On June 9, Josh Brinks, BSN, MSN, FNP, will address the management of office infusions during the ARHP June audioconference/webcast.
Brinks began his career working in a level-1 trauma center, which led him down the rheumatology path several years later. As a rheumatology health professional, Brinks has built infusion protocols, managed infusion reactions, and trained staff on the issues surrounding infusions.
“There are a wide variety of health professionals who are administering, or assisting with, infusions, from medical assistants to registered nurses and even mid-level providers,” explains Brinks. “Staff members must be trained and aware of the procedures regarding infusions to allow for continuity. Many times with retiring staff, the message gets lost; therefore it is important for health professionals to be aware of the processes related to infusions.”
As Brinks began developing the infusion audioconference/webcast, he realized there were many components that needed dedicated attention. “There is not one perfect way to administer infusions every time,” he says. ”This depends on the individual, their health history, and what medicine they are currently taking. One of the great challenges is that patients switch medications, and each biologic is infused over a different amount of time; there is an art to figuring out how this process will be handled.”
During the ARHP’s audioconference/webcast, Brinks will share his knowledge of infusions, focusing on the core elements of infusion protocols, what the benchmarks should be for infusion center productivity, the appropriate response to infusion reactions, and the current reimbursement practices for infusions.
To register for this audioconference/webcast, visit www.rheumatology.org/arhp, or contact Sharon Ross at (404) 633-3777, ext. 802. CME and certificates of participation will be offered to paid registrants.
