Project Examples

1. WBC Stimulating Protein Adverse Events Study
   Conducted in 10 private oncology practices across the US
   Evaluation adverse events of filgrastim versus sargramostim in 10 private oncology practices across the US.  Identified significant preponderance of adverse events (drug-induced febrile reactions) in outpatients receiving sargramostim.

   Milkovich, G., Moleski, R., Reitan, J., et al, Comparative Safety of Filgrastim versus Sargramostim in Patients Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy. Pharmacotherapy, 2000;20(12):1432-1440.

2. Community Usage Trends of GnRH analogs in prostate cancer
   Conducted in 6 urology practices in the US. Evaluation of usage trends of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists in the treatment of prostate cancer in the private practice environment. This study was conducted during the clinical development of a new analog and was used to assess the marketplace and potential niches for a new drug.

   Data used internally and not for publication.

3. National Drug Use Evaluation of Erythropoietin Use in the US
   Conducted a national DUE of erythropoietin usage trends in 7 teaching hospitals across the US.  Participating centers included University of Southern California Medical Center, Emory University Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, Moffitt Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan Hospital.

   Data used internally and not for publication.

4. Time/Motion and Utilization Study of Long-acting versus Short-acting Erythropoietic Growth Factors in Private Oncology Practice
   The study compared time and cost of the use of long-acting and short-acting growth factors (darbepoetin alfa, epoetin) were used with equal efficacy.  Short-acting growth factors consume significant care-giver and patient time with no added benefit over long-acting agents.

   Beveridge, R., Rifkin, R., Moleski, R., et al. Impact of Long-Acting Growth Factors on Practice Dynamics and Patient Satisfaction. Pharmacotherapy, 2003;23(12 Part 2):101S-109S.

   This study was recently repeated and completed at the Ohio State University James Cancer Center.

   Griffith N, Allen C, Pultz A, Penza S.  The Impact of a Long-Acting Erythropoiesis Stimulating Protein on Patient Throughput in a Hospital-Based Ambulatory Oncology Clinic.  Hospital Pharmacy. 2008;43;388-95.

5. Burden of Illness: Secondary Amyloidosis
   Conducted an evaluation of the chain of events and timeline in the development of secondary (SAA) and resultant chronic renal insufficiency, usually in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We subsequently, modeled the progression and evaluated the cost of treatment of these patients over the life of the event. This study is being used to assess the pharmacoeconomics and likely price sensitivity to a new agent for the treatment of SAA.

   Data used internally and not for publication.

6. Time and Economic impact of Blood Transfusion
   Conducted at the INOVA Health System of Northern Virginia.  Accompanying the T/M analysis is an evaluation of the incidence of adverse events, the necessary treatment modalities, and the expense of providing transfusions and treatment of the ADEs.
                                                                      
   Ueno W, Beveridge RA, Kales AN.  Costs of Outpatient Red Blood Cell Transfusions.  J Supportive Oncology. 2006;4:494-95.

7. Production of the "Guide to Selected Cancer Chemotherapy Regimens and Associated Adverse Events"
   This “Guide” is produced by RJM with the assistance of an editorial board of six noted cancer clinicians.  RJM is responsible for all literature review and content. The guide is currently in its 10th edition, all under RJM management.  The “Guide is available as an electronic version and is distributed to physicians, pharmacists and nurses each year via sales representatives and distribution at annual meetings (ASH, ASCO, ASHP).

8. Reimbursement trends for Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) in the Infusion Center
   Evaluation of cost and reimbursement of various outpatient antibiotic therapy regimens in the outpatient infusion center.  The information is used to aid the practice manager and provider to understand those areas of the practice that represent the financial strength of the business. The analysis enables physicians and business managers to streamline those therapies that yield little profit (or overall loss) and maximize those that provide greatest support to the viability of the practice.

9. Time/Motion Assessment of Vaccine Use in the Pediatric Practice
   Conducted in three pediatric practices in the eastern US. The study quantified the time consumed giving individual single vaccines versus multi-vaccine combinations. The study focused on staff time consumed, cost of supplies, and patient and family time consumed.
                                                                    
   Data used internally and not for publication.

10. Treatment Burden and Patient Considerations of Lenalidomide and Bortezomib in Multiple Myeloma
    Compared the time and resources required to initiate therapy after a treatment decision was made.  This study evaluated the impact of a restricted distribution system on the practice and patients.
    
    Data used internally and not for publication.