The role of growth hormone device optimization in patient-reported outcomes: real-world evidence from South Korea

Abstract

Background Growth hormone (GH) treatment preference and adherence are affected by delivery device convenience, injection-site pain, confidence in correct dose administration, and device satisfaction. This survey investigated if switching device to NordiFlex (R) improved treatment experience in pediatric patients in South Korea. Design and methods Patients aged 4-<= 18 years were surveyed. Participants were NordiFlex (R) users who previously used NordiLet (R)/other devices. Participants compared preference, self-reported adherence, satisfaction, perceived ease of use, and device subjective benefits (across four domains: ease of use, self-efficacy, minimal disruption of daily life, positive feelings about injections) of NordiFlex (R) vs. previous device. Results Ninety-four patients were enrolled, of which 91.5% previously used NordiLet (R). Significantly more patients preferred, and were more satisfied with NordiFlex (R) vs. previous device; mean score: 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]:0.41;0.88) and 0.61 (95% CI:0.36;0.85), respectively. Participants reported greater perceived ease of use (0.49 [95% CI:0.26;0.72]) and fewer missed injections (0.20 [95% CI:0.06;0.34], with NordiFlex (R) vs. previous device. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between preference for NordiFlex (R) and higher scores on self-efficacy, ease of use, minimal disruption of daily life, and positive feelings about injection (all p < 0.001). Conclusion These results suggest that improvements in device features could be associated with improved treatment experience.