Medical resource utilization for administration of trastuzumab in a New Zealand oncology outpatient setting: a time and motion study

Figures & data

Table 1 Times and costs associated with a single administration of trastuzumab SC vs IV

	Trastuzumab		Difference between means (SC − IV)	Cost per hour (NZD)	Cost savings, SC vs IV (NZD)
	IV	SC
Treatment (minutes)
Time spent in chair	47.44 (42.78; 41.12–73.15)	10.49 (10.05; 8.22–13.28)	−36.95	65.00	40.03
Duration of trastuzumab delivery	37.60 (32.55; 31.90–62.45)	5.67 (5.60; 5.42–6.02)	−31.93
Total HCP nurse time	13.02 (12.97; 10.18–16.12)	6.90 (6.90; 6.65–7.21)	−6.12	45.00	4.59
Drug preparation (minutes)
Prepare and label	5.50	0	−5.50		4.58
Add and mix with diluent	1.63	0	−1.63		1.36
Stand vial and check for impurities	5.62	0	−5.62		4.68
Calculate and check dose	2.22	0	−2.22		1.85
Add to infusion and mix	4.47	0	−4.47		3.73
Finalize for release	1.02	0	−1.02		0.85
Total pharmacist time	20.45 (20.45; 20.28–20.60)	0	−20.45	50.00	17.05
Overall total					61.67

Note: Mean values are reported, with median and range in parentheses where available.

Abbreviations: IV, intravenous; SC, subcutaneous; NZD, New Zealand dollars; HCP, health care professional.

Table 2 Mean consumables use and costs associated with a single administration of trastuzumab SC vs IV

	Trastuzumab		Difference between means, SC − IV	Cost per item (NZD)	Estimated cost savings, SC vs IV (NZD)
	IV	SC
Consumables (units)
5 mL or 10 mL BD syringe	2	1	−1	0.25	0.25
20 mL or 26 mL precision glide needle	3	2	−1	0.25	0.25
First-aid plastic strip	1	1	0	0.10	0
Multisorb squab	2	1	−1	0.10	0.10
Gown	1	1	0	0.50	0
Alcohol wipe	4	1	−3	0.01	0.03
Gloves	2	1	−1	0.20	0.20
Mask	0	1	+1	0.15	−0.15
Tray	0	1	+1	0.15	−0.15
IV line	1	0	−1	9.90	9.90
Total consumables					10.43
Pharmacy consumables (units)
BD syringe	2	0	−2	0.25	0.50
Needle	2	0	−1	0.25	0.50
Mask	1	0	−1	0.15	0.15
Gown	1	0	−1	0.50	0.50
Alcohol wipe	4	0	−4	0.01	0.04
Gloves	2	0	−2	0.20	0.40
Infusion bag (250 mL sodium chloride)	1	0	−1	2.75	2.75
Total pharmacy					4.84
Overall total					15.27

Abbreviations: BD, Becton, Dickinson and Company; IV, intravenous; SC, subcutaneous; NZD, New Zealand dollars.