Emergency department-embedded infusion center
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has tested nurse staffing and other resources necessary for lifesaving treatment. The emergency use authorization in November 2020 of bamlanivimab as monotherapy and casirivimab/imdevimab as combination therapy brought hope to many as an option for outpatients at risk for severe illness. However, logistical concerns were soon revealed, because safe administration requires a location where patients can receive specialized care and monitoring for a period of 2 hours. This type of therapy would normally be offered at an outpatient infusion center. These centers often serve persons who are immunocompromised, and introducing COVID-19-positive individuals could threaten the safety of this population. This article describes the deployment of an emergency department-embedded infusion center set up for the purpose of supporting community members and providers electing for this treatment option.
Reference:
Graham J, Ballejos C, Jenkins D, Kelley C. Implementation of an Emergency Department-Embedded Infusion Center for the Administration of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Patients With Early COVID-19 Infection. J Infus Nurs. 2022 Jan-Feb 01;45(1):41-48. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000453. PMID: 34941607.