Home denosumab self-administration: a service development project

Abstract

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To learn about the experience of two trusts that set up a home denosumab self-administration service for patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic • To recognise the need for a robust, comprehensive and consistent training process for patients to self-administer denosumab at home safely • To identify the benefits for patients and their families of a home denosumab self-administration service In October 2012 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved the use of subcutaneous denosumab for the management of bone metastases from solid tumours. For patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy, denosumab can be administered in parallel with this, obviating the need for additional hospital visits. However, patients receiving oral chemotherapy or denosumab alone often must attend hospital solely for a subcutaneous injection of the latter. This article describes the experience of two NHS trusts in setting up a home self-administration service for denosumab during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The service development project took place during 2020-2021. The article explores the barriers to and facilitators of this project and reports the results of a patient feedback survey which showed that all respondents wished to continue self-administration of denosumab at home.