scholarly journals Establishing a New Ambulatory Care Practice Site as a Pharmacy Practice Faculty

Pharmacy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasudha Gupta ◽  
Evan Williams

There is an imminent need to identify and develop new ambulatory care practice sites with the increase in the number of colleges of pharmacy across the nation. This manuscript provides recommendations to help clinical faculty determine whether a potential pharmacy practice site will be able to provide adequate resources and support to establish a successful practice. This may be challenging to pharmacy practice faculty in settings where clinical pharmacy services have never been utilized. Topics include the pre-work needed prior to approaching a new practice site, assessing the need for physical requirements, meeting key personnel, marketing clinical skills and services, implementing, and evaluating practice site. Preparation includes having a clear vision of the pharmacist services, ensuring that stakeholders have an understanding of the pharmacy services inquiring the site support and resources for the pharmacist, and regularly communicating.

1986 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 989-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Hutchinson ◽  
David P. Vogel ◽  
Kenneth W. Witte

The development and expansion of clinical pharmacy over the past 15 years have resulted in several debates. One debate that was very lively in the late 1970s concerned proper reimbursement for clinical pharmacy services. Although this debate is less heated now, its importance is even more significant with today's major changes in health care reimbursement. This article reviews the key reasons for the original debate and discusses how recent changes have increased and added direction to the debate. A model is presented that the authors believe represents the key to the increasing acceptance of the pharmacist's clinical role.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber Lanae Smith ◽  
Valerie Palmer ◽  
Nada Farhat ◽  
James S. Kalus ◽  
Krishna Thavarajah ◽  
...  

Background: No systematic evaluations of a comprehensive clinical pharmacy process measures currently exist to determine an optimal ambulatory care collaboration model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Objective: Describe the impact of a pharmacist-provided clinical COPD bundle on the management of COPD in a hospital-based ambulatory care clinic. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated patients with COPD managed in an outpatient pulmonary clinic. The primary objective of this study was to assess the completion of 4 metrics known to improve the management of COPD: (1) medication therapy management, (2) quality measures including smoking cessation and vaccines, (3) patient adherence, and (4) patient education. The secondary objective was to evaluate the impact of the clinical COPD bundle on clinical and economic outcomes at 30 and 90 days post–initial visit. Results: A total of 138 patients were included in the study; 70 patients served as controls and 68 patients received the COPD bundle from the clinical pharmacist. No patients from the control group had all 4 metrics completed as documented, compared to 66 of the COPD bundle group ( P < .0001). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was found in all 4 metrics when evaluated individually. Clinical pharmacy services reduced the number of phone call consults at 90 days ( P = .04) but did not have a statistically significant impact on any additional pre-identified clinical outcomes. Conclusion: A pharmacist-driven clinical COPD bundle was associated with significant increases in the completion and documentation of 4 metrics known to improve the outpatient management of COPD.


Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Aya Ahmed Abousheishaa ◽  
Ahmad Hatim Sulaiman ◽  
Hasniza Zaman Huri ◽  
Syahrir Zaini ◽  
Nurul Adha Othman ◽  
...  

The pharmacy profession has undergone tremendous changes over the past few decades. Pharmacists’ roles have expanded their boundaries to encompass more patient-centered services. However, the degree to which these roles are practised may vary. This scoping review is aimed at describing the extent and range of the professional pharmacy services offered in hospital pharmacies across different countries and the barriers underlying inappropriate or incomplete implementation of these services. Studies published in the English language between 2015 and 2019 were retrieved from the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, EBSCO Discovery Service, and Web of Science. A thematic analysis across the included studies produced two main themes. “Scope of practice” comprised three subthemes: pharmaceutical care practice, clinical pharmacy practice, and public health services and “Multiple levels of influence” comprised five subthemes: individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and public policy-related factors. The hospital pharmacy services across countries ranged from traditional drug-centered pharmacy practice to a more progressive, clinically oriented practice. In some countries, there is an apparent inadequacy in the clinical pharmacy services provided compared to other clinical settings. Understanding the current pharmacy practice culture across different health care systems is an essential step towards improving the profession.


Author(s):  
Tesnime Jebara ◽  
Scott Cunningham ◽  
Katie MacLure ◽  
Ahmed Awaisu ◽  
Abdulrouf Pallivalapila ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In Qatar, the National Vision 2030 and the National Health Strategy 2018–2022 articulate the need to improve healthcare delivery by better utilisation of the skilled workforce. In this regard, pharmacy practice is rapidly advancing and several extended pharmacy services are now available in institutionalised settings. Objective This study aimed to determine health-related stakeholders’ perceptions of current clinical pharmacy services in Qatar, and the potential development and implementation of further patient-centred roles. Setting All major organisations and institutions relating to the practice, education, regulation, and governance of pharmacy in Qatar. Method Qualitative, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals in key strategic positions of policy development and influence (i.e. health-related academic leaders, healthcare policy developers, directors of medicine/pharmacy/nursing, and patient safety leaders). Participants were recruited via a combination of purposeful and snowball sampling, until the point of data saturation was reached. The interview guide was grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains of innovation characteristics, outer and inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and implementation process. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers using the Framework approach. Main outcome measure Perceptions of stakeholders regarding current and potential for future clinical pharmacy services in Qatar. Results Thirty-seven interviews were conducted with stakeholders of policy influence in healthcare. The interviewees reported a variety of clinical pharmacy services available in Qatar, which they perceived as positively impacting patient care outcomes, pharmacists’ professional autonomy, and the healthcare system in general (innovation characteristics). However, they perceived that these services were mainly performed in hospitals and less in community pharmacy setting (inner setting) and were undervalued by patients and the public (outer setting). Expansion of pharmacists’ clinical activities was supported, with recognition of facilitators such as the skillset and training of pharmacists, potential time release due to automation and well-considered implementation processes (characteristics of individuals, inner setting, process). Conclusion Health-related stakeholders in Qatar have positive perceptions of current clinical pharmacy services and support the expansion of pharmacist’s roles. However, service development needs to consider the issues of patient and public awareness and initially target institutionalised healthcare settings.


Author(s):  
Tina Do ◽  
Steph Luon ◽  
Kimberly Boothe ◽  
Martha Stutsky ◽  
Marie Renauer

Abstract Purpose The objectives and strategies used by an ambulatory care pharmacy team operating within a large health system’s pharmacy incident command structure during the initial response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are discussed. Summary In a time of crisis, a pharmacy “ambulatory action team” was formed to provide ambulatory clinical pharmacy expertise and meet an immediate and ongoing need to limit nonemergent care during the COVID-19 pandemic. By building a strong communication infrastructure and partnership with ambulatory care providers, clinic medical and operational leaderships, clinical laboratory staff, and infusion centers, the team was able to swiftly execute solutions and respond to new issues and requests. Ambulatory care pharmacy practice continued to advance through provision of services to vulnerable patient populations with chronic conditions that were anticipated to experience gaps in care management during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts resulted in expansion of pharmacists’ involvement in collaborative drug therapy management, support of patients’ transition from in-clinic injection to home self-administration, provision of medication assistance support, and management of 1,300 patients via protocol-based warfarin management. Additionally, ambulatory pharmacy services in 15 primary care, anticoagulation, and specialty clinic sites were transitioned to telehealth. The ambulatory action team also implemented several strategies to manage medication therapy associated with COVID-19–related shortages and implemented electronic decision support to guide prescribing of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Conclusion Building a strong communication infrastructure and a pharmacy ambulatory action team were essential to respond to a crisis and continue ambulatory clinical pharmacy services expansion.


Author(s):  
Thomas W Laudone ◽  
Cameron J McKinzie ◽  
Hanna S Kumwenda ◽  
Lauren A Blum ◽  
Sarah A Dascanio ◽  
...  

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose To describe the establishment of pediatric clinical pharmacy services in a hospital in Malawi as part of a pharmacy residency program in global health. Summary While pharmacy is expanding its role in global health through the introduction of international advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) rotations at US schools of pharmacy, international experiences for pharmacy residents are currently very limited. Such programs are advantageous for pharmacists planning for a career in public or global health, and there is also great opportunity for clinical pharmacists to work with international partners for professional development and to help advance pharmacy practice. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy recently expanded its international APPE rotation in Malawi into the postgraduate training space through creation of a pediatric pharmacy residency training program, with the specific aim of working with partners in Malawi to introduce pediatric pharmacy services at Kamuzu Central Hospital. As this was the first time there was a pharmacist involved in patient care on the pediatric wards, the focus for the participating pharmacy resident was on establishing a positive relationship with the medical team through providing high-quality collaborative patient care for the pediatric population. In addition to working to establish pediatric clinical pharmacy services, the resident further contributed to sustainable improvements in pediatric patient care by identifying areas for quality improvement. We discuss several considerations for the successful implementation of international experiences and their impact on participating residents. Conclusion Pharmacy has an opportunity to build on the success of international APPE rotations and expand postgraduate offerings. Through collaboration with other institutions already involved in global health and identifying international rotation sites, residency programs across the country can create similarly beneficial global health experiences for their pharmacy residents.


1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 701-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry L. Carter ◽  
Dennis K. Helling

OBJECTIVE: To review studies that document the impact of clinical pharmacy services in ambulatory care settings and to propose standards of practice and resource allocation needs in ambulatory care. DATA SOURCES: English-language literature from 1970 through 1991 was reviewed and the representative literature is described. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were selected that examined the impact of clinical pharmacy services on patient outcomes and costs. Studies that evaluated pharmacist consultations by blind peer-review panels were also evaluated. DATA EXTRACTION: Trials were assessed based on their methodologies and ability to assess the value of clinical pharmacy services on patient outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: Numerous studies from the past 20 years are described illustrating the impact that ambulatory care pharmacy practitioners have made on patient care. These studies demonstrate that clinical pharmacists in ambulatory care not only serve as consultants on pharmacotherapy issues, but also can improve the quality of care for individual patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the studies cited and the needs of ambulatory patients, this article highlights the authors' views on what the standards of practice should be for ambulatory care practitioners and where resources should be allocated as ambulatory programs are expanded.


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