Implementation strategies to guide providers on the management of QT-prolonging medications: a clinical quality improvement tool presented in an interprofessional education workshop

Objectives To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led clinical quality improvement tool and interprofessional education on the management of patients receiving QT-prolonging medications (QTPMs), and to implement a risk assessment and treatment algorithm incorporating alternative therapies to support best-practice prescribing decisions. Methods A pre- and post-intervention design was utilized to evaluate the impact of an interprofessional educational workshop and a clinical quality improvement tool on providers’ knowledge and clinical practice regarding QTPM management. A total of 26 providers attended and completed the pre- and post-surveys. The pre-intervention survey assessed provider knowledge and comfort in managing QTPMs. The post-intervention survey evaluated the effect of the tool on providers’ comfort and perception. A total of 148 patients under participant care were reviewed, with 115 patients aged ≥18 years and receiving QTPMs included in the analysis. Key findings A total of 26 providers attended. The percentage of providers who felt very comfortable managing patients receiving QTPMs increased (8% vs. 15%), and the percentage of providers who felt very uncomfortable reduced (8% vs. 0%). Most providers (78%) could identify lower-risk QTPMs using the intervention tool. The percentage change in the QT-prolongation mean risk score was statistically significant post-intervention (9.14% decrease; P = .0244). Furthermore, the proportion of electrocardiogram orders for patients receiving QTPMs decreased after the intervention (43% decrease; P = .003). Conclusion Implementing a pharmacist-led risk tool featuring alternative therapeutic recommendations may positively impact providers’ knowledge and clinical practice in managing QTPMs.