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DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROGRAM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FOLLOW-UP OF PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC DRUGS IN PATIENTS WITH LONG-ACTING ANTI-HIV DRUGS

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European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Author(s)

MARTÍNEZ LLIBERATO, A; COMPANY ALBIR, MJ; VICENTE ESCRIG, E; VALLEJO GARCÍA, R; RUBIO ORTOLÁ, L; GARCÍA MONTAÑÉS, S; BELLÉS MEDALL, MD; FERRANDO PIQUERES, R

Why was it done?

It was carried out to ensure the best monitoring, traceability and conservation of long-acting antiretroviral drugs, as well as to improve adherence and patient quality of life and reduce stigma in HIV patients.

What was done?

A program was developed for the administration and pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of patients who are candidates for long-acting antiretroviral treatment (LA-ART), coordinated with the infectious diseases unit (IDU) and the Hospital Pharmacy Outpatient Unit (HPOU).

How was it done?

After the inclusion of the drugs in the pharmacotherapeutic guide, the following program was designed:
1. Identification and communication to the HPOU by the IDU of patients who are candidates for LA-ART and electronic prescription.
2. Initial visit (week 0):
• Review and validation of the treatment by the pharmacist: indication, dosage regimen, interactions, contraindications.
• Planning of the annual administration calendar, providing two dates within the window period allowed by these drugs. Patients are scheduled for pharmaceutical care (PC) and administration on working Thursdays, in the HPOU Health Education Consultation agenda, which has a nurse.
• Information to the patient by the pharmacist, orally and in writing, about administration and adverse reactions. In addition, the annual appointment schedule is provided.
• Appointment of the patient for the first successive visit, if the patient accepts the start.
3. SMS sent the day before, to remind the patient of the follow-up visit. If the patient cannot attend the scheduled appointment, he/she will contact the HPOU to schedule an alternative date according to the calendar.
4. Successive visits (week 4 and every 8 weeks):
• PC
• Intramuscular administration by a nurse.
In all visits, the information is recorded in the patient’s computerized medical history.

What has been achieved?

Of 18 candidate patients in 18 months, 15 accepted ART after the initial visit. 89 PC and administration consultations have been carried out. Adherence was 100%, all reported local discomfort at the injection site between 1 and 7 days after administration and only 1 patient reported pyrexia.

What next?

A program applicable to all HPOU that have nursing and a Health Education consultation to implement adherence in these patients.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A PHARMACEUTICAL CARE CIRCUIT FOR LONG-ACTING ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENTS IN HIV PATIENTS IN A REGIONAL HOSPITAL

European Statement

Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Author(s)

AGUILAR GUISADO, CAROLINA. PHARMACY SERVICE. EL ESCORIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
SANCHEZ SUAREZ , SUSANA.PHARMACY SERVICE. EL ESCORIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
GARCIA GIMENO, M MERCEDES.PHARMACY SERVICE. EL ESCORIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
OTERINO MOREIRA, IVAN.PHARMACY SERVICE. EL ESCORIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
FIORANTE EMILSE SILVANA. INTERNAL MEDICINE SERVICE.EL ESCORIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
BARCIA MARTIN M ISABEL.PHARMACY SERVICE. EL ESCORIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
SAAVEDRA QUIROS VIRGINIA.PHARMACY SERVICE. EL ESCORIAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Why was it done?

Current antiretroviral therapies are effective, but adherence can be difficult for some patients, so innovation in parenterally administered antiretroviral treatments can help with adherence, as well as reducing the burden on patients with chronic HIV infection.

What was done?

Aim and Objectives: to implement a pharmaceutical care circuit for dispensing long-acting antiretroviral treatments in adult HIV patients.

How was it done?

Expected Improvements: Optimize antiviral use, enhance patient satisfaction, address adherence and maintain clinical effectiveness.
Circuit Design and Stages: In 2023, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee introduced intramuscular antiviral treatment with cabotegravir and rilpivirine, and established use criteria, in collaboration with the Internal Medicine service and Nursing consultation involved in the administration(NP):
1. Adults with undetectable Viral Load (VL) for at least 12 months
2. Treatment duration of 6-12 months
3. No prior resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or integrase inhibitors
4. Absence of HBV co-infection
5. Not pregnant or planning to conceive
6. Good treatment adherence
Pre-Treatment Circuit:
1. Medical Consultation: Clinical assessment and criteria evaluation.
2. Treatment Request: Physicians submit requests electronically.
3. Pharmacy Evaluation: Assessment of adherence to criteria with communication to the physician. Approved requests result in electronic prescriptions, ensuring correct dispensing.
In-Person Pharmaceutical Care Consultations (FCC):
• The first two visits confirm patient commitment and deliver dosing schedules.
• Medications are dispensed by pharmacy technicians and administered at Nursing practice
• From the third dose, consultations are conducted remotely to monitor adherence and effectiveness.
Nursing practice tasks:
• Confirm patient attendance the day before administration.
• Request medication from the pharmacy for the patient.
• Administer treatment and schedule future appointments based on the established calendar.
Implementation: The program began in November 2023.

What has been achieved?

8 patients were included, achieving 100% compliance from all services involved. Patient satisfaction is high, with undetectable VL maintained for 6-12 months post-treatment change. Mild flu-like symptoms were reported by 2 patients, and 2voluntarily discontinued due to mood concerns. 3 patients are awaiting treatment changes. All patients included underwent face-to-face FCC for the first and second doses, and telematic consultation for successive doses.
Limitations: small sample size.

What next?

This pharmaceutical care circuit can be adapted to various pharmacy services, providing a promising approach for HIV treatment adherence.The sample size needs to be enlarged for further studies.

RutiCar: an outpatient medication dispensing point

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European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Why was it done?

This service emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the collection of hospital medication posed patients, many of whom were immunocompromised, at higher risk for COVID-19 and other infections, as they had to enter the hospital facilities. Over time, it was observed that this service was not only beneficial during periods of high SARS-CoV-2 transmission. RutiCar enabled medication pickup from the patient’s own private vehicle, avoiding necessity for parking as well as entering the hospital.

What was done?

In June 2021, the Pharmacy Department of Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital(HUGTP) established an outpatient medication dispensing point located outside the hospital premises, “RutiCar”. This initiative facilitated patients in collecting their chronic treatments without entering the hospital, enabling direct access from their vehicles.

How was it done?

A new preparation and dispensing circuit was established. The patients specify their preferred date for medication pickup by telephone, e-mail or by a form after scanning a QR code. Pharmacy technicians undertake the responsibility of scheduling the appointment and preparing the medications one day prior to the designated dispensing day. The prepared medications are transported early in the morning to a temporary medication storage facility situated within the hospital’s parking area. Finally, the patient arrives at RutiCar at their scheduled appointment time and, without the need to exit their vehicle, collects their medication.

This service is aimed at patients with chronic treatments who have been on their medication for an extended period (>6 months) and show adherence. Pharmacists play an important role in this context, by ensuring that patients meet the criteria to initiate RutiCar service, reviewing treatments to validate their continuation and overseeing medication pickups to enhance patient adherence.

What has been achieved?

This service has led to an improvement in the medication dispensing process, assisting 10.46%(282) of the monthly average of patients who collect hospital medication(2695) and extending the hours for medication pickup, facilitating the work-life balance for patients and enhancing access to patients from remote areas.

What next?

In the future, improvements can be considered, such as implementing reminders for patients who have not yet scheduled their appointments and are projected to run out of medication soon, or automated appointment systems.

Assessing patient behaviour after calling a drug information telephone centre (MiS): what impact on the proper use of medicines?

European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Author(s)

Vanessa Gomes, Jonathan De Gregori, Greta Dusabe, Hélène Feyeux, Cyril Boronad

Why was it done?

MiS is a telephone service that provides free, reliable information about medicines to all patients and their caregivers. Requests are handled by experienced hospital pharmacists. It is important to know how patients behave after calling MiS in order to assess the benefits of this service on the proper use of medicines.

What was done?

The aim of this study was to assess patients’ behaviour regarding their medication after calling the MiS.

How was it done?

After prior agreement, patients were called back 7 days later to answer a specific survey including six questions: Was the medication changed after the call? Did the patient follow the advice of the MiS pharmacist? Did the patient consult a doctor? or another source of information? Did the patient feel that their health had improved? What are the benefits of this service?

What has been achieved?

Between 2024/03/05 and 2024/03/18, 20 callers completed the survey (65%). Most questions concerned drug interactions (48%), followed by side effects (22%), drug stability (7%), administrative information (7%), indications/contraindications (7%), product availability (3,%), proper use (3%) and dosage (3%). Thanks to the advice of MiS pharmacists, 47% of callers started taking their medication: half of these were prescribed by their doctor and the other half self-administered. Around a third of treatments were continued without change, while 6% were modified. Finally, 12% of treatments were discontinued because of side effects. After calling MiS, 15% of patients consulted a doctor and 15% consulted other sources of information (neighbours, health professionals, etc.). More than half of the patients felt that their health had improved after calling MiS. Lastly, 70% of patients described MiS as safe, 40% as accessible, 35% as available and 30% as a time-saver.

What next?

The demand for MiS shows that patients are looking for more information about their treatments, even if they have already consulted a healthcare professional. The number of treatments prescribed by the doctor that were only initiated after the call also illustrates the benefits of the MiS service. It is an additional service that can reassure callers and contribute to the proper use of medicines by conveying a positive image of treatments and information suited to callers’ knowledge.

Sustainable adherence in the sector transition for schizophrenia patients

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European Statement

Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Author(s)

Lene Juhl Biltsted, Louise Stilling Rasmussen

Why was it done?

In Denmark, patients with schizophrenia receive free antipsychotic medication for the initial two years post-diagnosis. Post this period, patients transition to the primary sector and assume the medication costs. Historically, the clinic dispensed larger medication quantities, offering short-term relief but not addressing the issue. This approach risks medication waste. The new workflows empower healthcare professionals to help patients establish stable financial arrangements with local pharmacies, curbing fluctuating medication expenses. This enhances patient safety by reducing at-home medication stockpiles. Financial barriers often undermine patient compliance. Healthcare professionals strive to aid patients, curbing relapses and readmissions, through rational, sustainable medication management that minimises resource wastage.

What was done?

Training improved healthcare professional’s understanding of the Danish medication subsidy system and options for deferment in the primary sector.
The healthcare professionals’ new knowledge has provided the foundation for the development of optimised workflows in the treatment process, ensuring a more sustainable medication management during the transition to the primary sector. The project establishes the framework for reducing the risk of medication waste upon the patient’s completion of treatment at the clinic.
It also created a favourable setting for healthcare providers to collaborate with patients, enhancing adherence.

How was it done?

Healthcare professionals received training on deferment arrangements, subsidies, and compliance, with supervision from clinical pharmacists.
Patient cases were analysed to determine factors for future guidelines.
Guidelines were formulated to aid healthcare professionals during the patients’ transition to the primary sector.
A tool (calculator) was created for assessing the patients’ economic choices regarding medication expenses.

What has been achieved?

Healthcare professionals gained confidence in guiding patients on stable medication expenses.
Enhanced rational and sustainable medication use by incorporating the seven rights.
New guidelines now allow an appropriate quality assurance strategy to ensure sustainability and adherence.
Tool to assess medication costs which improves the patients adherence in the sector transition.
Lowered risk of over/under treatment and improper storage.
Diminished treatment failure risk by predicting patient medication expenses during the primary sector transition

What next?

In the next 6 months, the clinic will trial the established guidelines and routines with patients concluding their 2-year treatment.

Pharmaceutical care for human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis users

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European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Author(s)

NURIA FERNANDEZ PIÑEIRO, CRISTINA GONZALEZ PEREZ, LIDIA YBAÑEZ GARCIA, NATALIA SANCHEZ-OCAÑA MARTÍN, JOSE MANUEL MARTINEZ SESMERO

Why was it done?

In our area all care for PrEP users was centralised in a specialised centre. Here, a multidisciplinary team made up of doctors, nurses and pharmacists integrated in a patient-centred care model. PrEP users are a potentially vulnerable population. Health education and motivation are provided in the PhC consultations to raise awareness about the use of medication and adherence to treatment, which are key to avoiding HIV infection. The use of sex-related drugs is a growing health problem in this population and has been associated with increased HIV transmission risk.

What was done?

Development and implementation of a monographic pharmaceutical care (PhC) consultation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users.

How was it done?

On 20 January 2020, the PhC consultation was launched in a monographic STI care centre linked to a tertiary hospital.
– On the same day as the first medical appointment, the user attends a PhC appointment. In this unit the user receives the necessary information to properly take the medication. Possible interactions are reviewed, not only with medications, but also with natural medicine, sports supplements and drugs. All doubts are resolved and the medication is dispensed.
– Every 3 months medical follow-up is carried out and, in the PhC consultation, where not only possible adverse effects are reviewed, but also adherence and related problems are specially monitored. To increase the quality of care, active communication between all health personnel was ensured.

What has been achieved?

Until 30 September 2022, 3,460 initial visits and 13,349 follow-up visits have been made (411 of them through telepharmacy during the lockdown as a result of the global pandemic by SARS-CoV-2). From the users, 98.98% were men who have sex with men (MSM), 0.80% transgender women, 0.04% transgender men and 0.18% were women. 70.3% used sex-related drugs (Chemsex), with the most used substances being Popper (37.1%), mephedrone (28.2%) and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) (24.6%).

What next?

In our experience, the role of hospital pharmacists as a reference health personnel for HIV-PrEP users has become clear, not only as an expert in medication. Given the prevalence of drug use in this population makes the health education that we hospital pharmacists can provide especially important.

Implementation of an opioid stewardship programme (OSP) at San Ignacio University Hospital

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European Statement

Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Author(s)

Viviana Andrea Pinzon Garcia, Paula Camila Murcia Jaramillo, Reinaldo Grueso Angulo

Why was it done?

In 2018, concerned with the opioid crisis in USA, the pharmacy and therapeutic committee began to work on safer opioid use; an initial diagnosis showed an increase in the use of in hospital opioids and a lack of protocol for the disposal of the resultant remnants. Standard single-dose syringes (SSDS) were devised to avoid remnants, subsequently noticing that the strategies to be used should involve the whole medication order cycle (MOC). This gave rise to the OSP, which involves physician’s pain management and prescribing practices, pharmacy preparing and dispensing process, nurse’s custody, administration and disposing protocols.

What was done?

An Opioid Stewardship Programme (OSP) led by a multidisciplinary team: scientific direction, pharmacy and pain clinic, was implemented to ensure adequate and safe opioid prescription, dispensation, administration and disposing practices in San Ignacio University Hospital (HUSI), a tertiary level hospital in Bogota, Colombia.

How was it done?

Institutional pain practice guidelines were assessed, unifying the titration doses with SSDS and developing disposal protocols in which care staff is constantly being trained ever since. To trace the impact of the OSP, indicators for IV opioid consumption, SSDS prescription, naloxone use and guideline adherence were created.
Main obstacles on SSDS: <10% prescribing adherence, availability failures and dose expiration. In response, the whole ampoule prescription was narrowed to only pain specialists to face SSDS expiration costs and avoid shortage.

What has been achieved?

SSDS prescription proportion above 70% by July 2022, decreased milligram morphine equivalent (MME) consumption per hospital discharge (January 2019: 37, January 2020: 47, January 2021 (COVID 2nd surge): 39, January 2022: 25, July 2022 (COVID 3rd surge):16) and monthly costs decrease in 1997 USD, between 2019 and 2022.
An opioid shortage during the COVID surges, deepened in Colombia due to a hydromorphone recall, was avoided.

What next?

The OSP initiative could be replied in healthcare institutions considering our achievements. To keep working in a safer opioid MOC, our OSP has formulated new strategies with an active role of pharmacists, pain specialists and nurses oriented to: remnants disposal protocol, prescribing policies, medication error detection and healthcare staff and patient education.

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PRE-EXPOSURE HIV PROPHYLAXIS DISPENSATION PROGRAM

European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Author(s)

Natalia Toledo Noda, Víctor Quesada Marqués, Laura Majuelos Aicart, Milagros Varela González, Maria Victoria Morales León

Why was it done?

Despite advances in the control of HIV infection, the number of people who become infected annually in the island (European ultra-periphery region) remains high. The implementation of a PrEP dispensing program would prevent many of these infections since it is known that there is a high number of undiagnosed infected people. In addition, the implementation would allow legally access to this therapy, being an effective, cheap and easily to use therapy.

What was done?

Development and implementation of a medication dispensing program for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults.

How was it done?

In 2016, the European Medicines Agency authorized the indication of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 245mg + emtricitabine 200mg as a preventive treatment. In December 2019 the Ministry of Health incorporated it into the National Health System for people who met certain minimum criteria. The hospital was formed since then with the aim of establishing a prescription and dispensing circuit.

What has been achieved?

The following circuit was established:
1. The primary care physician will screen candidates who want to apply to the program and request an initial study. If the candidate meets the criteria, he will consult the infectious diseases unit.
2. The unit value the entry into the program and carry out clinical follow-up. The request for outpatient dispensing is generated for the Pharmacy Service.
3. The Pharmacy Service informs about how to take the medication and its adverse effects. It is dispensed for a maximum period of 3 months. If any problem related to the drug or lack of adherence is detected, it will be communicated to the doctor.
4. A clinical and analytical follow-up is carried out every 3 months to assess the correct use of the medication as well as the appearance of safety problems (renal function and bone involvement). The continuity in the program is evaluated annually.

Since then, the Pharmacy Service has dispensed medication to 20 users and only one discontinued due to lack of adherence.

What next?

Achieve a reduction in the incidence of HIV, which for years has remained stable. Contribute to generate data that support the efficacy and safety of these therapies in real life. Avoid the illegal sale of these drugs.

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