Factors influencing the decision of Dutch clinicians to adopt biosimilars

Abstract

The uptake of biosimilars plays an important role in reducing health care costs. This study focuses on drug prescribers in the Netherlands. What are the barriers for Dutch clinicians in the adoption decision regarding biosimilars and how can these barriers be overcome? In a quantitative research approach a survey was constructed to provide insights regarding the effect of the theoretical concepts from the conceptual model, on the clinician’s decision to adopt biosimilars. Forty-one clinicians, rheumatologists and dermatologists, completed the survey. This research showed a statistically significant positive correlation for the percentage biosimilars of prescribed biologicals for four dimensions: Perceived efficacy (p=0.048), Image (p=0.006) , Interchangeability of biosimilars and reference products(0.008), and for the theoretical concept Principal-agent relationship (p=0.045). And a statistically significant negative correlation for two variables: Age (p=0.02) and lack of scientific literature regarding biosimilars (p=0.003). No statistically significant relation was found between all of the dimensions and the dependent variable “willingness to prescribe biosimilars” Although the sample size is small, validity of significant findings was supported by qualitative information from interviews with experts. These findings are, except for age, also in concordance with literature. However from the theoretical concepts we only could identify Principal-agent relationship as significant. No statements can be made for individual specializations, as these groups are small or some even lacking. The results can be used in better adoption of biosimilars and thereby be of influence on the cost of healthcare caused by the use of biologicals. Trust in the efficacy of biosimilars has found to be an important factor for a clinician to prescribe biosimilars. To gain trust in biosimilars, it is important for clinicians to have access to data on biosimilars about their functionality and efficacy. The access to data can be facilitated by governments, hospitals and professional associations. For future research it is important to find ways to overcome the problem of “Survey fatigue” either by qualitative research or research based on databases.