Thrombolytic Transition Process at Tucson Medical Center: A Descriptive Review

Abstract

Specific Aims: To review the process of how tenecteplase was approved for treatment of embolic stroke at Tucson Medical Center (TMC) and summarize the education that was provided to involved staff throughout the implementation process. Methods: The monograph and literature presented to TMCs Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee for tenecteplase approval was reviewed. The educational handouts provided and the various interactions with nursing educators were summarized. Results: The stepwise approach utilized by TMC pharmacy department to transition from alteplase to tenecteplase allowed for a systematic and successful transition. Conclusions: TMC transitioned from alteplase to tenecteplase after analyzing the safety and efficacy of both agents, ease of administration with tenecteplase, and cost differences to reduce door to needle administration times without compromising patient care. A retrospective review comparing door to needle times between both thrombolytics should be conducted to further support the transition at TMC.