An immunotherapy dosing program saved an estimated $296,000 in drug costs over 12 months at one VA medical center, according to a study published July 15 in NEJM Catalyst.
Researchers at Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center shifted prescribers toward a less frequent, guideline-supported dosing schedule for pembrolizumab — a top-selling cancer immunotherapy drug that has become one of Medicare Part B’s largest expenses. The yearlong initiative relied on updated electronic medical record order sets, pharmacist involvement and ongoing feedback to prescribers.
Here are three notes from the study:
- Adoption of the more efficient dosing schedule rose from about 60% to 80% of patients over the course of the program, though it caught on more slowly among patients receiving the drug alongside chemotherapy.
- The program saved close to $300,000 in drug costs, capturing more than 90% of the savings researchers projected as possible.
- The change also freed up more than 450 hours of infusion chair time, equivalent to about six hours saved per patient over a year.
Read the full study here.
At the Becker's Perioperative Summit, taking place September 14–15 in Chicago, perioperative leaders and healthcare executives will focus on improving operating room efficiency, enhancing patient safety, optimizing staffing and driving innovation across surgical services. Apply for complimentary registration now.