
Contributions
Abstract: EP1516
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - disease modifying - Long-term treatment monitoring
Introduction: The new disease modifying treatments (DMTs) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) require regular blood monitoring to identify changes in parameters such as liver function or lymphocyte count that may lead to dose modification or cessation of therapy. The requirement for monitoring can change as required following regulator intervention. This is a challenge for MS clinical teams with large numbers of patients on DMTs. We present the impact of the introduction of a pharmacy-led monitoring service on the patients and health care professionals.
Methods: Assessment of frequency of correct monitoring of DMTs, impact on MS clinical team and patient satisfaction before and after the introduction of a pharmacy-led monitoring service.
Results: We found that only 85% of required blood test results were recorded prior to the introduction of the pharmacy-led service. After its introduction there was a significant improvement to 100% of appropriate blood monitoring performed. Patients were more satisfied with the service as they clearly understood when sampling was due and they felt safety was improved. MS clinical teams were also freed up due to less time spent chasing results and less calls from patients. An additional finding was that calls from a pharmacist to the patient also provided an opportunity to assess patient compliance with DMTs and reduce drug wastage from unnecessary repeat dispensing. Detailed results will be presented.
Conclusion: A pharmacy-led monitoring service is feasible, frees up time for the MS clinical team and improves the safety of patients through improved DMT monitoring. It allows assessment of patient compliance, the opportunity to reduce drug wastage and also allows future changes in DMT monitoring to be easily incorporated into clinical practice.
Disclosure:
Rachel Dorsey - sponsorship & consultant work for Biogen, Roche, & Novartis
Richard Nicholas - Bayer, Biogen, Genzyme, Merck Serono, Roche - honorarium for speaking, advisory boards. Biogen, Genzyme, Novartis - funds for organising education, staff. Biogen, Novartis - Principal investigator.
Taryn Quinn - nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1516
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - disease modifying - Long-term treatment monitoring
Introduction: The new disease modifying treatments (DMTs) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) require regular blood monitoring to identify changes in parameters such as liver function or lymphocyte count that may lead to dose modification or cessation of therapy. The requirement for monitoring can change as required following regulator intervention. This is a challenge for MS clinical teams with large numbers of patients on DMTs. We present the impact of the introduction of a pharmacy-led monitoring service on the patients and health care professionals.
Methods: Assessment of frequency of correct monitoring of DMTs, impact on MS clinical team and patient satisfaction before and after the introduction of a pharmacy-led monitoring service.
Results: We found that only 85% of required blood test results were recorded prior to the introduction of the pharmacy-led service. After its introduction there was a significant improvement to 100% of appropriate blood monitoring performed. Patients were more satisfied with the service as they clearly understood when sampling was due and they felt safety was improved. MS clinical teams were also freed up due to less time spent chasing results and less calls from patients. An additional finding was that calls from a pharmacist to the patient also provided an opportunity to assess patient compliance with DMTs and reduce drug wastage from unnecessary repeat dispensing. Detailed results will be presented.
Conclusion: A pharmacy-led monitoring service is feasible, frees up time for the MS clinical team and improves the safety of patients through improved DMT monitoring. It allows assessment of patient compliance, the opportunity to reduce drug wastage and also allows future changes in DMT monitoring to be easily incorporated into clinical practice.
Disclosure:
Rachel Dorsey - sponsorship & consultant work for Biogen, Roche, & Novartis
Richard Nicholas - Bayer, Biogen, Genzyme, Merck Serono, Roche - honorarium for speaking, advisory boards. Biogen, Genzyme, Novartis - funds for organising education, staff. Biogen, Novartis - Principal investigator.
Taryn Quinn - nothing to disclose