Week in Review 8/23/21

Week in Review 8/23/21
08.30.2021

National Tocilizumab Shortage | Treatment Recommendations Change Effective Immediately

Tocilizumab is on national shortage and we are unable to procure additional medication. We must maintain appropriate inventory to accommodate patients in the community for FDA-approved indications.

 

The national shortage is currently estimated to last through at minimum Sep-Oct 2021 but may be longer. Currently, we have enough stock on hand to accommodate our use for FDA-approved indications but not for the treatment of COVID-19.

 

To conserve our remaining supply for patients with FDA-approved indications, the recommendation is to cease use of Tocilizumab for COVID-19 on August 24, 2021 until supply becomes more reliable.

 

At this time, we are not recommending any therapeutic alternatives to Tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID-19. Non-COVID-19 related use of Tocilizumab will continue as appropriate.

Questions? Contact Nick Torney, PharmD ntorney@mhc.net 

 

Updated COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines have been posted on the COVID-19 For Providers website

3rd Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine for Immunocompromised Inpatients

On August 12th, 2021, the FDA modified the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the administration of 3rd dose of an mRNA (i.e., Moderna, Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine for moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals, which was then supported by the CDC.

 

In response, Munson Healthcare will be offering the 3rd mRNA dose to be ordered for any current inpatient who meets the current EUA criteria.

MDHHS Clinical Guidance for Michigan Providers Regarding Additional Dose of an mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

 

CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of the COVID-19 Vaccines

 

Munson Healthcare Launches PASC/Long COVID Support Group for Patients

Who is eligible?

Refer patients that:

  • Have tested positive for COVID-19
  • Are > 4 weeks after initial symptom onset
  • Are experiencing disruptive symptoms

 

What can patients expect?

  • A virtual, interactive support group session that includes
    • A brief overview about “Long COVID” presented by an MHC provider
    • An overview of additional available resources by our Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation colleagues
    • An open discussion facilitated by trained professionals that will foster an environment of support and camaraderie among participants
  • Sessions will last approximately 90 minutes
  • Patients will need to pre-register via Zoom. No cost to attend.

When?

First session scheduled on Thursday, September 2, 2021; 5 – 6:30 pm.  Additional sessions will follow on the 1st Thursday of each month.

 

 

How?

If you have patients that you feel would benefit from participation, please provide them the program flyer and direct them to pre-register as indicated.

 

Patients may also call Munson Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse line for registration assistance 231-935-0951

Questions?

Call Munson Healthcare Ask-A-Nurse 231-935-0951 or email MHC-NurseTriage@mhc.net

 

Visit the COVID-19 For Providers website for more information and a printable flyer.

 

Letters of Support from MHC Medical Community

Over the past few weeks, several letters have been drafted by various members of our medical community in support of evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. We have posted these letters for you to view and/or use as templates if you or your colleagues are interested in submitted such support to your local leaders, school boards, governmental bodies, etc.

Hospital Optimization Project (HOP)

All providers who use Cerner PowerChart or FirstNet are required to complete Hospital Optimization Project training prior to Sept. 13.

This training involves completion of online education and an in-person, multi-hour class. Please see attachment (right) for training details.

HOP CEE Web

HOP Project Site

HOP FAQs