Defining the value of faculty primary care clinical pharmacists

Sarah R Cox; Jamie L Hall; Kelly A Cochran

doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.02.006

Defining the value of faculty primary care clinical pharmacists

Res Social Adm Pharm. 2023 Jun;19(6):889-895. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.02.006. Epub 2023 Feb 18.

Authors

Sarah R Cox¹, Jamie L Hall², Kelly A Cochran³

Affiliations

¹ University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 807 Lewis Hall, 701 S. 5th St, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; University of Missouri Health Care, 1 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. Electronic address: coxsa@umkc.edu.
² University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 807 Lewis Hall, 701 S. 5th St, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; University of Missouri Health Care, 1 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. Electronic address: jamie.hall@va.gov.
³ University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy, 807 Lewis Hall, 701 S. 5th St, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; University of Missouri Health Care, 1 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. Electronic address: kcochran@ecommunity.com.

PMID: 36872191
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.02.006

Abstract

Background: Demonstrating the value of comprehensive medication management (CMM) within clinical faculty sites is a challenge when balancing patient volume with academic responsibilities. Utilizing an evidence-based implementation system for CMM, faculty primary care clinical pharmacists (PCCPs) standardized CMM within their practice sites.

Objective: The primary objective of this project was to define the value of faculty PCCPs.

Methods: An Ambulatory Care Summit was hosted to identify opportunities for consistency of CMM. Following the summit, the CMM implementation team (faculty PCCPs and project manager) utilized CMM implementation tools from the Comprehensive Medication Management in Primary Care Research Team. Additionally, a strategic plan was developed to enhance practice management, improve fidelity, and determine key performance indicators (KPIs). Five faculty-mentored student projects assessed value of faculty-delivered CMM in primary care clinics. Data included medication adherence metrics, clinic quality metrics, diabetes metrics, acute healthcare utilization rates, and a physician satisfaction survey.

Results: Among those receiving CMM, adherence improved 14% (P = 0.022), 119 clinic quality metrics were achieved, HbA1c ≤ 9% improved 45% (p < 0.001), average HbA1c decreased by 1.73% (p < 0.001), and medication preventable acute care utilization within the referral reason decreased. Over 90% of physicians surveyed agreed the faculty PCCP is a valuable team member, improved patients' health, and improved effectiveness/efficiency. Four student posters were presented at national conferences and 18 student pharmacists were engaged in various aspects of the project.

Conclusion: Incorporating CMM at faculty primary care clinics provides value. To demonstrate this value, faculty must align KPIs with institution-specific payer contracts.

Keywords: Comprehensive medication management; Pharmacist; Pharmacy education; Pharmacy faculty; Primary health care; Reimbursement.

MeSH terms

Ambulatory Care
Faculty
Glycated Hemoglobin
Humans
Medication Therapy Management*
Pharmacists*
Primary Health Care

Substances

Glycated Hemoglobin