Betaconnect Autoinjector: Patient/Caregiver Satisfaction

Background: Patients with MS must undergo treatment with disease modifying therapies (DMTs) over the long-term in order to manage this chronic disease. Interferon beta-1b is an injectable DMT that has demonstrated long-term safety and efficacy. Use of an autoinjector, such as BETACONNECT for interferon beta-1b, may reduce discomfort and provide more consistent injections, thereby increasing patient satisfaction with treatment.

Objectives: To assess patient satisfaction with the BETACONNECT autoinjector

Methods: Patients undergoing treatment with interferon beta-1b and caregivers of such patients were recruited to answer a 13-question survey related to BETACONNECT after participating in a human factors test session that included a simulated injection with the device. Participants provided a number on a rating scale where 1 was negative and 5 was positive. Half of the participants were trained on how to use the device before the session. All data were qualitative and may not be representative of the population due to sample size.

Results: 32 patients and 30 caregivers participated. Most of the features of the BETACONNECT autoinjector were rated very positively by patients and caregivers. Both groups found performing injections to be very easy (patients, mean rating 4.8; caregivers, 4.6) and both were very confident that they could perform an injection (patients, 5.0; caregivers, 4.9). Features intended to reduce the pain/discomfort of injection were given highly positive ratings, such as the adjustable injection speed (patients, 4.4; caregivers, 4.3) and automatic insertion/retraction of the needle (patients, 4.7; caregivers, 4.8). The injection reminder function was also rated positively (patients, 4.3; caregivers, 4.4). Responses were generally similar between the trained and the untrained groups for both patients and caregivers, with 2 exceptions: untrained caregivers rated the adjustable injection depth setting as more beneficial than trained caregivers (4.6 vs 3.9) and untrained patients rated not seeing the needle before and after injection as more important than trained patients (4.5 vs 3.4).

Conclusions: Most features of the BETACONNECT device were rated positively by patients and caregivers, with only slight differences between those who were trained and those who were not trained. These findings suggest the use of BETACONNECT may increase patient satisfaction with treatment and potentially increase adherence of patients on interferon beta-1b therapy.