DX40
Global Reach Webinars Enrich Nursing Scope of Practice
Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®) is a new FDA approved intravenous drug therapy for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It was introduced to US markets in November 2014. These authors conducted a series of ten informational webinars from July -December 2015 offered through the IOMSN and supported by Genzyme. Each webinar attracted global participants with audience numbers totaling 402 via web and telephone. Global audience members represented were from Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Netherlands, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Quatar, South Korea and China. Comments received after each webinar included feedback such as, “information was helpful to clinical practice” and “data presented was valuable to patient education”
Objectives:
Upon completion of these webinar programs, the objectives were that the participants would:
1. Understand mechanism of action of Lemtrada®
2. Identify appropriate clinical situations for use of medication
3. Provide appropriate education for patients regarding Lemtrada
4. Provide information on the REMS associated with Lemtrada
Methods:
After completion of the series an electronic survey was sent out to IOMSN membership to establish current use and practices with Lemtrada®. Survey conducted was sent to IOMSN membership which included responses from self identified LPN, RN, NP, PA, and “other” to determine current practices regarding wash out period with current disease modifying therapies before initiating the treatment of Lemtrada®. The majority of participants responded worked in MS Centers and treated between 10-25 patients with Multiple Sclerosis per week, and had prescribed in total between 0-5 patients to receive Lemtrada®.
Results:
In total there were 52 survey responses submitted. The majority of prescribers washed out 30-60 days from Tysabri®, Gilenya®, and Tecfidera® before initiating Lemtrada®. A majority responded “variable” for washout with Aubagio®.
Conclusions: These informational webinars reached global audiences and provided a valuable way of presenting information that may be relevant for clinical practice, patient education, and treatment protocol standardization. All specific results will be presented via poster at the annual meeting.