Improving utilization of intravenous immune globulin through concurrent use of an indication form

Based on the guidelines of the United States Joint Commission for Accreditation of Health Care Organizations for conducting a drug utilization evaluation, we evaluated the usage of intravenous immune globulin at our tertiary care hospital.

An initial concurrent evaluation of IVIG use showed deficiencies in both dosing and compliance with hospital policy, with regards to its use for unlabeled indications. Two follow-up evaluations were performed after the institution of an IVIG indication form, which was designed to accompany each order.

We demonstrated consistent improvements in both dosing criteria, labeled IVIG use, and compliance with hospital policy its use in unlabeled indications. An ongoing prospective program targeting IVIG use, combined with the introduction of a simple indication form improved its utilization at our hospital.