Evaluation of a program for outpatient sotalol loading with physician and pharmacist monitoring

Dose-dependent QT prolongation with class III antiarrhythmics mandates close monitoring often in an inpatient setting. Outpatient sotalol loading monitor provides an alternative to patients that is cost effective and allows preservation of hospital resources.

The objectives for this study include assessing adverse events, assessing patient adherence to monitoring and follow-up, comparing hospital cost and resource utilization, and evaluating patient satisfaction with outpatient sotalol loading program.

One pharmacist in the antiarrhythmic clinic at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital completed 3-day outpatient sotalol loads under a collaborative practice agreement. Clinic services included pharmacotherapy management, medication counseling, and device education.

This service allows pharmacists to provide direct patient monitoring to provide increased patient access.

All data were collected via the electronic medical record, patient journal documentation, and a patient satisfaction survey.

A total of 12 patients completed outpatient sotalol loading; 10 patients started in normal sinus rhythm, and 1 patient was cardioverted during the load. No patients experienced any adverse events during the loading phase. One patient completed a successful dose increase during the loading phase. All 12 patients attended the first visit, completed baseline laboratory tests, and uploaded electrocardiograms for all 3 days. A total of 11 patients were evaluated as a cost comparison for inpatient sotalol loading. On average, outpatient loading cost was $886.30, in comparison with $7571.76 for inpatient loading (P < 0.001). A total of 10 patients completed the satisfaction survey, and all of the patients preferred to complete this in the outpatient setting.

In this study, 12 patients safely completed outpatient sotalol loading, with an overall decrease in the cost of their care in comparison with inpatient loading. This study showed that pharmacists can serve as physician extenders to continue to provide high-quality and safe care to patients in the antiarrhythmic space.