Evaluation of pegfilgrastim use at an academic medical center

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 604-608
Author(s):  
Kathy Tang ◽  
Alison Duffy ◽  
Steven Gilmore
Keyword(s):  
Febrile Neutropenia ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Cost Avoidance ◽  
Home Group ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Record Review ◽  
At Home

Purpose Pegfilgrastim is indicated to reduce the risk of febrile neutropenia. As a cost-savings initiative, Pegfilgrastim Process Guidelines were developed and implemented at a large, academic teaching institution to improve appropriate use of pegfilgrastim and to decrease costs of outpatient infusion center administration by deferring doses to home self-administration for eligible patients. Methods A retrospective medical record review was conducted post-implementation of the Pegfilgrastim Process Guideline to evaluate the use of pegfilgrastim and to assess the safety and efficacy of transferring pegfilgrastim orders from outpatient infusion center to home administration for eligible patients. Results Fifty-nine patients were included in the study, with 35 patients receiving pegfilgrastim in the outpatient infusion center, 13 patients self-injecting at home, and 11 patients receiving doses in both settings. The total wholesale cost avoidance for pegfilgrastim orders transferred to self-administration at home during this time period totaled $205,163. The revenue from outpatient prescriptions of pegfilgrastim totaled $291,111.93. The percentage of febrile neutropenia admissions was 11.4%, 0%, and 9.1% in the outpatient infusion, home, and outpatient/home group, respectively. Conclusion Implementation of the Pegfilgrastim Process Guidelines demonstrated decreased total pegfilgrastim orders to be dispensed by the infusion center and a cost avoidance of $205,163 in four months without any perceivable changes in patient outcomes. This represents a significant cost-savings opportunity.

Evaluation of Patient Experience from Telemedicine Use for an Anesthesiology Pain Division: Time, Cost, and Patient Satisfaction Analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laleh Jalilian ◽  
Irene Wu ◽  
Jakun Ing ◽  
Xuezhi Dong ◽  
George Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Travel Time ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Travel Distance ◽  
Patient Cost ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Pain Patients

BACKGROUND An increasing number of patients require outpatient and interventional pain management. To help meet the rising demand for anesthesia pain subspecialty care in rural and metropolitan areas, healthcare providers have utilized telemedicine for pain management of both interventional and chronic pain patients. OBJECTIVE This study describes telemedicine implementation for pain management at an academic pain division in a large metropolitan area. The study estimates patient cost savings from telemedicine, before and after the California COVID-19 "Safer at Home" directive, and patient satisfaction with telemedicine for pain management care. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational case series study of telemedicine use in a pain division at an urban academic medical center. From August 2019 to June 2020, we evaluated 1,398 patients and conducted 2,948 video visits for remote pain management care. We utilize publicly available IRS Statistics of Income data to estimate hourly earnings by zip code in order to estimate patient cost savings. We estimate median travel time, travel distance, direct cost of travel, and time-based opportunity savings and report patient satisfaction scores. RESULTS Telemedicine patients avoided an estimated median roundtrip driving distance of 26 miles and a median travel time of 69 minutes during afternoon traffic conditions. Within sample, the median hourly earnings was $28/hr. Patients saved a median of $22 on gas and parking and a total of $52 per telemedicine visit based on estimated hourly earnings and travel time. Patients evaluated serially with telemedicine for medication management saved a median of $156 over three visits. 91% of patients surveyed (n = 313) were satisfied with their telemedicine experience. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine use for pain management reduced travel distance, travel time, and travel and time-based opportunity costs for pain patients. We achieved the successful implementation of telemedicine across a pain division in an urban academic medical center with high patient satisfaction and patient cost savings.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an Outpatient Pharmacist Consult Service at a Large Academic Medical Center

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Melanie Berry ◽  
Amy Gustafson ◽  
Maya Wai ◽  
Alex J. Luli
Keyword(s):  
Medical Record ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Acceptance Rate ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Consult Service ◽  
Descriptive Data ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Patient Demographic Information

Objective: To evaluate a novel outpatient pharmacist consult service in a large academic medical center. Setting: Four outpatient pharmacies that are part of a large academic medical center Methods: An outpatient pharmacist consult order was created and embedded in the electronic medical record (EMR). Medical center providers utilized this consult order when identifying patients in need of specific services provided by outpatient pharmacists. Descriptive data about each individual consult was collected including number completed, type of service, and duration. Rate of accepted pharmacy recommendations and patient cost savings were also evaluated. A survey was administered at the completion of the study period to assess provider and pharmacist satisfaction with the service.  Patient demographic information was collected for those who had a documented completed consult. Results: A total of 193 consults were completed: 137 immunizations, 37 care affordability, 15 education, 3 polypharmacy and 1 OTC recommendation. 89% of completed consults took pharmacists 20 minutes or less to complete. Of completed care affordability consults (n=31), 55% of patients saved between $100 - $500 per medication fill. Of providers who completed a survey and utilized the service (n=12), 83.3% were extremely satisfied and 16.7% were satisfied with it. The provider acceptance rate of pharmacist’s recommendations was 74%. Conclusion: Implementation of an outpatient pharmacist consult service provided an alternative method for the utilization of pharmacist provided MTM services in outpatient pharmacies at a large academic medical center. The service was well received by both providers and pharmacists.

Evaluation of the dosing strategies of biologic agents and the theoretical impact of dose rounding

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Savannah Lindsey ◽  
Laura Beth Parsons ◽  
Lindsay Rosenbeck Figg ◽  
Jill Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Wholesale Price ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Cost Avoidance ◽  
The Cost

Introduction Monoclonal antibodies possess unique pharmacokinetic properties that permit flexible dosing. Increased use and high costs of these medications have led to the development of cost-containing strategies. This study aims to quantify the cost savings and clinical impact associated with dose rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size. Methods This study was a single-arm, retrospective chart review assessing all monoclonal antibody doses dispensed at an outpatient community infusion center associated with an academic medical center between August 2014 and August 2015. All monoclonal antibody doses were reviewed to determine the cost of drug wasted using two methods. The waste-cost analysis described the amount of drug disposed of due to the use of partial vials. The theoretical dose savings described potential cost avoidance based on rounding the ordered dose to the nearest vial size. The theoretical rounded dose was compared to the actual ordered dose to explore clinical implications. Results A total of 436 doses were included. Of these, 237 were not rounded to the nearest vial size and included in the analysis. The cost of waste associated with these doses was $108,013.64 using actual wholesale price. The potential cost avoidance associated with the theoretical dose calculation was $83,595.53. Rounding these doses to the nearest vial size resulted in a median 6.7% (range, 1.4–20%) deviation from ordered dose. Conclusions Rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size could lead to significant cost and waste savings with minimal deviation from the actual ordered dose.

Abstract 16125: Impact of COVID-19 on Echocardiography Volume at a Large Academic Medical Center

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Merilyn S Varghese ◽  
Jordan B Strom ◽  
Sarah Fostello ◽  
Warren J Manning
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Hospital Systems ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Introduction: COVID-19 has significantly impacted hospital systems worldwide. The impact of statewide stay-at-home mandates on echocardiography volumes is unclear. Methods: We queried our institutional echocardiography database from 6/1/2018 to 6/13/2020 to examine rates of transthoracic (TTE), stress (SE), and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) prior to and following the COVID-19 Massachusetts stay-at-home order on March 15, 2020. Results: Among 36,377 total studies performed during the study period, mean weekly study volume dropped from 332 + 3 TTEs/week, 30 + 1 SEs/week, and 21 + 1 TEEs/week prior to the stay-at-home order (6/1/2018-3/15/2020) to 158 + 13 TTEs/week, 8 + 2 SEs/week, and 8 + 1 TEEs/week after (% change, -52%, -73%, and -62% respectively, all p < 0.001 when comparing volume prior to March 15 versus after). Weekly TTEs correlated strongly with hospital admissions throughout the study period (r = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.95, p < 0.001) ( Figure ). Outpatient TTEs declined more than inpatient TTEs (% change, -74% vs. -39%, p <0.001). As of 3 weeks following the cessation of the stay-at-home order, TTE, SE, and TEE weekly volumes have increased to 73%, 66%, and 81% of pre-pandemic levels, respectively. Conclusions: Echocardiography volumes fell precipitously following the Massachusetts stay-at-home order, strongly paralleling declines in overall hospitalizations. Outpatient TTEs declined more than inpatient TTEs. Despite lifting of the order, echocardiography volumes remain substantially below pre-pandemic levels. The impact of the decreased use of echocardiographic services on patient outcomes remains to be determined.

scholarly journals 2424. Shedding of Viable Clostridiodes difficile in Patients Admitted to a Medical Intensive Care Unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S837-S838
Author(s):  
Vincent B Young ◽  
Micah Keidan ◽  
Rachel D Yelin ◽  
Thelma E Dangana ◽  
Pamela B Bell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Patient Admissions ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Record Review

Abstract Background Hospitalized patients are at risk of colonization with a range of healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens, including C. difficile. In patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), in whom C. difficile infection (CDI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. To understand the risk for acquisition of C. difficile and development of CDI, we monitored ICU patients daily for shedding of C. difficile by culture. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of daily rectal/fecal swab samples collected from medical ICU patients of a 720-bed academic medical center in Chicago, IL. Selective culture for C. difficile was performed on swab samples from patients who had 2 or more samples obtained using selective media. Confirmation of putative C. difficile isolates was done by specific PCR assays for the 16S rRNA-encoding gene and the toxin genes tcdA, tcdB, cdtA and cdtB. Clinical testing for CDI was performed using the Xpert® C. difficile PCR assay (Cepheid). Clinical and demographic metadata were collected at bedside and by electronic medical record review. Results Culture was attempted on 2106 swab samples from 451 patients (486 ICU admissions) (Figure 1). A mean of 4.33 samples was obtained from each patient. C. difficile was isolated from 211 (10%) samples from 79 patients (Table 1). The first sample was positive by culture for 48 (9.9%) of patient admissions to the ICU. 31 (6.4%) patients who were initially negative by culture had a subsequent sample from which C. difficile was isolated. Persistence of culture-positivity varied from patient to patient (Figure 2). Of 80 patients who were tested for CDI based on physician suspicion, 12 patients had a positive Cepheid PCR test; 9 had diarrhea and were treated for CDI. Conclusion Surveillance for shedding of C. difficile by daily culture reveals that patients admitted to the ICU can shed the pathogen intermittently without attributable disease. This can be in the form patients who are admitted carrying the organism as well as those who appear to acquire the organism during their stay. It is unclear whether patient or microbiome factors underlie the differences seen in patterns of shedding. Furthermore, intermittent shedding may reflect multiple episodes of exposure to C. difficile spores and asymptomatic shedding without stable colonization. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Economic Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Led 5-Day Therapeutic Hold of IV Levothyroxine at an Academic Medical Center

2020 ◽  
pp. 001857872097045
Author(s):  
Blake T. Barlow ◽  
Russel J. Roberts ◽  
Kelly Newman ◽  
Sarah K. Harrison ◽  
Jonathan H. Sin
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Surgical Trauma ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Properties ◽  
Utilization Data ◽  
Surgical Icu

Objective: Providers often admit patients with active outpatient prescriptions for levothyroxine. During an inpatient admission, providers may instruct critically ill patients to take nothing by mouth, or nil per os (NPO). Thus, they may prescribe the intravenous (IV) formulation of levothyroxine during this period. However, levothyroxine possesses a prolonged half-life of up to 7 days; therefore, immediate transition to IV levothyroxine may not be clinically necessary in the acute NPO setting. Intravenous levothyroxine is significantly more expensive than equivalent oral doses and may prove to be a financial burden for an institution. By understanding the pharmacokinetic properties of levothyroxine, we implemented a cost-saving initiative involving a 5-day therapeutic hold of IV levothyroxine. Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation in 2 intensive care units (ICU): a 20-bed surgical/trauma ICU and an 18-bed mixed medical/surgical ICU. Patient data, utilization data, and documented pharmacist interventions were collected for 6 months prior to implementation of the 5-day IV levothyroxine therapeutic hold and for 6 months post-implementation. All patients prescribed IV levothyroxine during these timeframes were included. Results: During the 6-month pre-implementation phase, 674 doses (691 vials) of IV levothyroxine for 77 unique patients were dispensed from the 2 ICUs. During the 6-month post-implementation phase, 168 doses (188 vials) of IV levothyroxine were dispensed for 44 unique patients. Of the 44 patients (48 orders) who still received IV levothyroxine, 22.9% of orders were deemed clinically necessary by the pharmacist and were not recommended to be held under the protocol, 64.6% were due to the verifying pharmacist being unaware of the protocol, 8.3% of orders were due to protocol non-compliance, and 4.2% were verified after the 5-day hold was complete as the patient remained NPO. This pharmacy-led initiative resulted in a 75% decrease in usage post-implementation and an estimated annualized savings of $80,000. Conclusion: A pharmacy-led initiative comprised of a 5-day therapeutic hold of IV levothyroxine was feasible and led to a 75% reduction in usage and cost over a 6-month period in 2 ICU’s. Future steps include additional staff education for improved protocol adherence and expanding the protocol institution-wide for an even greater cost-savings potential.

Applying SLICC and ACR/EULAR systemic lupus erythematosus classification criteria in a cohort of patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease

Lupus ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 096120332097693
Author(s):  
Kyle R Drehmel ◽  
Alan R Erickson ◽  
Bryant R England ◽  
Kaleb D Michaud ◽  
Harlan R Sayles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
Classification Criteria ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Dsdna Antibody ◽  
Record Review

Background/objective New classification criteria for SLE have recently been developed. How these criteria affect the classification of patients with the SLE-mimicking condition UCTD is poorly understood. This study investigated the reclassification of UCTD patients using newly derived SLE criteria. Methods Patients with UCTD were identified within a single academic medical center using ICD9/10 codes. Medical record review was performed to confirm UCTD diagnosis and identify disease features present at diagnosis. The SLICC and ACR/EULAR criteria were applied, after which we compared the proportion of patients reclassified as SLE and determined which disease features were associated with reclassification. Results A total of 129 patients were included in the study. When applying the SLICC and ACR/EULAR criteria, 18 (14.0%) and 26 patients (20.2%) were reclassified as SLE. Comparison with McNemar’s test trended toward statistical significance (p = 0.057). Cohen’s kappa coefficient was 0.62 (p < 0.001), indicating substantial agreement between these criteria. Disease features associated with reclassification as SLE were renal involvement, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anti- dsDNA antibody, hypocomplementemia, non-scarring alopecia (SLICC), and arthritis (ACR/EULAR). Conclusions Both the SLICC and ACR/EULAR criteria exhibit increased SLE classification. These newer classification criteria could be used to increase the number of SLE patients in future clinical studies.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Cost, Workflow, and Safety of Implementing a Vial Transfer Device for Ready-to-Mix Drugs at an Academic Medical Center

2020 ◽  
pp. 089719002093819
Author(s):  
Lena K. Tran ◽  
Kevin E. Anger ◽  
Heather Dell’Orfano ◽  
Megan A. Rocchio ◽  
Paul M. Szumita
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Cost Avoidance ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Sterile Product ◽  
Yearly Cost ◽  
Transfer Device ◽  
Prospective Analyses

Objective: To evaluate the cost, workflow, and safety of implementing a vial transfer device system. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, pharmacy systems and electronic health record reports identified high-volume and high-cost medications prepared by a Vial2Bag® (V2B) system from July 2017 to June 2018. The major outcome was the extrapolated yearly cost avoidance (EYCA) from utilization of a V2B system, calculated by subtracting total costs of the V2B system from total cost of ready-to-use products and locally compounded sterile products. Secondary outcomes included a workflow and safety analysis. Results: Implementing a V2B system led to a total EYCA of $2 295 261. A total of 283 209 potential V2B units were available for dispensing from automated dispensing systems and 41 082 yearly sterile product room units were avoided. A 0.02% safety report incidence per V2B administration was calculated at our institution. Conclusion: Use of a V2B system resulted in a substantial cost avoidance compared to purchasing commercial products and preparing locally compounded sterile products. The V2B system appears to be a safe addition to further optimize workflow but may require further investigation in prospective analyses.

scholarly journals Patient Predictors of Dexmedetomidine Effectiveness for Sedation in Intensive Care Units

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela L. Smithburger ◽  
Randall B. Smith ◽  
Sandra L. Kane-Gill ◽  
Philip E. Empey
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Adequate Sedation ◽  
Effective Sedation ◽  
At Home

Background Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is increasingly used as a sedative in intensive care despite variations in patients’ responses. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine as a sedative and specific patient characteristics that play a role in adequate sedation with dexmedetomidine. Methods A 6-month, pilot, prospective observational study was performed in a medical intensive care unit at an academic medical center. Patients receiving dexmedetomidine were followed up until use of the drug was stopped and they were classified as nonresponders or responders. Effective sedation was defined as a score of 3 to 4 on the Sedation Agitation Scale after the administration of dexmedetomidine. Patient characteristics, laboratory values, home and inpatient medications, and dexmedetomidine dosing information were collected to identify predictors of clinical response. Results During the 6-month study period, 38 patients received dexmedetomidine. The drug was ineffective as a sedative in 19 patients (50%) and effective in 11 (29%). Effectiveness could not be assessed in 8 patients because of clinical confounders. According to standard multiple logistic regression analysis, successful sedation was more likely in patients with a lower score on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.81; 95% CI, −0.39 to −0.03) and patients who took antidepressants at home (OR 10.27; 95% CI, 0.23 to 4.43) than in patients who had a higher score or did not take antidepressants at home. Conclusions Effective sedation with dexmedetomidine is variable.

scholarly journals Building eConsult (Electronic Consults) Capability at an Academic Medical Center to Improve Efficiencies in Delivering Specialty Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110053
Author(s):  
Matthew A. Thompson ◽  
Anne L. Fuhlbrigge ◽  
Duane W. Pearson ◽  
David R. Saxon ◽  
Linda A. Oberst-Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Delivery System ◽  
System Integration ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Care Transitions ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
The Face

As the COVID-19 health crisis continues to reshape healthcare, systems across the country face increasing pressure to adapt their models of care to expand access to care, while also improving efficiency and quality in the face of limited resources. Consequently, many have shown a growing interest and receptivity to the expansion of telehealth models to help meet these demands. Electronic consultations (eConsults) are a telehealth modality that allow for a non-face-to-face asynchronous consultation between a primary care provider (PCP) and a specialist aimed at facilitating specialist input without the need for a patient visit. The aim of this case study is to describe eConsults, how they differ from traditional in person models of care and other models of telemedicine and to review the evidence related to the effectiveness of eConsults by PCPs and clinicians from multiple specialties at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. We have worked to develop an infrastructure, delivery system integration, and care model adaptations that aim to improve delivery system performance by ensuring proper care in appropriate settings and lowering costs through reduced utilization. Lastly, we have increased care coordination, improved collaboration and better care transitions through strengthening of relationships between community-based PCPs and academic medical center-based specialists. This work has resulted in cost savings to patients and positive provider satisfaction.

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