Students Research in Progress
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: At the University of Arizona Cancer Center outpatient clinic, 50% of patients with breast cancer receiving CDK 4/6 inhibitors do not have a documented therapy start date, which puts them at risk for insufficient monitoring for adverse events and medication-related toxicities.
Research Question or Hypothesis: We hypothesize that by improving start date documentation and including clinical pharmacists as part of the core supportive care team, we can reduce medication-related toxicities and improve patient outcomes.
Study Design: We collected baseline data from January 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022 at UACC. The purposive sample consisted of patients with breast cancer who were newly prescribed an oral CDK4/6 inhibitor; those include palbociclib, ribociclib, or abemaciclib.
Methods: The primary endpoints include documentation of the start date in Electronic Medical Record (EMR), correct timing of the mid-cycle lab draw, and the percentage of patients who experienced medication-related toxicities within the first 30 days. We analyzed the baseline data through a pareto chart. This study will implement strategies through three phases to improve CDK 4/6 inhibitor start date documentation in the electronic medical record system and consequently improve toxicity monitoring at the beginning of the therapy among those patients.
Results: Limitations to this study include difficulty in capturing all verbal communication with patients amongst various healthcare providers and follow-up plans between clinical team members or patients, as well as the short time of data collection.
Conclusion: Future evaluations and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles will be continued to collect data needed on how these limitations impact treatment.
Presenting Author
Leili Ahmadizadehtoorzani PharmDUniversity of Arizona Cancer Center
Authors
Eliza Grigsby RN
Vedner Guerrier MBA, LSSBB
Congshan Pan PharmD, MBA, BCOP
Amar Peponis BScPharm, MBA
Jayme Colucci CPhT
Lisa Davis PharmD, BCPS, BCOP
Jennifer Thomas RN
Crystal Schneider-Hernandez PharmD
Jennifer Segar MD