Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Amiodarone has the potential for serious adverse effects; therefore, patients on amiodarone should be routinely monitored for liver, thyroid and lung toxicity. In 2016, a medication utilization evaluation was performed to assess the need for an amiodarone monitoring program at a 300-bed medical center. It was found that laboratory and pulmonary monitoring rates were substantially lower than recommended in the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE) guidelines. As a result, a pharmacy-managed amiodarone monitoring program was established. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of pharmacist interventions on amiodarone monitoring at BVAMC.
Methods: This study will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board for approval. A retrospective chart review of patients on amiodarone therapy will be conducted at a 300-bed medical center. Patients will be grouped into those enrolled in the pharmacist-managed program and those with usual care. Patients on amiodarone for less than 6 months will be excluded. The electronic medical record will be reviewed for demographic information, indication for use, date of initiation, occurrence of laboratory and diagnostic testing, duration of therapy, adverse effects, drug interactions, consults entered and action taken as a result of pharmacists intervention. Appropriate baseline monitoring and follow-up for liver function tests, thyroid function tests, chest x-ray film, ophthalmologic evaluation, pulmonary function tests, and electrocardiogram will be assessed in accordance with the NASPE amiodarone guidelines.
The primary endpoint is to compare rates of laboratory monitoring of liver, thyroid, and pulmonary function as well as electrocardiogram and chest x-ray in a pharmacist-managed amiodarone monitoring program with usual care at the medical center. Secondary endpoints include frequency of adverse events and potential cost-savings.
Results: not applicable
Conclusion: not applicable
Jeffrey Clay Nolen
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL147 Views