenous infusion at the outpatient clinic; NS, not significant; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; SCH, subcutaneous injection at home.