Title : Scaling neuroimmunology care beyond the hospital: Real-world implementation of advanced infusion therapies
Abstract:
Background: In 2011, Foley and Dunne described infusion site-of-care patterns for neurologic therapies, highlighting the underutilization of freestanding ambulatory infusion centers despite their potential to improve adherence, continuity of care, and provider collaboration. Over the past decade, the ambulatory infusion landscape has expanded rapidly, driven by demand for cost-effective, patient-centered alternatives to hospital-based care. Within neurology, increasing prevalence of chronic neuroimmunologic diseases and the expansion of biologic therapies have accelerated this shift.
Objective: To describe the real-world implementation, growth, and operational scalability of neuroimmunology infusion services within a high-volume ambulatory infusion network, and to evaluate its role in improving access to advanced neurologic therapies.
Methods: A retrospective operational analysis was conducted across multiple outpatient infusion centers within a national ambulatory network. A neuroimmunology portfolio of more than 20 therapies was evaluated, including immune modulation therapies, central nervous system demyelinating biologics, neurodegenerative treatments, and rare neurologic disease therapies. Key performance indicators included referral-to-treatment timelines, treatment conversion rates, therapy distribution, and site-of-care utilization trends. The impact of standardized workflows, centralized authorization processes, and data-driven scheduling tools on operational efficiency and patient access was also assessed.
Results: Preliminary findings demonstrate that ambulatory infusion centers can support delivery of a diverse, high-acuity neuroimmunology portfolio. Early analysis suggests improved patient access, with a majority of patients initiating therapy within targeted timeframes despite variability in payer requirements and clinical complexity. Expansion of neurologic infusion services has been observed across key therapeutic areas, including central nervous system demyelinating conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare neurologic disorders. Implementation of standardized workflows appears to reduce delays and improve treatment conversion efficiency. Final quantitative results are currently under analysis and will be presented at the conference.
Conclusion: Ambulatory infusion centers represent a scalable and effective model for delivering advanced neuroimmunology therapies. These findings support their growing role in improving access, operational efficiency, and patient-centered neurologic care outside traditional hospital settings.
