| Autor: |
Craig, Louise, McLean, Mary, Andrews, Pamela, Collins, Linda, Murphy, John, Clive, Sally, Doherty, Louis, Drinkell, James, Dalrymple, Heather, Barvik, Hana, O'Connell, Richard |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice; 2023 Supplement, Vol. 29, p63-64, 2p |
| Abstrakt: |
Objectives: The COVID-19 NCMAG was a pan-Scotland multidisciplinary group established early in the pandemic. It aimed to provide rapid evidencebased decisions for NHSScotland for the use of cancer medicines that could support reduced Covid exposure for patients or reduce the burden on cancer services.1 An impact assessment of this novel initiative was undertaken, evaluating usage in clinical practice, and describing clinician and patient experiences. Method: Four medicines, supported by NCMAG for use, were selected to illustrate the spectrumof intended applications (Table 1). Usage data were requested from the three Scottish regional cancer networks and compared against predicted usage. Questionnaires were developed and sent to representative cancer managers, clinicians and patients to collect data on perceptions of COVID-19 NCMAG advice.Qualitative data were summarised and synthesised. Results: Thirty proposals were reviewed and 20 were supported for use between April 2020 and October 2021. Usage of the abiraterone combination, ibrutinib and pembrolizumab aligned with predicted use whereas usage of the pembrolizumab combination exceeded predicted use (Table 1). Favourable impacts on service, within the COVID-19 context, included oral versus intravenous administration, reduced monitoring requirements, fewer immunosuppressive regimens and reduced hospital visits. Key themes from clinicians included (i) direct benefits to ‘shielding’ patients by reducing time spent in highrisk hospital settings, and (ii) broader impact on pressured systemic anti-cancer therapy services by reducing a number of hospital attendances and reducing chair time. Key themes from patients included satisfaction with reduced hospital visits and reduced travel, due to concerns about the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Discussion: Successful clinical engagement in this novel group was illustrated by the consistent submission of proposals and participation at meetings. Analysis of realworld data showed actual usage aligned with predicted usage across the three regions. Discrepancies identified between actual and predicted use for the pembrolizumab combination could be explained by the continued desire to use COVID-19 NCMAG-approved 6-weekly pembrolizumab regimen during the pandemic despite the 3-weekly regimen obtaining Scottish Medicines Consortium acceptance. It was not possible to extract data specific to all the COVID-19 NCMAG-supported medicines due to the prescribing system setup. These findings illustrate that COVID-19 NCMAG advice has been impactful for service, clinicians and patients across cancer services in Scotland during the pandemic. A ‘business as usual’ NCMAG has now been established in Scotland to provide advice to support equitable access to safe, clinical and cost-effective off-label and off-patent uses of cancer medicines and improve patient outcomes.2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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