Opinion
Video
Overcoming Barriers to Subcutaneous Adoption
Panelists discuss how challenges such as extended nursing workflow, patient hesitancy, limited formulation indications, reimbursement complexities, and insufficient economic incentives slow the broader adoption of subcutaneous (SubQ) oncology therapies, underscoring the need for coordinated stakeholder collaboration and education to drive integration.
The transition to SubQ oncology treatments presents several notable challenges that slow their broader adoption in clinical practice. One significant barrier is the shift in nursing workflow, as administering SubQ injections can take considerably longer—sometimes 6 to 8 minutes or more—compared with traditional infusions. This change requires adjustments in staffing, scheduling, and overall clinical operations. Additionally, patient acceptance is a critical factor; many patients are accustomed to the infusion process and may feel hesitant or uncomfortable switching to SubQ injections, which can affect their willingness to adopt new treatment methods.
Another challenge lies in the limitations of current SubQ formulations, particularly when they do not encompass the full range of indications covered by their intravenous counterparts. This discrepancy complicates treatment decisions and workflow management, often leading practices to prefer sticking with infusions to avoid confusion. Reimbursement and insurance coverage further complicate adoption. SubQ products often launch without established billing codes or clear pricing structures, causing delays in insurance approval and coverage. Moreover, many payers exclude SubQ formulations from coverage when biosimilar infusions are available, creating financial and access barriers that discourage health care providers from utilizing these newer therapies.
Finally, the economic incentives for practices to adopt SubQ formulations are frequently insufficient. The reimbursement rates for SubQ drugs tend to be on par with, or slightly less than, infused treatments, which limits the financial motivation for health care providers to invest in the necessary workflow changes and training. To overcome these hurdles, a coordinated effort across all stakeholders—including clinical staff, payers, manufacturers, and patient advocates—is essential. Clear communication, ongoing education, and collaboration can help facilitate smoother integration of SubQ therapies, ultimately improving patient experience and care efficiency in oncology treatment.
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