Contra Costa Regional Medical Center is a public hospital with 167 beds. Despite our hospital’s cost-conscious approach to formulary management, it was one of the first in the area to add the dexrazoxane for injection (Totect) emergency treatment kit to its formulary. This addition predated the On cology Nursing Society guidelines on managing anthracycline extravasation and followed a long process involving presentations to 4 hospital committees.
In a presentation for pharmacy staff, I incorporated several slides that graphically depicted the sequelae of anthracycline extravasation, essentially telling my audience, “This is what an extravasation looks like; this is what I’m afraid of.” Audience members were visibly affected by the graphic images. After I completed all 4 presentations, the hospital approved my request to add the dexrazoxane for injection emergency kit to the hospital formulary for the treatment of anthracycline extravasation.
My experience exemplifies how incorporating patient stories and photos in your presentation can help decision makers realize that looking out for the patients’ best interests is the fiscally responsible choice. Formulary managers, pharmacists, and other administrators need to understand that sometimes a financial outlay is needed if we are to adhere to best practices designed to protect our patients from avoidable complications associated with tremendous emotional, physical, and monetary costs.
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