Headwaters Health Care Centre’s Post

Hospital Pharmacy services optimization tip 💡 Using dose banding to ensure timely chemotherapy delivery to oncology patients while avoiding drug wastage from remnant volumes, no show of patients, unavailability of specialized staff on weekends. For those not familiar with DB, it is the use of pre-made infusions or pre-filled syringes fitting the prescribed doses of chemotherapy (calculated according to BSA) to pre-defined dose ranges or ‘bands’. How can dose banding synergize with your practice?

Embracing the Shift in Pharmacy Care for Oncology Patients I recently had the honour of attending and addressing a significant gathering organised by the Section for Oncology Pharmacy of HFD and the Health Associations Coalition on behalf of EPhEU Employed community Pharmacists in Europe . The event's focus was a critically important and timely topic: 'Shifting Pharmacy Care Towards Prevention and Monitoring the Quality of Life of Oncology Patients'. The event highlighted the evolving role of pharmacists in oncology. It's not just about dispensing medication; it's increasingly about playing a pivotal role in preventative care and enhancing the quality of life for oncology patients. Key takeaways from the event include the importance of continued education for pharmacists in oncology and collaboration with other healthcare providers. We delved into how pharmacists can be more actively involved in patient care, emphasising the need for a holistic approach beyond medication management. This consists in understanding oncology patients' unique challenges and providing support that encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This event was a reminder of the significant impact healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, can have on the lives of oncology patients. Martina Šepetavc Miranda Sertic Lidija Bach-Rojecky Vesna Pavlica EPhEU Employed community Pharmacists in Europe #OncologyPharmacy #PatientCare #PharmacyEducation #CancerPrevention #QualityOfLife #HealthcareInnovation

👩⚕️ Navigating Oncology Pharmacy Challenges 🏥 Recently, our oncology pharmacy faced a bottleneck ⏳. With only one hood in the negative pressure room, we are limited to compounding one hazardous prep at a time. When there are multiple chemo orders including intrathecal and BCG orders (these require additional cleaning measures to maintain sterility), compounding will be the rate limiting step - even when our strongest 💪 lead tech is in the hood compounding as effectively and safely as possible. Our approach? Effective communication 💬 helped us manage expectations, kept patients informed, and maintained a focus on patient care. 💉🌐 #OncologyPharmacy #WorkflowOptimization #HealthcareEfficiency

We're kicking off #CervicalHealthMonth! The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screening tests. This #TransferTuesday Amend Rx, Northern Pharmacy & Medical Equipment's specialty pharmacy care team is here to help with any medication consultations you may need during treatment? Learn more: http://ow.ly/LFY950M7rvf #CommunityPharmacy #SpecialtyPharmacy #LocalPharmacy #StickwithNorthernPharmacyMedicalEquipment

Congratulations are in order again for our specialty pharmacy team! 🎉 🙌 https://bit.ly/4ceC70v Their clinical outcomes study and poster, “Maximizing Cost Savings: The Impact of Specialty Pharmacist Interventions at a Community Oncology Center,” won the ✨ Gold Award ✨ for best poster at Pharmacy Quality Alliance's Annual Meeting. The study describes the valuable relationship between HSSP patient management and cost containment. In fact, the authors found pharmacist interventions have helped to save a total of $700,503 in just several years. It's the second time the research has won top honors. Just six months ago, the study earned the Best Poster award at National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP). Authors Casey Fitzpatrick, Carly Giavatto, PharmD, Ana Lopez-Medina, PharmD, Jessica Mourani Doueiry say the study's impact could be far-reaching: "As value-based healthcare delivery models become more of the norm, interventions like these will be vital for showing the value of the HSSP." Bravo! 👏 #pharmacy #specialtypharmacy #healthcare #healthcarecosts #oncology

Some of my personal insights about being a CRC of Oncology trials Being involved in clinical trials as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) is a role of profound significance. As a CRC, your daily responsibilities include screening and enrolling patients, often determining their eligibility for a study that could be their final treatment option or last hope. This means that you play a critical role in providing potentially life-saving or life-extending treatments through clinical trials. For me, it is an immense honor to be part of these trials, knowing that we are offering patients a chance when other options have been exhausted. Whether it is for palliative care or a potential complete response to their disease, being a CRC carries the unique responsibility and privilege of giving patients hope. This involves thorough and compassionate screening processes to ensure that every eligible patient has the opportunity to participate in a trial for an investigational product that could be the answer they have been searching for. I want to share these insights with anyone considering this path, whether you are preparing for your medical board exams or are already certified and looking to engage in research. The role of a CRC is incredibly fulfilling, especially when you see patients respond completely to a treatment or when you can provide them with additional years of life. This work truly touches the heart and reinforces the profound impact of clinical research on patient lives.

John Kepros, M.D., principal investigator for an HonorHealth Research Institute clinical trial, told Arizona Horizon host Ted Simons that administering a certain blood-clotting drug to emergency room trauma patients has the potential to save many lives. Bleeding out is the most common cause of preventable death after injury.   “As soon as we decide that a patient is likely to have a large blood transfusion, we’ll administer that drug,” said Dr. Kepros, who also is medical director of trauma services at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center.    However, there are some issues regarding informed consent that are involved with the study. Patients might be administered the drug even if they are unconscious but in a life-threatening scenario.    Formally known as the Trauma and Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (TAP) trial, it will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Kcentra (or 4-factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate, or PCC). The trial is funded by CSL Behring, a global biotherapeutics leader, which makes PCC.   HonorHealth Research Institute is one of potentially dozens of sites worldwide that will evaluate the drug among upwards of 80,000 patients. The trial began in 2023 and last until 2026. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gHbD7w5a Learn more about the clinical trial: https://lnkd.in/gb7GnkE9

🚨 Important FDA Update: Safety Labeling Change for CAR T-cell Immunotherapies 🚨 On January 19, the FDA issued safety labeling change notifications to manufacturers of BCMA- and CD19-directed CAR T-cell immunotherapies. This addresses the serious risk of T-cell malignancies, emphasizing the need for package insert revisions. While overall benefits outweigh risks, ongoing monitoring for malignancies in patients is crucial. staying informed and contributing to advancements in healthcare is key. #FDA #CAR-T #HealthcareUpdates 🩺💊 #msl #mslearn #oncology

Looking to learn more about how pediatric gastroenterologists reacted to the approval of dupilumab (Dupixent; Sanofi and Regeneron) for pediatric EoE? Check out this video, which features perspective from Drs. Riha Bhatt, Victoria Baez, and Elizabeth Spencer:

Dutch Healthcare Authority Announces DRG Package Update for 2024 The Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) has unveiled its second release of the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) package for 2024, impacting specialist medical care and geriatric rehabilitation care. The package introduces notable additions, including a new procedure code and supplementary payments. The introduced procedure code 050524, titled “Pathological examination – predictive immunohistochemical diagnosis in the context […] #marketaccess #reimbursement #pricing #hta #heor #healtheconomics #medicaldevices #pharmaceutical