Implementation of a Standardized Process for Outpatient COVID-19 Treatments at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Background

The 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.

Objective

To describe the implementation of a standardized process for the prescribing, dispensing, and administering of medications for outpatients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Patients 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 prior to 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.

Results

One hundred thirty-four 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.

Conclusions

Collaboration 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.

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