Vitamin D Protocol in a MS Clinic

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Brittany Estep (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: "Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue€¯affecting more than€¯half of€¯society.""¯ Despite the existence of laboratory screening test and effective supplementation treatment , many vitamin D deficiencies go undetected and untreated.""¯€¯ Consequences of undetected and untreated vitamin€¯D€¯deficiencies in Multiple Sclerosis patients can have detrimental lifetime effects. The purpose of this project was to create and implement a vitamin D protocol for increased screening and reduction of undetected and untreated deficiencies. €¯ Education€¯was€¯provided€¯to MS clinic providers regarding current evidence-based guidelines for vitamin€¯D€¯deficiency screening and testing. A vitamin D protocol€¯was€¯developed upon provider consensus of the vitamin D deficiency value definition and subsequent recommended supplementation€¯dosing.""¯ Providers€¯were€¯prompted by chart alerts for patients who met criteria for routine vitamin D screening and supplementation for further test ordering or follow up. Through weekly chart audits , individual provider's compliance to vitamin D ordering and vitamin D supplementation were tracked and reviewed monthly with the provider. Data was collected on the number of patients€¯who met criteria for vitamin€¯D testing per the protocol were compared with the number of patients whom vitamin D testing was ordered for. Of the 726 multiple sclerosis patients seen in the MS clinic during project implementation , 151 (20.8%) vitamin D tests were ordered for completion. This was an improvement by 2% compared to pre-implementation. Of the 151 patients , 82 (54%) vitamin D deficiencies were identified and 62 (76%) vitamin D supplement prescriptions written. Developing a protocol for routine vitamin D screening and supplementation€¯resulted in increased screening and supplementation of vitamin D deficiencies. Improved screening contributes to preventative healthcare and may lead to lower cost of healthcare. This project established standardized care for the practice , which is known to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. This project translated the evidence on vitamin D and MS to help develop a unified , cost effective , and efficient approach to screening and treatment."

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2019

Keywords

vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, multiple sclerosis, screening, supplementation, protocol; evidence-based practice

Subjects

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