Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the implementation and functionality of a pharmacy medication therapy management (MTM) consult service for the treatment of anemia secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Methods: This was a prospective, quality improvement project conducted from April 2015 through June 2015 at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System. A pharmacy MTM consult service was developed and implemented in collaboration with hematology/oncology physicians to grant current providers the option of continuing to manage the treatment of anemia secondary to MDS for their respective patients or to transition care to pharmacy services. Treatment guidelines were developed based on current literature and followed by pharmacy services to ensure that the use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents, oral and IV iron supplementation, and/or granulocyte-colony stimulating factors were managed appropriately.
Results: Of the 3 consults entered for enrollment into the pharmacy MTM consultation service, 2 were approved and 1 was denied. All 3 consults were reviewed for enrollment by the oncology pharmacist within 24 hours or the initial order. Additionally, of the 2 patients who were approved into the consultation service, both initial visits were scheduled and conducted by pharmacy services within 24 hours of the consult being ordered.
Conclusion: Despite the limited number of patients enrolled, pharmacy was able to successfully develop and implement a pharmacy MTM consult service for the treatment of anemia secondary to MDS
