Using computer-based monitoring and intervention to prevent harmful combinations of antiretroviral drugs in the New York State AIDS Drug Assistance Program.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing number of HIV-infected people and the acknowledged complexity of HIV therapy, there are no standard safeguards in the outpatient setting against dangerous antiretroviral (ARV) therapy combinations in the publicly financed arena.
METHODS: Using quarterly pharmacy claims data from the New York State AIDS Drug Assistance Program, a three-phase approach was developed: The extent of contraindicated ARV combinations was ascertained; prescriber alerts were developed; and, finally, the reimbursement of contraindicated ARV combinations was blocked at pharmacy. ARV dosages, the number of ARV medications in a regimen, clinical adequacy of the regimen, medication claim denials, clinician adjudication, and subsequent clinician prescribing patterns were analyzed.
RESULTS: For the 27-month study period (October 1, 2006-December 31, 2009), 112,383 ARV regimens involving 396,303 ARV medications for 25,463 unique recipients were individually analyzed. A total of 1,089 interventions occurred; denials and interventions increased per quarter from a baseline of 129 to 217 by the study's end. All contraindicated combinations referred for adjudication during the study were upheld. More than 88.3% (range, 87.1% to 89.9%) of regimens per quarter were consistent with effective ARV as promulgated by current guidelines. The targeted dissemination of ARV drug interaction safety alerts to previous prescribers of contraindicated combinations during the first year of the review curtailed the practice by 77.3%.
CONCLUSION: A systems-level intervention can be used on a state level to reduce ARV contraindicated medication errors in the outpatient setting through a coordinated approach of prescriber clinical education and electronic pharmacy and billing systems and provides an effective safety and quality monitoring model.