Impact of a training session on pharmacists'knowledge and views of biosimilars

摘要

Pharmacists play a key role to ensure a safe and optimal use of biosimilars. The objective was to assess the impact of a training session on pharmacists' knowledge and views on regulatory and clinical considerations regarding biosimilars. Methods: A prospective study pre-post intervention. Hospital pharmacists were invited to participate to a training session about characteristics, clinical considerations and substitution rules for biosimilars in Quebec. The evolution of participants' knowledge and views was measured by comparing responses to two anonymous online surveys: pre and post training. A descriptive statistical analysis of the results was performed. Results: The overall response rate to the pre-training survey, the training session and the post-training survey were respectively: 52% (n=30/58), 52% (n=30/58) and 41% (n=24/58). Pharmacists knew the main differences between a biosimilar and a generic drug. They reported significant knowlegde improvement on biosimilar regulatory considerations (64% vs. 85%, p<0,001) and on biosmilars clinical considerations (73% vs. 87%, p=0,011). After the training session, they were more comfortable to explain what is a biosimilar to a healthcare worker or a patient (43% vs. 100%, p<0.001) and to explain the substitution rules for biosimilars in Quebec to a physician (20% vs. 71% p = 0.001). Conclusion: The training session was well received by pharmacists and allowed them to improve knowledge of biosimilars.