The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has tested nurse staffing and other resources necessary for lifesaving treatment. The emergency use authorization in November 2020 of bamlanivimab as monotherapy and casirivimab/imdevimab as combination therapy brought hope to many as an option for outpatients at risk for severe illness. However, logistical concerns were soon revealed, because safe administration requires a location where patients can receive specialized care and monitoring for a period of 2 hours. This type of therapy would normally be offered at an outpatient infusion center. These centers often serve persons who are immunocompromised, and introducing COVID-19–positive individuals could threaten the safety of this population. This article describes the deployment of an emergency department–embedded infusion center set up for the purpose of supporting community members and providers electing for this treatment option.
Implementation of an Emergency Department–Embedded Infusion Center for the Administration of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Patients With Early COVID-19 Infection