Advances in International Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Education, or Training
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Service or Program: The Hematology/Oncology pharmacy service at a 627-bed public urban teaching hospital in Brooklyn, New York sought to decrease unnecessary and/or inappropriate administrations of non-emergent monoclonal antibody therapy for oncologic use in inpatient admissions with the inclusion of a clinical pharmacist. An example of this would be a patient scheduled for a monoclonal antibody with discharge pending in 2 days. A clinical pharmacist was added to the Hematology/Oncology team in July 2021. Interventions included reviewing for appropriate indication, recommendation to administer in the outpatient setting, inpatient discharge in greater 7 days resulting in need for a subsequent dose, and expected survival in less than 30 days.
Justification/Documentation: Cancer treatment costs are increasing; the global cost of antineoplastic medications rose to $83.7 billion in 2015. The addition of targeted monoclonal antibody medications has improved cancer treatment, but has also contributed to increases in cancer costs. As a result, it is imperative for institutions to implement cost-saving strategies. Prior to implementation of a clinical pharmacist, the use of 37 inpatient monoclonal antibodies for inpatient use cost $243,575.40. Post-implementation of a clinical pharmacist, the use of 4 inpatient monoclonal antibodies for inpatient use cost $28,719.24. This was a decrease in 33 administrations and a cost reduction of $214,856.16.
Adaptability: The addition of a clinical pharmacist-led recommendations for inpatient monoclonal antibody use can be implemented to other healthcare systems. The recommendations, in collaboration with Hematology/Oncology providers, led to appropriate medication usage and decreased inpatient medication costs.
Significance: The program was implemented at a large public urban teaching hospital, primarily consisting of a diverse patient population living in a low socioeconomic area. Thus, implementing these cost saving initiatives improves the quality of care that is offered to all patients. The roles of the clinical pharmacist demonstrated to be integral in prioritizing patients that need therapy in the inpatient settings.
Presenting Author
Rizwan Atiq PharmDNYCHHC Kings County Hospital Center
Authors
Alla Luka PharmD
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
Zoraya Pod RPh, MPA
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County