Alzheimer's Drug Therapy Initiative - Information for CliniciansDear Clinicians: Since the Alzheimer’s Drug Therapy Initiative (ADTI) was launched in 2007, Pharmaceutical Services Division (PSD) has been working with physicians to improve procedures and supporting documentation. Considerable feedback was received from physicians that resulted in this new package of materials. In addition to streamlined forms, the Society of General Practitioners of B.C. assisted greatly with the development of the dementia billing scenario outlining appropriate billing options for general practitioners when caring for dementia patients. 
PSD has also expanded coverage of cholinesterase inhibitors by adding the rivastigmine transdermal patch and by making coverage available to individuals residing in extended care hospitals in participating health authorities. In addition, to support physicians in providing dementia care, the ADTI is working with UBC’s Continuing Medical Education program to implement the Dementia Education Strategy. To date, five regional dementia conferences have been held and regional facilitated workshops are underway. PSD welcomed the reversal of the BCMA’s directive to refrain from completing Special Authority forms for the ADTI as stated in the BCMA President’s Bulletin of March 25, 2009. In addition, the BCMA has contributed greatly to the development of the ADTI Research Program to provide remuneration to physicians for participating in the Seniors’ Medication Study. Information provided by physicians for patients enrolled in the ADTI has been very helpful. A preliminary overview of statistics can be found here. In addition to the original Clinician’s booklet, PSD is pleased to provide the following materials in support of the ADTI. Related Documents
Background:In 2007, the Ministry of Health Services began providing coverage of the cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil (Aricept™), galantamine (Reminyl™) and rivastigmine (Exelon™) through the ADTI to address a clinical knowledge gap around the use of these drugs in individuals diagnosed in the mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The goal of the ADTI is to generate and evaluate information on the safety, effectiveness, and appropriate use of these drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and to inform future government policy on coverage of these medications. The ADTI is the result of collaboration between the provincial government, the Alzheimer Society of B.C., clinical experts, researchers, drug manufacturers and practising clinicians. The ADTI Study Design Working Group, comprised of nationally-renowned researchers and experts in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, developed the research framework. The data from this research will help to clarify who may benefit most from treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors and provide clinical and resource utilization data not otherwise available, including the potential impact on care providers. Attached, please find a package of materials with information and assessment tools to assist you in the diagnosis and monitoring of your patient’s response to the medication. For the ADTI to be successful, the support and cooperation of clinicians is essential. We look forward to working with you on this worthwhile initiative. PDF Format Some documents on this website are in PDF format and require a PDF reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7.0 or the most recent version of another PDF reader, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader by clicking on the 'Get Acrobat Reader' icon. |
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