Feasibility of a centralized specialty biologic medication management clinic at a VA hospital.

BACKGROUND

Given the cost and complexity of home subcutaneous biologic use, a centralized specialty medication management (CSMM) service was developed utilizing clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPPs).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the implementation feasibility of the CSMM service.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

The CSMM service was implemented in a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospital. The VHA does not use dedicated specialty pharmacies.

PRACTICE INNOVATION

The CSMM service was developed utilizing CPPs who operated as an advance practice provider under a national VHA scope of practice. The CPP staffing the CSMM service performed patient education, screened for medication appropriateness, and monitored for safety and efficacy via videoconference or telephone. All patients newly starting a home subcutaneous biologic were offered the service from allergy, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology clinics, as appropriate.

EVALUATION METHODS

A retrospective chart review was completed through the first year the service was offered, which included the recruitment and retention of patients, number of follow-up appointments, and interventions made.

RESULTS

Of the 68 patients offered clinic enrollment, 54 were enrolled in the service (79.4%). Of the 44 who had completed an initial appointment with the CPP, 42 had either received an initial follow-up or were scheduled for a follow-up (95.5%). A total of 161 clinical outcomes have been performed by the CSMM CPP including administrative assistance (33.5%), initial patient education (17.4%), technique correction (7.5%), and medication changes or discontinuations (6.8%).

CONCLUSION

Given the high rate of enrollment and retention, the implementation of the CSMM service at a VA hospital was feasible. The service contributed to safe and effective medication use for enrolled patients and continues to grow in both patient enrollment and services offered.