Objectives To describe physicians’ perspectives (European vs non-European) on compliance factors relating to palivizumab prophylaxis (PP), which is proven to prevent RSV hospitalization in high-risk infants.

Methods Globally, 453 physicians were invited to participate in an internet-based survey containing 29 questions to assess patient demographics, physician practice habits and perceptions of obstacles and measures to enhance PP compliance.

Results 100 physicians completed the survey (Europe = 60). The main reasons parents refuse PP, according to European physicians, are ‘anti-vaccine’ beliefs (50%), incomplete knowledge (40%) and inconvenience (38%) while non-European physicians identified cost (53%), incomplete knowledge (53%) and lack of benefit (33%). The top 3 reasons for non-compliance, according to European physicians, are distance (45%), inconvenience (40%) and fear of injections (35%) while non-European physicians identified cost (55%), inconvenience (43%) and not understanding the threat of RSV (38%). The main compliance drivers were the same, globally; however, the percentages differed (Europe vs non-Europe): physician recommendation (75% vs 85%), provision of educational materials regarding RSV (47% vs 73%) and RSV history in another child (38% vs 43%). Globally, physicians provided the same recommendations to increase compliance: provision of additional educational materials, hospital reminders and educating the family about RSV and PP.

Conclusion Although European and non-European physicians identified some different compliance obstacles, they were in agreement that focused proactive interventions such as empowering caregivers with educational materials and reducing caregiver inconvenience may be instrumental to increase compliance.

Funded by Abbott.