Date of Paper/Work
8-2022
Type of Paper/Work
Doctor of Nursing Practice Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Teresa Cyrus
Department/School
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Abstract
The side effects of amiodarone can be severe and potentially lethal (Vassallo & Trohman, 2007). Amiodarone is frequently prescribed for supraventricular arrhythmias, specifically atrial fibrillation, without any standardized monitoring for adverse effects. In this quality improvement (QI) project, providers were encouraged to use a protocol containing evidence-based recommendations built into the Electronic Health Record (EHR ) when prescribing amiodarone in outpatient encounters. Providers were emailed with education on the protocol and how to use it. A survey was sent to providers seven weeks later to assess the usefulness and ease of use of the protocol. EHR reports were run to assess how often the protocol was used pre- and post-email and how many amiodarone orders were placed within the study timeline. Results show providers only marginally thought the protocol was useful and easy to use. Providers perceived that they did not prescribe amiodarone often enough to use the protocol. However, EHR reports showed that the protocol was used only 2% of the time amiodarone was prescribed. Survey scores were positive; however, qualitative feedback indicated that providers perceived they did not have the opportunity to use the protocol. Despite evidence-based education, most providers did not use the protocol.
Recommended Citation
Melnichuk, Anna. (2022). Standardizing Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Clinic Patients on Amiodarone. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/dnp_projects/177