Physician attitudes toward patient choice between the use of biologics and biosimilars vary widely across global markets, revealing deep-rooted cultural and systemic differences. While nearly half of (49%) physicians support patient involvement in treatment decisions, enthusiasm ranges from strong backing in China to notable skepticism in Germany and France—underscoring the growing but uneven shift toward shared decision-making in modern healthcare, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report, “Strategic Intelligence: Biosimilars – Through the Physician’s Lens,” reveals that while the use of biosimilar continues to grow, the question of patient involvement in treatment decision has become increasingly relevant.
Sachin Gharat, Associate Project Manager, Pharma at GlobalData, comments: “It is clear that the role of the patient is changing, almost half of doctors now believe patients should have a say in whether they are prescribed a biosimilar or a branded biologic. That shift reflects a bigger trend toward shared decision-making in healthcare. Yes, there are still some concerns, but the message is clear: patient voices are becoming a bigger part of the treatment conversation.”
The findings highlight notable resistance in certain markets, with 40% of physicians in Germany and 36% in France opposing the idea of offering patients a choice between biologics and biosimilars.
Support for patient choice varied significantly by country. Chinese physicians showed overwhelming support, with 85% in favor, while only 21% of German and 29% of French physicians expressed similar sentiments—highlighting key cultural and systemic differences in attitudes toward shared decision-making.
Gharat continues: “The stark contrast in physician attitudes between China and European countries like Germany and France reflects deeper systemic and cultural differences. In markets like China, where healthcare reforms have actively promoted biosimilars, physicians may feel more confident in involving patients in these decisions.”
While many physicians recognize the benefits of involving patients in treatment decisions, some remain cautious. Key concerns include the risk of patient confusion stemming from limited understanding of biosimilars, as well as the added responsibility placed on healthcare providers to navigate and explain these options.
Gharat concludes: “The findings underscore the pivotal role physicians play in shaping the future of biosimilar adoption. While there is growing support for shared decision-making, education and systemic support will be critical to successfully implementing patient choice in practice.”
