Survey of bisphosphonate regimen preferences in an urban community health center.

OBJECTIVE

to determine patient preference for bisphosphonate therapy based on dosage form and dosing schedule.

DESIGN

prospective telephone survey.

SETTING

urban community health center.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: all patients who were seen in the osteoporosis clinic during the 22-month time period were contacted. Patients were excluded if they could not complete the survey in English, had difficulty hearing, had cognitive impairment, or were unable to be reached by telephone.

INTERVENTIONS

patients were asked which route and frequency of bisphosphonate therapy was preferred, convenient, and easiest to remember.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): patient-reported preference for route and frequency of bisphosphonate administration.

RESULTS

ninety patients were included in the final analysis. Preference for bisphosphonate therapy illustrated that equal numbers of respondents preferred either once-monthly or once-yearly regimens (24.4% for each, n = 22). One-third of respondents (n = 30) indicated that a once-yearly infusion was the most convenient method of administration. The survey revealed no strong association of which regimen was easiest to remember.

CONCLUSION

the majority of patients preferred once-monthly or less frequent dosing schedules. Clinicians may consider discussing patient preferences during initiation and throughout therapy.