Probing biosimilar-related concerns and practices among community pharmacists

ABSTRACT

Background: The successful integration of biosimilars into routine clinical practice depends on their acceptance. Given the vital role of community pharmacists in medication management, it is essential to understand their concerns and practices related to biosimilars, which was the objective of the present study. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a research pharmacist distributed in person a validated self-administered survey to community pharmacists across various geographical areas of the UAE. The survey included four sections that evaluated sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, pharmacists' concerns and extent of biosimilar utilization, and the factors facilitating its adoption in the community pharmacy settings. Results: Out of 472 pharmacists, 415 (87.9%) were familiar with biosimilar efficacy and safety. Most of the study pharmacists were females (53%), and had a median [interquartile range (IQR)] age of 35 (30-41) years. The median (IQR) score for biosimilar-related concern was 21 (20-24) out of a possible score of 32, demonstrating a room for improvement. Most of the pharmacists expressed moderate-to-high concerns. The perceived acceptance of biosimilars by the patients and the prescribers represented the highest concern among the study pharmacists (30.6%). The median (IQR) of biosimilar-related practice score was 25 (23-27) out of 40, showing a window for practice improvement. More than half of the pharmacists did not often perform the essential biosimilar-related practices. The most frequently reported factors to facilitate biosimilar adoption in clinical practice were providing information on the clinical benefits of the biosimilars for prescribers and patients (48.30%), providing education on biosimilar use (44.70%), and establishing guidance on interchangeability or possibility of switching (43.60%). Conclusion: Pharmacists in the present study demonstrated concerns and inadequate adherence to practices concerning biosimilar therapy. Targeted educational interventions highlighting the benefits, effectiveness, safety and proper administration of biosimilar therapy are essential to address these concerns and facilitate the integration of biosimilars into routine clinical care.

KEYWORDS

• biosimilar
• pharmacist
• concerns
• practice
• facilitator
• utilization

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.18549/PharmPract.2025.2.3193Copy

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