The pan-Canadian immunoglobulin database: Enabling utilization reporting and personalized treatment using data mining techniques for immunoglobulin

Immunoglobulin (Ig) is a blood product that is used for people who either lack IgG antibodies or require immunomodulatory therapy for life-threatening autoimmune conditions. The use of Ig products continues to increase each year, at an average rate of 8%. The annual cost of Ig products is approximately 25% of the total expenditure on blood components and products in Canada (excluding Quebec). The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced additional stress on the Ig supply due to a reduction in the collection of source plasma. We will build a comprehensive database for Ig products using electronic health records (EHRs) and patient clinical information to gain in-depth understanding on why, where and to whom Ig products were used in Hamilton Ontario and Calgary Alberta. Data-driven models will be developed to investigate strategies to positively impact health outcomes and optimize Ig utilization. We will also assess the compliance with current provincial guidelines, and design tools to help electronic data collection and to achieve automated utilization reporting and audit. This project will collection Ig data to inform the blood system, significantly reduce manual efforts on reporting and audits, and more accurately predict future demand to aid advance planning for the impending shortages of Ig products.

LI, Na

University of Calgary

Kenneth J. Fyke Award Program

Alberta

$100,000