Implementation of a standardized process for outpatient COVID-19 treatments at a Veterans Affairs medical center

Abstract

BackgroundThe initial availability and distribution of new therapeutic options for outpatients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was limited by insufficient supply, challenges related to administration and dispensing, and unique clinical considerations of each medication. ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the implementation of a standardized process for prescribing, dispensing, and administering medications for outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. MethodsPatients evaluated in outpatient clinics, the emergency department, or urgent care locations who tested positive for COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms were candidates for outpatient management. An interdisciplinary team involving physicians from primary care and the emergency department, pharmacists, and nursing developed a standardized note template to gather relevant information before initiating outpatient COVID-19 treatment. Pharmacists reviewed the patients’ eligibility for treatment and discussed the available options with providers to facilitate the timely provision of appropriate treatment. ResultsA total of 134 outpatients were evaluated for COVID-19 treatment from January 10, 2022, to March 10, 2022. Following a retrospective chart review, it was determined that a medication was administered or dispensed to 80 of those patients. ConclusionCollaboration as an interdisciplinary team allowed for the efficient development of a systematic process in which outpatients with COVID-19 could be evaluated, prescribed, and administered appropriate medications to reduce their risk of disease progression.