Table 5: Most Frequently Declared Barriers or Difficulties Confronted During the Management of RA or AS Using Biologic Agents

Barriers or Difficulties n %
No difficulty or barrier 43 14
Necessity for approval of other physicians 112 36
Long time for reporting/prescribing formalities 102 33
Difficulties to follow up serious side effects 69 22
Difficulties in the drug administration 50 16
Higher costs and load to the insurance system 36 12
Patients unwillingness to undersign predefined statements and consents 25 8
Personal or institutional discouraging experiences in the past 4 1
Other causes 70 23