Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Biologic treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have rapidly changed in recent years. These therapies are associated with difficult adherence and a large financial burden. Furthermore, these issues greatly impact care and costs when switching between biologics. Due to the high starting and maintenance costs, undefined treatment goals, time to switch biologics, and poor adherence, there is a need to assess the proper utilization of biologic medications. The objective of this study is to assess the utilization and prescribing patterns of biologic therapies in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis at a Veterans Affairs medical center.
Methods: This quality improvement retrospective chart review will assess biologic use for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in patients 18 years or older prescribed adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, secukinumab, or ustekinumab from September 1, 2017 to September 1, 2018 at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Patients receiving medical care for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis outside of the medical center will be excluded. The electronic medical record will be used to obtain all data including: demographics, indication, biologic medication, consistency of dose with package insert, start date and duration of the active and most recently discontinued biologic medications, reason for switching medications, systemic medication use, monitoring parameters for tuberculosis and Hepatitis B and C, body surface area involvement, presence of specific location of skin involvement, and presence of various adverse prognostic factors for psoriatic arthritis. Medication adherence will be assessed using the proportion of days covered (PDC). Findings will be identified, trended, and have the potential to lead to positive changes in clinic flow, prescribing/monitoring behavior, and/or pharmacist involvement.
Results: not applicable
Conclusion: not applicable
Emily Clemens
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN135 Views