OBJECTIVES: To determine which tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) auto-injector design features are most important to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS: Auto-injector-naïve patients with moderate to severe RA performed multiple simulated self-injections with unbranded certolizumab pegol (CZP), adalimumab, golimumab, and etanercept auto-injectors to determine device preferences. Patients were then asked to define 5 key design features that best supported their needs. Each patient ranked their 5 features from the most important (awarded 5 points) to least important (1 point); patients could rank multiple features equally. Individual rank scores were summed into an overall patient preference score per feature.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Defining features of key importance to RA patients is crucial when designing auto-injector devices to address patient-reported needs. Incorporating patient-preferred features, such as a wide handle, comfortable grip and reassurance of injection completion, could enhance the patient treatment experience, promote compliance and persistence, and improve clinical outcomes.

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