Innovators of Home Infusion: Insights with Katie Laskin, PharmD, BCSCP, FNHIA, CNSC, IgCP
We are thrilled to continue our "Innovators of Home Infusion" series with Katie Laskin, PharmD, BCSCP, FNHIA, CNSC, IgCP, a Senior Pharmacy Specialist at Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion and one of the esteemed recipients of the National Home Infusion Association’s (NHIA) 2024 Fellow Program. With nearly two decades of experience in the home infusion industry, Katie has made significant contributions to patient care and the advancement of home infusion practices.
Career Inspiration and Achievements
Katie shares valuable advice for professionals starting their careers in home infusion: "Be prepared to learn something new every day! The home infusion industry is ever-evolving, and things change quickly. I have been working in the field for 18 years, and each day I still encounter a unique situation." This mindset reflects her dedication to continuous learning and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Industry Evolution and Challenges
In her experience, Katie identifies significant challenges facing the home infusion industry today. She notes, "Although we’ve seen some advancements in recent years, home infusion coverage for Medicare patients continues to be a challenge. Only a select group of patients qualify for coverage, and many are mandated to hospital-based infusion centers. Not only can this be more costly, but also more difficult for our aging population to find transportation, resulting in barriers to care." To address these issues, she actively supports NHIA's efforts to expand the Medicare home infusion benefit by urging legislators to make necessary changes.
Professional Growth and Contributions
Katie is passionate about mentoring future professionals in the home infusion field. She explains, "I have had the pleasure of precepting students and residents, as well as onboarding experienced pharmacists new to home infusion. To me, the most important contribution I can make to the home infusion industry is teaching others and preparing the field’s next leaders." Her commitment to education helps shape the future of home infusion practice.
Research and Technological Advancements
When discussing advancements in home infusion practice, Katie highlights the significance of collaborative practice agreements. She states, "The most significant advancement I have seen in not only home infusion but pharmacy in general is the adoption of collaborative practice agreements in which pharmacists can prescribe on the provider’s behalf. Giving pharmacists the ability to manage infusion therapies through prescribing ancillary medications and performing dose adjustments leads to fewer delays in care and positive patient outcomes."
Advocacy and Access
Katie is actively involved in advocacy efforts to promote home infusion within her health system. She emphasizes, "I continuously advocate for home infusion by providing education to physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. There is occasionally resistance to moving some infusions into the home, and the key to changing that is education regarding the benefits of home infusion, including patient satisfaction, safe & convenient patient care, and reduced healthcare costs."
Personal Motivation and Goals
What motivates Katie in her career is her pride in being part of an industry that enhances patient-centered care. She expresses this passion: "I am so proud to be a part of an industry that helps provide patient-centered care and improves patient access to therapy. Unfortunately, home infusion tends to be an under-recognized service many patients and healthcare workers are not always aware of. My goal in working with NHIA is to continue to promote and educate others on the benefits of home infusion so that more patients can benefit from what we have to offer."
Biography
Katie Laskin, PharmD, BCSCP, FNHIA, CNSC, IgCP, serves as a Senior Pharmacy Specialist at Yale New Haven Health Home Infusion. With extensive experience in pharmacy practice and a strong commitment to education and advocacy within the field, Katie plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of home infusion services. Her leadership efforts continue to inspire both colleagues and students as she works towards improving patient care through innovative solutions.
Author: Alina Garber