Understanding Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Biosimilar Drugs: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Understanding pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards biosimilar therapy and exploring the potential barriers are a preliminary step in the road to the adoption of biosimilar therapy in community pharmacy and clinical practice.

Objective: The aim of current study was to evaluate pharmacists’ understanding, investigate the factors that shape their attitudes and practices regarding biosimilar therapy, and identify the barriers to utilizing biosimilars in community pharmacies.

Methods: A validated self-administered survey was disseminated in person to community pharmacists in different geographical regions of the UAE. Eligible participants were individuals who graduated from universities recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and were registered as community pharmacists in the UAE. The questionnaire included five sections that evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes with respect to biosimilar therapy, the extent of its utilization, and the potential barriers that may limit the use of this therapy in community pharmacy settings. A quantile regression analysis was performed to explore the variables associated with pharmacists’ attitudes and practices regarding biosimilar therapy.

Results: The study included 504 pharmacists. The [median (IQR)] scores revealed a window for knowledge improvement [3 (1–5)] out of a maximum possible score of 8, unfavourable attitude [25 (22–30)] out of a maximum possible score of 40 and inadequate practice [27 (24–30) out of a maximum possible score of 45] concerning biosimilar utilization in clinical practice. The most commonly reported barriers to considering biosimilar therapy were lack of experience (40.67%), insufficient knowledge (40.47%) and lack of confidence (36.70%). Female pharmacists and those who had a B Pharm degree or used Lexicomp as an information source reported higher attitude scores. Moreover, pharmacists in charge or employee pharmacists, and those who had more than 10 years of experience and higher knowledge levels, reported improved attitude scores. However, pharmacists who dispensed less than 10 prescriptions per day, and those who reported lower knowledge and/or attitude scores exhibited lower practice levels.

Conclusions: The current study revealed a lack of knowledge, unfavourable attitudes and insufficient practices related to biosimilar therapy among community pharmacists, along with several identified barriers. Future efforts should focus on comprehensive educational programs that deliver up-to-date clinical information and emphasize the benefits of biosimilar drugs, specifically targeting male pharmacists, those with postgraduate degrees, pharmacy owners, pharmacists with less work experience, and those who dispense fewer prescriptions per day. These interventions are essential for enhancing pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes and, hence, improved practice with respect to biosimilar drugs.