Original Research
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: Shifts to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic impeded providers’ ability to perform recommended metabolic (MeD) and movement (MoD) disorder monitoring for antipsychotics. As this monitoring is recommended by national guidelines, improving these monitoring rates is important to patient safety. Now that in-person visits are more common, educating providers on the need to perform this monitoring is required.
Research Question or Hypothesis: Compare monitoring rates across three time points near the end of the pandemic, after a written educational intervention, and after an educational in-service provided by pharmacists and evaluate the effectiveness of the different educational interventions on improving these rates.
Study Design: This retrospective chart review examined monitoring rates for MeDs and MoDs for patients receiving antipsychotics from providers at our community health center. Three specific time points were measured: a baseline measurement near the end of the pandemic; another 6-months after distribution of a written educational flyer regarding the recommended monitoring in October 2022; and a third 8-months after an educational in-service on how to perform the monitoring in February 2023.
Methods: Data from a patient sample for each provider at each time point was examined for all recommended parameters, including weight/BMI, lipid panels, glucose/hemoglobin A1c, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale results, and other MoD assessments. To ensure appropriate sampling, only providers prescribing antipsychotics to at least 3-5 patients were included in each analysis. Monitoring rates were compared across time points using Chi-square tests for statistical significance at p<.05.
Results: Approximately 25% of all clinic providers and eligible patients were sampled for the analysis. Baseline monitoring rates were lower than guideline recommendations, particularly for MoDs (<15%). While non-significant improvements in MoD monitoring were seen over time (15-20%), MeD monitoring rates decreased (40-85% down to 20-70%).
Conclusion: Both written and in-service pharmacist-provided educational interventions did not significantly improve antipsychotic monitoring. Alternative provider education is needed to improve monitoring rates.
Presenting Author
Richard Silvia PharmD, MA, FCCP, BCPPMCPHS University - Boston
Authors
Kaylie Lemere PharmD
MCPHS University Boston
Teona Milunovic PharmD
MCPHS School of Pharmacy- Boston
Kiara Rubino Pharmacy Student
MCPHS School of Pharmacy- Boston