Austin Ewing, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist-Home Infusion Pharmacy
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
Describe your session in a tweet.
The federal plan Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. has identified pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a key strategy for reducing new HIV infections in the United States by 90 percent by 2030. Tune in to our session to learn how the OHSU Tele-PrEP clinic and the OHSU Home Infusion Pharmacy have partnered to build a real-world program to expand access to long acting cabotegravir for PrEP. We'll demonstrate how providers, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, and other team members have come together in order to break down barriers in terms of complex social dynamics, mental health components, and other logistical barriers these patients face in order to establish and maintain a sustainable option for their healthcare needs.
What is the most important thing you want attendees to take away from your session?
We have really started a program from scratch and stepped up for our community to expand access to long acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA). When we began building our program, there wasn't an infrastructure in place to provide this medication. Some clinics were doing administration but were struggling with logistics and the ability to expand in a meaningful way. Once providers, pharmacists, and nurses put our heads together, we were able to launch something that we are extremely proud of. Patients have the ease of doing virtual visits with their provider and then being seen in the comfort of their own home by the home infusion nurse. The "one-stop-shop" model includes medication administration and RN evaluation of the patient; comprehensive lab draws including STI testing; ongoing monitoring/interventions from nurses, pharmacists, and providers; access to reimbursement specialists that will help patients access financial resources when available; and so much more. Our multi-disciplinary approach has helped us launch a new service line that continues to rapidly grow and remove barriers to access, and we look forward to seeing how we can continue to improve and expand.
Excluding your session, what other topics are you passionate about in relation to the home and alternate site industry?
The healthcare system is so complex to navigate, but with home infusion, we have this unique opportunity to meet the patient where they are and to bring care to their doorstep whenever possible. As a home infusion pharmacist, I feel the most fulfilled out of any role I've had in pharmacy. We get to think outside the box, we see so many new medications coming to market, and we have so much opportunity to improve patient outcomes. It's an exciting time to be in home infusion, and I think our opportunities to impact patient care will only continue to expand.
What are you passionate about outside the home and alternate site infusion industry?
In the summer, you'll find me on my boat enjoying the river life. I enjoy traveling: most recently to Spain and soon to Palm Springs (again and again) and Hawaii. I enjoy going to live shows, being outside, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. I also enjoy returning to see my family on our cattle ranch in the Great Plains.
What is your superpower?
I'm often told that I'm the "voice of reason" in difficult situations. I also love the start-up environment and implementing new projects or service lines.
What additional superpower would you like to have and why?
I'd like to be able to answer this question quickly instead of thinking of all the options 🙂
