Physicians’ perceptions of adherence to prophylactic clotting factor infusions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether paediatric Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) physicians are concerned about poor adherence to prophylaxis and if such concerns decrease prescription of prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia. Fifty-nine HTC physicians completed a written survey based on self-report of individual practice. Fifty-one (86%) prescribed prophylaxis on a routine basis. Overall, 32 (54%) believed that 76-100% of the patients on prophylaxis infuse > or =80% of the recommended prophylaxis doses and 25 (42%) believed that 51-75% of the patients infuse > or =80% of the doses. Physicians utilize multi-modal methods to make this assessment. Forty-eight (81%) respondents identified that perceptions of patient non-adherence decrease their prescription of prophylaxis. In fact, 30% decided not to prescribe prophylaxis for individual patients within the last year secondary to concerns about non-adherence. Strategies should be developed to improve the implementation of prophylaxis.