Developing a synagis clinic for respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis

S Coffman1, J Peck, C S Rasmussen

  • 1Sierra Health Services, Las Vegas, N.V. USA. scoffman@sierrahealth.com

Insights

Palivizumab (Synagis) injections prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in high-risk infants. A specialized clinic reduced RSV hospitalizations and days hospitalized in these vulnerable children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses significant risks to premature infants and children with chronic lung disease.
  • Palivizumab (Synagis), a monoclonal antibody, is a key preventative measure against RSV infection in high-risk infants.
  • Effective delivery of prophylaxis requires coordinated healthcare efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the implementation and outcomes of a nurse-run ambulatory clinic for RSV prophylaxis.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of monthly palivizumab injections in a high-risk pediatric population.
  • To assess the impact of coordinated care on RSV-related hospitalizations.

Main Methods:

  • A nurse-managed ambulatory clinic administered monthly palivizumab injections over a 5-month RSV season.
  • Coordination with community neonatal intensive care units was integral to patient recruitment and follow-up.
  • Clinic outcomes were compared to published literature for similar patient cohorts.

Main Results:

  • The clinic successfully provided RSV prophylaxis to 24 high-risk infants and their families each year for 2 years.
  • RSV-related hospitalizations were reduced in the patient population served by the clinic.
  • The duration of hospitalization for RSV-related events was also decreased.

Conclusions:

  • A dedicated, nurse-run clinic model can effectively deliver RSV prophylaxis to high-risk infants.
  • Inter-agency coordination is crucial for successful implementation of preventative health programs.
  • This model demonstrates a positive impact on reducing the burden of RSV in vulnerable pediatric populations.

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