Challenges Associated with Access to Recently Developed Hemophilia Treatments in Routine Care: Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals

The treatment landscape for hemophilia continues to rapidly develop, and expectations for future treatment success are high. There is limited information on the challenges of accessing new and innovative therapies. The aim of this study was to explore challenges of accessing hemophilia treatment from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCP). A cross-sectional study design was used. A pilot-tested, online survey was distributed to hemophilia treatment centers in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Turkey, USA and UK. The questionnaire covered questions on product access, economic considerations, health technology assessment requirements, and patient organization involvement. The results were analyzed descriptively using SPSS. A total of 154 HCP completed the questionnaire. There was heterogeneity across countries, regions, and centers regarding HCP knowledge of access to novel recently developed treatments. Notable limitations to access were reported such as differences in access based on age of patient and type of product, economic considerations, and the growing influence of health technology assessment bodies. Many countries have a hemophilia patient organization that does not have a vote at the decision-making table. There is a need to empower HCP to better understand national healthcare structures and decisions that lead to access limitations. Requirements from health technology assessment bodies must be understood to optimally design clinical studies and value generation of treatment options. This may strengthen the hemophilia treatment center's voice to collectively mandate for exchange with key involved individuals, such as the payers and politicians for the provision of optimal therapy.