Infusion Therapy Service provides safe and cost-effective outpatient medication
Infusion therapy involves medications administered via intravenous (IV) catheter for various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
As part of St. Luke’s Medical Center’s (SLMC) mission to provide quality patient care, the hospital launched its first Infusion Therapy Service (ITS) in Quezon City last January 2021.
Through the collaboration of St. Luke’s Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology (RAI) Center, Institute of Neurosciences (IN), Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases (IDLD), and Infectious Control Service (ICS), St. Luke’s has formed an infusion therapy facility managed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors and specialized nurses.
Infusion therapy, a treatment process where medications are given through a needle catheter — is a cost-effective method for administering medication to a patient. Unlike oral medications, infusion therapy administers medicines directly into the bloodstream, making it highly effective.
Infusion therapy is a cost-saving alternative compared to hospital admissions, obviating the need to stay in the hospital for several days. Depending on the medication, the duration of the therapy can be anywhere between an hour up to four hours only. It is significantly shorter and cheaper compared to hospital admission that can run anywhere from one day to several weeks.
There are many cases where infusion therapy is the preferred option for treatment. Doctors usually refer a patient to an infusion therapy facility if they have autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and lupus to name a few. Infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and certain cancers can also be medicated through infusion therapy.
St. Luke’s ITS ensures patients are given a comfortable environment while they undergo infusion therapy.
St. Luke’s ITS is committed to provide a comfortable and safe experience for patients through a quiet and stress-free environment. The facility is equipped with several comfy recliner chairs as well as hospital beds for those with longer stays.
The ITS process flow is centered on the patient’s convenience and safety. The Service ensures that patients will have a seamless end-to-end experience.
St. Luke’s ITS follows strict health and safety protocols before administering infusion therapy to a patient.
Prior to a planned infusion, ITS coordinates with St. Luke’s Pharmacy to ensure availability of the medication of interest. The patient’s appointment schedule is subsequently finalized with health protocols strictly followed for continued patient safety.
A pre-infusion checklist is performed to confirm that appropriate laboratory tests have been performed and the patient’s clinical condition is suitable for the planned infusion. Afterwards, patients are monitored during and after the infusion by well-trained medical and nursing staff.
The ITS is a safe, cost-effective, and convenient facility that provides an attractive alternative to administering intravenous medications. The Service envisions itself as a major referral center for infusion therapy in the coming years with the plan to develop its nursing staff into highly skilled specialty nurses moving forward.
The hospital’s allied effort within its many institutes and departments envisions to bring more knowledge and multidisciplinary skills to the Service in the coming years. SLMC ITS in SLMC-QC is open Mondays to Fridays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Patients who are interested in its services may contact the Service at 8-723-0101 loc. 4725.