Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Process for Health-System Retention of Long Acting Growth Factors Prescriptions in the Pediatric Oncology Population.
J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther
; 29(2): 175-179, 2024 Apr.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38596423
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) products are often used in pediatric patients with malignant diagnoses to reduce the time that the patient is neutropenic. Long-acting GCSF products have been shown to be non-inferior to daily dosing of GCSF products, and are becoming more desired by patients and families. Insurance companies often require a prior authorization prior to approving the use of the long-acting GCSF products. This process has proven challenging leading to treatment delays and missed doses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a quality improvement process for the prescribing and dispensing of long-acting GCSF to better serve pediatric patients within a single health care system.METHODS:
This is a single-center, retrospective chart review with the purpose of collecting data to compare prescription retention before and after the improvement intervention. Study timeline includes all doses of long-acting GCSF prescribed for pediatric oncology patients between June 2020-June 2021 compared with July 2021-March 2022. On June 30, 2021, educational information was provided to the appropriate stakeholders regarding the change in practice.RESULTS:
A total of 31 patients were included in the review, with 22 patients prior to the intervention (115 prescriptions), and 9 patients after the intervention (43 prescriptions). There was a 37.8% increase in health system prescription retention (15.7% vs 53.5%).CONCLUSIONS:
Pharmacist directed long-acting GCSF prescription destination and a dedicated prior-authorization team led to an increase in prescription retention for patients regardless of payer mandated outpatient pharmacy.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther
Year:
2024
Type:
Article