Patient Satisfaction: IVIg vs SCIg Therapy

Over 1,000 immunology patients reveal what really matters in their treatment journey.

This study provides an aggregate view of Ig therapy satisfaction for immunology diagnoses. Future research could explore therapy satisfaction responses in patients receiving Ig therapy for neurology indications, particularly considering that higher doses of Ig are often used in neurologic conditions.

Authors: Christine Miller, PharmD; Derrek Blake, RN, BSN, IgCN; Barbara Prosser, RPh – Soleo Health

Introduction

A therapy satisfaction questionnaire was developed by this national complex specialty pharmacy to capture patients’ perception of immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy. The questionnaire assesses patient satisfaction with their current Ig therapy and identifies barriers to care throughout the patient journey. Administered every 90 days, patients have the option to decline participation. The purpose of this study is to identify trends in responses among patients receiving Ig therapy for immunology conditions and to compare differences, if any, between intravenous Ig (IVIg) and subcutaneous Ig (SCIg).

Methodology

Retrospective review of medical records and therapy satisfaction questionnaires administered every 90 days to patients receiving Ig therapy for immunology indications. The patient population was divided into IVIg and SCIg groups, and the results were compared.

Study Period

January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023

Immunology Patients Case Study

1,023

Total Patients

2,139

Questionnaires

63%

SCIg Patients

94.5%

No Barriers
Chart that explains 44% SCIg patients strongly agree that therapy is effective and 34% IVIg patients strongly agree that therapy is effective

The Surprising Finding

  • SCIg patients report 10% higher “strongly agree” rates for therapy effectiveness despite managing self-administration at home
  • This suggests that treatment convenience and control may matter as much as clinical outcomes.
  • 44% SCIg patients strongly agree that therapy is effective
  • 34% IVIg patients strongly agree that therapy is effective

Results

Clinical Implications For Healthcare Providers

  • Consider the patient’s lifestyle and preference when selecting the administration route. SCIg may offer quality-of-life advantages
  • Address financial concerns proactively, especially for SCIg patients who may face supply cost barriers
  • Both therapies are well-tolerated; clinical decisions should incorporate patient-reported outcomes

For Patients and Caregivers

  • Both IVIg and SCIg are effective options; discuss which one fits your lifestyle best
  • If cost is a concern, discuss financial assistance programs with your healthcare team
  • 95% of patients report that therapy is manageable

Future Research Directions

  • Explore satisfaction patterns in neurology patients receiving higher Ig doses
  • Investigate why SCIg patients report higher satisfaction despite self-administration complexity
  • Track longitudinal changes in satisfaction as patients gain experience with therap

Conclusion

Overall, patients expressed a positive perception of Ig therapy for immunological conditions. The majority agree that Ig therapy is effective and worthwhile, with some differences observed between the IVIg population and SCIg population. A higher proportion of SCIg patients strongly agree that Ig therapy is effective and worth their time than patients who receive IVIg. Patients do not view Ig therapy as a burden. While some barriers exist, such as financial, administrative, and scheduling challenges, most patients did not report any barriers at the time of questionnaire completion.

Authors of this presentation disclose the following concerning possible financial or personal relationships with commercial entities that may have a direct or indirect interest in the subject matter of this presentation: Nothing to disclose.

Originally presented at IgNS 2024 National Conference

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