Development and implementation of an electrolyte replacement protocol in the outpatient oncology infusion centers of a large academic healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving chemotherapy frequently experience electrolyte imbalances. Electrolyte replacement is, therefore, a necessity as patients may experience life-threatening symptoms.Study objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of low serum potassium and magnesium, and identify the rate of replacement for patients with low serum potassium and magnesium levels. Based on our findings, we developed and implemented a nursing-driven electrolyte replacement protocol. METHODS: Preimplementation phase - A retrospective review for serum potassium and magnesium values obtained during infusion clinic visit between 1 August and 31 October 2016 was conducted. Implementation phase - A nursing-driven electrolyte replacement protocol with medication order "smart-set" and order selection intelligence within EPIC Beacon was developed and implemented in May 2017. Postimplementation phase - The postimplementation phase data were collected from 1 August to 30 November 2017 using a similar approach as the preimplementation phase. RESULTS: Preimplementation phase - During the preimplementation phase of the study, a total of 1495 serum potassium levels and 1193 serum magnesium levels were obtained. Among the 152 patients who needed potassium replacement, 34% (n = 52) were replaced and among the 118 serum magnesium levels that needed replacement, 30% (n = 35) were replaced. Postimplementation phase - 3979 serum potassium and 2707 magnesium levels were obtained. Among the 170 patients who needed potassium replacement, 75% (n = 127) were replaced. Among the 142 patients who needed magnesium replacement, 73% (n = 104) were replaced. CONCLUSION: A 121% increase in potassium replacement and a 143% increase in magnesium replacement were identified after implementing this protocol.

Evaluation of the prescribing patterns, adverse effects, and drug interactions of oral chemotherapy agents in an outpatient cancer center.

PURPOSE: Although oral chemotherapy offers advantages over intravenous chemotherapy, it creates a unique set of challenges. Potential barriers include treatment complexity, patient responsibility for medication adherence and monitoring, reduced healthcare contact, and increased financial burden. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of drug-related problems among a sample of patients treated with oral chemotherapy agents. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective chart review was conducted on patients prescribed oral chemotherapy at our institution between 1 January 2017 and 31 August 2017. The primary endpoint was the incidence of drug-related toxicities within 90 days of starting treatment. Secondary endpoints included incidence of drug-drug interactions, proportion of patients receiving medication education by a clinical pharmacist, and quantification of issues related to medication access. RESULTS: Charts of 100 patients were reviewed. Median time to oral chemotherapy receipt by the patient from the day the order was written was eight days. Prior to initiating therapy, 27% of patients received education by a clinical pharmacist. Toxicity checks were conducted by the provider at 30, 60, and 90 days for 80%, 65%, and 48% of patients, respectively. Treatment-related toxicities secondary to oral chemotherapy were reported by 79% of patients, with 55% classified as severe. Potential drug interactions were in 55% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Data from this study have highlighted avenues for pharmacists to make an impact on patients newly started on oral chemotherapy. Opportunities exist to increase patient education, ensure appropriate follow-up, and assess adherence while preventing and managing treatment-related toxicities.