Patient Satisfaction with the Betaconnect^TM Autoinjector for Interferon Beta-1b

Background: Treatment of MS requires long-term use of disease modifying therapies, which usually require regular injections. Use of an autoinjector may reduce the discomfort of injections, increase patient satisfaction with treatment and potentially increase adherence. BETACONNECT^TM is an electronic autoinjector for interferon beta-1b, developed to allow patients to customize their injections with an ergonomic design that helps patients access difficult-to-reach sites.

Objectives: To assess patient satisfaction with BETACONNECT^TM

Methods: A survey was conducted in Germany to evaluate satisfaction among patients on interferon beta-1b using BETACONNECT^TM. The importance of its features was also evaluated. A second survey is currently underway to further evaluate the impact of BETACONNECT^TMon the patient’s injection experience. Final results of the second survey will be presented.

Results: Invitations for the first survey were sent to 2,299 users and 1,365 responded. Most (62%) were 40–59 years old. 50% had been treated with interferon beta-1b for >5 years. 69% were women and 21% were men, with 10% leaving this question unanswered. 48% had been using BETACONNECT^TM for >2 months, 38% for 1-2 months, and 11% for <1 month, while 3% did not answer this question. 92% of patients reported the autoinjector to be “very helpful” or “helpful,” with little difference due to sex or the length of time on interferon beta-1b therapy. 88% rated the autoinjector as “excellent/good” while 89% would likely recommend BETACONNECT^TM to another patient. Of the 11 specific features that were addressed, all were rated as either “very important” or “important.” Features that were rated as “very important” included the electronic injection process, adjustable injection depth/speed, skin sensor, LED display, optical and acoustic signals, and rechargeable battery. The ergonomic design, invisible needle, and reminder function were rated “important.” Results of the second survey will also be presented.

Conclusions: Overall patient satisfaction with BETACONNECT^TM in the initial quantitative survey was high, with the majority rating the autoinjector as excellent and most features as very important. These findings suggest the use of BETACONNECT^TM may help to increase satisfaction with treatment among patients on interferon beta-1b therapy.