The National Home Infusion Foundation (NHIF) has released a draft standard definition for measuring home infusion medication adherence.
In a Sept. 3 news release, the NHIF said, “With a lack of available data related to events that occur in the home setting, a standardized definition and increased data collection can aid in developing improved technologies in home infusion operations and patient outcomes. Providers are encouraged to adopt the NHIF definitions to become eligible for participation in current and future industry-wide NHIF quality data initiatives.”
Noting that adhering to home infusion medication regimens is critical to achieving the outcomes desired by clinicians and patients — including the goals of better chronic disease management and reducing mortality rates from chronic conditions —the announcement said the draft definition incorporates two primary focal points:
“The extent to which a person’s behavior corresponds with taking a medication optimally; and conforming to a provider’s recommendation/prescription based on timing, dosage, and frequency of medication administration.”
“Based on the two focus points, home infusion medication adherence can be measured and assessed through direct observation or indirect reporting,” the announcement noted. “Direct observation adherence measurements would be applied when a health-care provider is present for and/or administers medication, or through serum level and laboratory evaluation, or the technology used incorporates administration measurement (e.g., electronic infusion pumps capable of verifying administration). Medication adherence would be indirectly reported through patient self-reporting during routine patient encounters with a pharmacist, nurse, or other patient care team member.”
The proposed draft definition also includes examples of adherence and reasons for non-adherence, such as lack of vascular access; medication being unavailable at the time scheduled or at the dose required; and ancillary supplies being unavailable.
The NHIF is asking for comments on the draft standard from now through Oct. 18, 2024. Send comments to [email protected].
