#00043Assessing and improving patient knowledge gaps relating to the administration of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in an adult cystic fibrosis clinic population

Sill 1, Chilampath 1, Bernens 2, Banks 3, Stein 1.
1Eastern Virginia Medical School - Norfolk (United States), 2Sentara Norfolk General Hospital - Norfolk (United States), 3Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters - Norfolk (United States).

Abstract

Background: Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), (trade name Trikafta®), is a novel drug for cystic fibrosis (CF). It combines a CFTR potentiator (ivacaftor) with 2 correctors (tezacaftor and elexacaftor). One study estimated ETI will increase life expectancy of CF patients from 37 to 83 years [1]. Despite the benefits, ETI has a complex dosing schedule [2]. Aims: The purpose of this project was to evaluate and improve patient understanding of ETI. Methods: All patients taking ETI at an adult CF clinic were invited to take a 20 question survey on dose, interactions, contraindications, protocol for missed doses, and patient resources. After the survey, the physician reviewed the answers with the patient, discussed incorrect answers, provided the manufacturer’s prescribing information, and distributed information on medication administration and avialable resources. A 2nd survey was administered 1 year later followed by the same protocol. A paired T-test was used to compare the differences between test results. Results: Forty-eight patients completed the initial survey, with an average score of 69.1%. The most frequently missed questions included patient resources, followed by drug interactions. Alarmingly, 58% missed at least 1 of 3 questions pertaining to procedures for missed doses. At the time of this article, 21 patients had completed both surveys. Mean scores were 63% and 75% (difference 12%; 95% CI 3.58 - 20.4; P=0.0075). Conclusions: Significant patient knowledge gaps exist regarding ETI. A simple educational intervention may provide lasting improvements in patient knowledge relating to ETI administration.