Putting it into practice: strategizing a successful anemia management protocol in the long-term care setting.

OBJECTIVE

To familiarize the consultant pharmacist with the new American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) guideline for the management of anemia in the long-term care setting and with the responsibilities of each member of the interdisciplinary care team in anemia management.

DATA SOURCES

Guidelines and recent articles focusing on anemia in geriatric patients or in the long-term care population.

STUDY SELECTION

Key articles and guidelines were selected to provide background supporting the need for improved recognition and management of anemia in the long-term care setting and the role of the consultant pharmacist in meeting this need.

DATA EXTRACTION

This clinical review includes data relevant to the development of a clinical protocol for the diagnosis and management of anemia in the long-term care setting and the role of the consultant pharmacist in developing such protocols.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The successful implementation of an anemia management protocol in the long-term care setting requires an interdisciplinary effort and familiarity with clinical practice guidelines and recommendations. Such protocols can optimize the quality of life and functional status of geriatric patients with anemia.

CONCLUSION

The consultant pharmacist can fill a crucial role in improving the recognition and management of anemia in the long-term care setting. Familiarity with the recommendations put forth in the AMDA guideline can assist consultant pharmacists in developing protocols that can be followed by members of the interdisciplinary care team and can improve the quality of life of patients with anemia.