Early use of biologics has transformed inflammatory arthritis management by reducing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving physical function and quality of life. With an aim to provide patient centred yet timely medication; the Rheumatology Pharmacist (RP) reviewed the tedious process of initiating a biologic.
A retrospective case note analysis in 20 randomly selected biologic patients was used as an average baseline; patients attended two separate nurse clinics before a prescription was issued. In comparison data was collected from 271 patients referred into the newly created RP biologic clinic from Feb 20 – Jun 21.
Face to face clinics were changed to the dedicated RP biologic teleclinic and a counselling podcast was launched on the newly designed rheumatology website created by the RP. A patient feedback questionnaire was incorporated on the website to refine the clinic and information provided to patients.
Results
• 69% reduction from 163 days to 51 days for prescription to be generated
• 50% increase in clinic capacity
• 50% reduction in clinic waiting time
• 2 less hospital appointments patients attend
• 1 extra hour of nurse specialist time available every clinic
