Colleen Buchinger, MD
In late 2020, NKCH 5th floor nursing staff began administering monoclonal antibody infusion therapies to help prevent COVID-19 hospital admissions. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved emergency use authorization of the therapies. Patients must meet stringent qualifications to receive an infusion, such as a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and considered high risk for progression to severe disease.
On January 24, the clinic relocated to the 1st floor Pavilion for more convenient access and to increase capacity on the 5th floor. Staff from the NKCH Pharmacy, Community Health and Wellness, and Occupational Health and Wellness now operate the clinic.
Monika Totoraitis, PharmD; Colleen Buchinger, MD, hospitalist with Meritas Health Hospitalists; and Connie Green, MSN, BSN, OCN, 5th floor nursing director, were instrumental in establishing the processes and providing more than 850 infusions to patients on the 5th floor.
“Our appreciation goes out to Monika, Dr. Buchinger, Connie and the many departments that also assisted in this effort, including Communications, ED, Facilities, Information Technology, Meritas Health, Nursing, Patient Scheduling and Pharmacy,” said Kenna Belshe, DO, NKCH vice president/chief clinical officer and Meritas Health medical director.