Haemophilia management and treatment: An Italian survey on patients', caregivers' and clinicians' point of view

Abstract

Introduction: Haemophilia management and patients' quality of life significantly improved. However, data on current patients', caregivers' and clinicians' satisfaction and limitations of treatments and haemophilia management are limited.

Aim: Assessing the management satisfaction and unmet needs from the perspective of Italian patients with haemophilia (PWH) without inhibitors (or caregivers if children) and of specialist physicians.

Methods: Surveys (for patients≥18 years, caregivers of children and haemophilia specialists) were developed by a multidisciplinary working group and conducted from November 2019 to June 2020.

Results: Among 275 participants, 120 (43.6%) were PWH without inhibitors, 79 (28.7%) caregivers and 37 (13.4%) clinicians. Patients and caregivers perceived a higher control of the disease compared to clinicians. However, more than 40% of patients and caregivers reported to feel significantly conditioned by the risk of bleeding during their daily life. PWH reported a 6-month mean/median (range) of bleeds 2.3/.0 (0-24) and caregivers 1.3/.0 (0-16) in children. The treatment burden (frequency of administration) was not satisfactory for more than half adults and caregivers of children treated with prophylaxis. A good access to treatment, haemophilia centres and medical service was reported, with issues associated to the multidisciplinary approach and treatment at emergency department.

Conclusions: This large national study provides an updated overview of haemophilia care in Italy from different points of views, highlighting positive aspects and unmet needs. This information can guide future interventions to improve haemophilia management and the assessment of impact of new treatment options.

Keywords: access; comprehensive care; haemophilia; prophylaxis; survey; treatment.