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

Abstract

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: This 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.

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 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.

Results: A 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Figure 1

VACHS outpatient COVID-19 treatment process. Abbreviations used: VACHS, VA Connecticut Healthcare System; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; EUA, emergency use authorization.