Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Process for Health-System Retention of Long Acting Growth Factors Prescriptions in the Pediatric Oncology Population

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) products are often used in pediatric patients with malignant diagnoses to reduce the time that the patient is neutropenic. Long-acting GCSF products have been shown to be non-inferior to daily dosing of GCSF products, and are becoming more desired by patients and families. Insurance companies often require a prior authorization prior to approving the use of the long-acting GCSF products. This process has proven challenging leading to treatment delays and missed doses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a quality improvement process for the prescribing and dispensing of long-acting GCSF to better serve pediatric patients within a single health care system. METHODS This is a single-center, retrospective chart review with the purpose of collecting data to compare prescription retention before and after the improvement intervention. Study timeline includes all doses of long-acting GCSF prescribed for pediatric oncology patients between June 2020–June 2021 compared with July 2021–March 2022. On June 30, 2021, educational information was provided to the appropriate stakeholders regarding the change in practice. RESULTS A total of 31 patients were included in the review, with 22 patients prior to the intervention (115 prescriptions), and 9 patients after the intervention (43 prescriptions). There was a 37.8% increase in health system prescription retention (15.7% vs 53.5%). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacist directed long-acting GCSF prescription destination and a dedicated prior-authorization team led to an increase in prescription retention for patients regardless of payer mandated outpatient pharmacy.