Implementation of a dexmedetomidine stewardship program at a tertiary academic medical center

Brigham and Women's Hospital implemented a dexmedetomidine stewardship program in October 2010 beginning with an institution-specific prescribing guideline. To ensure continued adherence to the prescribing guideline, a pharmacist-driven quality assurance program was implemented in November 2011.

The primary objective of this study is to describe the role and impact of a dexmedetomidine stewardship program on dexmedetomidine use at a tertiary academic medical center.

This is a prospective descriptive analysis of a dexmedetomidine stewardship program. Dexmedetomidine stewardship data were collected prospectively from January 2012 through June 2012, in all intensive care units (ICUs) at a single academic medical center. Adult patients (>18 years old) receiving dexmedetomidine therapy continuously for sedation and in the ICU were included in the analysis.

A total of 99 patients were identified during the study time frame, during which 71 (71.7%) were identified as compliant with the institutional guideline. The total number of patients receiving dexmedetomidine for greater than 24 hours was 13 (13.1%), of whom 10 (76.9%) received targeted interventions; 15 (15.2%) targeted interventions were made on all patients receiving dexmedetomidine during the study time frame. The total use of dexmedetomidine during the study period was 1310 vials, compared with 5404 vials during the equivalent time frame in 2010-a 76% reduction.

A dexmedetomidine stewardship program, including an institution-specific prescribing guideline and a pharmacist-driven quality assurance program may ensure guideline compliance and decreased use of dexmedetomidine at an academic medical center.