Assessing Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Biosimilars: Results from a National Survey

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Nurses play a key role in supporting patient adherence to biosimilars, which requires adequate knowledge of biological therapies. This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward biosimilars in Spain, representing the first nationwide assessment of Spanish nurses' knowledge and predictive determinants of reliance on biosimilars. <b>Methods:</b> A self-administered, web-based survey was distributed between May and June 2024. Associations were explored using Spearman's correlation and Fisher's exact tests, and predictors were examined with ordinal regression models. <b>Results:</b> A total of 402 nurses responded. Most (63.7%) reported at least basic knowledge of biosimilars. Access to industry-led training was strongly associated with higher knowledge (OR = 11.256; <i>p</i> < 0.001), while lack of awareness of workplace biosimilar use was linked to lower knowledge (OR = 0.176; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Confidence in biosimilar safety and efficacy increased with knowledge level (ORs 3.823-14.594; all <i>p</i> < 0.001) and was higher among nurses working with biosimilars in their units (OR = 3.959; <i>p</i> = 0.004) and in hospital ambulatory care services (OR = 2.506; <i>p</i> = 0.022). <b>Conclusions:</b> Spanish nurses predominantly demonstrate basic knowledge of biosimilars, highlighting the need for broader training access. Industry-led training was the strongest modifiable factor to improve knowledge and confidence. Strengthening collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry may support informed practice and enhance patient adherence to biosimilar therapy.

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Journal
Healthcare
Published
2026-02-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040524
Primary Topic
Biosimilars and Bioanalytical Methods
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Assessing Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Biosimilars: Results from a National Survey

Guadalupe Fontán-Vinagre, Noelia Cano-Sanz, Silvia Domínguez-Fernández, Susana Montenegro-Méndez et al.
Healthcare
Biosimilars and Bioanalytical Methods
article

Assessing Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Biosimilars: Results from a National Survey

Guadalupe Fontán-Vinagre, Noelia Cano-Sanz, Silvia Domínguez-Fernández, Susana Montenegro-Méndez, Macarena González-Rodríguez, Ana María Duro-Martínez, Roberto Guerrero-Menéndez, Pablo Bella-Castillo
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Nurses play a key role in supporting patient adherence to biosimilars, which requires adequate knowledge of biological therapies. This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward biosimilars in Spain, representing the first nationwide assessment of Spanish nurses' knowledge and predictive determinants of reliance on biosimilars. <b>Methods:</b> A self-administered, web-based survey was distributed between May and June 2024. Associations were explored using Spearman's correlation and Fisher's exact tests, and predictors were examined with ordinal regression models. <b>Results:</b> A total of 402 nurses responded. Most (63.7%) reported at least basic knowledge of biosimilars. Access to industry-led training was strongly associated with higher knowledge (OR = 11.256; <i>p</i> < 0.001), while lack of awareness of workplace biosimilar use was linked to lower knowledge (OR = 0.176; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Confidence in biosimilar safety and efficacy increased with knowledge level (ORs 3.823-14.594; all <i>p</i> < 0.001) and was higher among nurses working with biosimilars in their units (OR = 3.959; <i>p</i> = 0.004) and in hospital ambulatory care services (OR = 2.506; <i>p</i> = 0.022). <b>Conclusions:</b> Spanish nurses predominantly demonstrate basic knowledge of biosimilars, highlighting the need for broader training access. Industry-led training was the strongest modifiable factor to improve knowledge and confidence. Strengthening collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry may support informed practice and enhance patient adherence to biosimilar therapy.

HealthcareVol. 14(4)
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (ES), Instituto Cajal (ES), Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón (ES), Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda (ES), Schiller International University (ES), Hospital Universitario de León (ES)
Health Service Executive
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 49%
Biosimilars and Bioanalytical Methods
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