Health System Success in Delivering Bamlanivimab Within Post-acute and Long-Term Care Facilities

Abstract

ObjectivesPost-acute and long-term care (PALTC) residents are disproportionately affected by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). We describe a health system approach that incorporated PALTC stakeholders to treat residents effectively and efficiently with monoclonal antibodies during the pandemic.DesignRetrospective observational.Setting and ParticipantsIntegrated health system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with urban hub and surrounding rural communities. Patients of the health system include PALTC and assisted living (AL) residents of facilities.MethodsMonoclonal Data Registry captured time to infusion after a positive COVID-19 test, residency (independent or PALTC), and site of infusion (PALTC, hospital outpatient, infusion center). AL residents are included in PALTC data. Registry limited to patients living in SD. Communication and operational resources were tailored to support PALTC infusions. The monoclonal antibody therapy administered to PALTC residents during the first 6 weeks after emergency use authorization (EUA) of monoclonal antibodies was bamlanivimab. The EUA for bamlanivimab was revoked due to lack of effectiveness against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants on April 16, 2021.ResultsThe results are analyzed for the 6 weeks after bamlanivimab EUA. In PALTC, there was a median of 3 days between positive test and infusion. The total number of monoclonal antibody infusions captured in the registry during this time was 87 PALTC on-site infusions.Conclusion and ImplicationsA collaborative approach between health system executives and PALTC experts quickly enabled access to potentially life-saving therapy to a vulnerable population. PALTC settings should be routinely included in health system investment and planning to improve the capacity of the system to achieve optimal outcomes, prevent unnecessary mortality, and preserve health care resources.