(136) Impact of mitigation strategies to reduce chemotherapy waste during drug shortages at an outpatient infusion center

Poster Abstract:

Background: Drug shortages pose a significant risk to patient safety and negatively affect patient outcomes. Oncological drug shortages often lead to treatment delays, potential missed doses, and use of alternative regimens. The shortages of cisplatin, carboplatin, and fluorouracil started in February 2023 across the United States and lasted several months. Despite reported strategies to mitigate cancer drug shortages, many institutional organizations reported adversaries that impacted patient care and safety, especially during prolonged drug shortage periods.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of mitigation strategies developed at BronxCare Health System outpatient infusion center on reducing chemotherapy waste during drug shortages.

Method: A retrospective chart review study identified patients who received either cisplatin, carboplatin, or fluorouracil during before and after the integration of mitigation strategies at an outpatient infusion center. The patients were stratified into 2 groups (pre–implementation, January 2022 – October 2022, and post–implementation, January 2023 – October 2023) and evaluated for chemotherapy wastage. In addition, the study analyzed reasons for wastage as documented by nurses in electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the data.

Results: Results Pending

Conclusion: Results Pending

References (must also be included in final poster): 1. NCCN Releases Statement Addressing Ongoing Chemotherapy Shortages; Shares Survey Results Finding More than 90% of Cancer Centers are Impacted. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. News release. Issued June 7, 2023. Accessed November 21, 2023
2. Fox ER, Unguru Y. c. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2020;17(3):128-129. doi:10.1038/s41571-019-0318-x