Patient Satisfaction with Insulin Therapy (PSIT) Questionnaire Robert A. Gerber, PharmD, MA, MBA Joseph C. Cappelleri, PhD, MPH, MS	PDF File
Pfizer Inc Global Research and Development New London, CT, USA

Abstract

The Patient Satisfaction with Insulin Therapy (PSIT) Questionnaire was developed to assess patient satisfaction with insulin (injected and inhaled) treatment in adult patients with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. This article reports on the development of this self-administered questionnaire and its validation. Also reported are results from clinical trials in subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Introduction

Diabetes is a growing and widely prevalent disease, affecting almost 20 million people in the United States and 194 million people worldwide1. This number is set to almost double in the next 25 years to 366 million cases2.  Long-term prospective studies have demonstrated the benefits of long-term glycemic control in reducing the risk of secondary complications in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes3-6. Individuals with type 2 diabetes might have a positive attitude toward insulin in terms of efficacy, prevention of complications, and improved well-being3. However, this might be offset by practical problems of insulin administration, such as fear of needles, technique, and general inconvenience7. Advances in insulin delivery may lead to increased patient and physician satisfaction and more favorable outcomes.

Clinical studies of a novel, non-invasive inhaled delivery system for insulin suggests that inhaled insulin in a dry powder formulation offers an effective alternative to preprandial insulin injections for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes8-13.  However, research was needed to assess whether inhalation delivery of insulin improves patient satisfaction and the extent and implications of improved satisfaction.