Exploring the Impactful Role of Pharmacists in Healthcare
Welcome to the first 2024 issue of The Collaborative Practice®. As we embark on a new year, our focus remains steadfast on celebrating the remarkable role of clinical pharmacists in healthcare. This January, we delve into the evolving responsibility of pharmacists in driving patient outcomes and elevating the standard of care.
The evolving healthcare landscape increasingly acknowledges pharmacists not just as medication experts but as vital contributors to patient health. This shift extends beyond traditional roles, placing pharmacists at the forefront of accountability for patient outcomes. As this responsibility grows, so does the importance of equipping pharmacists with the necessary tools to effectively measure, benchmark, and communicate their impact on patient care.
Let’s have a great new year!
From the Team at RxLive
Spotlight Interview:
The Progressive Role of Pharmacists
Our featured guest this month is Scott Streator, Senior Vice President of Payer Markets at Outcomes, whose extensive experience in both clinical practice and managed care provides a unique perspective on the evolution of pharmacy practice. In a thought-provoking conversation, Scott discusses the transformative journey of pharmacists from traditional roles to more proactive, value-based practices.
Highlights of the Interview:
- Emphasis on Multi-Channel Engagement: Scott advocates for the use of advanced technology in enabling pharmacists to provide more comprehensive patient care.
- Cost-Saving Potential: He sheds light on the significant economic benefits that can be achieved through effective pharmacist interventions, particularly in chronic disease management like hypertension.
- Strengthening Pharmacist-Physician Collaboration: Streator highlights the critical need for enhanced collaborative practices between pharmacists and physicians, aided by technological advancements.
- Balancing Medication Adherence and Comprehensive Care: The challenge of meeting medication adherence metrics while providing holistic patient care is discussed, reflecting on how pharmacists can navigate this complex landscape.
- Future Vision: Scott shares his vision of a future where pharmacists are fully accountable for medication outcomes, both at an individual patient level and across broader population health initiatives.
This insightful conversation underscores the evolving role of pharmacists and the growing recognition of their contribution to healthcare. Scott’s perspectives offer valuable takeaways for pharmacy professionals and healthcare stakeholders alike.
Feel free to connect with us and be a part of this transformative journey in healthcare.
Patient Case: Essential Intervention in Stroke Recovery and Medication Management
In this edition of The Collaborative Practice, we spotlight an insightful case from a network pharmacist, emphasizing the critical impact of pharmacist interventions in patient care. This month, we focus on a complex medication management scenario involving a 92-year-old female post-stroke.
Navigating Medication Post-Stroke:
The patient faced several medication challenges after her hospital discharge following an acute ischemic stroke:
Esomeprazole vs Pantoprazole: She used pantoprazole from home instead of the prescribed esomeprazole. The pharmacist educated her on proper medication use, transitioning her to esomeprazole.
Amlodipine Dosage Confusion: Discrepancy in amlodipine dosing instructions were resolved by the pharmacist, ensuring safe and effective use.
Atorvastatin Concerns: The pharmacist addressed her hesitancy to use atorvastatin due to past muscle cramps, suggesting the provider prescribe a trial of rosuvastatin with less risk of myopathy.
Hydrochlorothiazide Misunderstanding: Despite instructions to discontinue due to low sodium levels, she continued using hydrochlorothiazide. The pharmacist reiterated the need to stop this medication.
Pharmacist’s Recommendations:
- Switch from pantoprazole to esomeprazole.
- Confirm and adjust amlodipine dosage.
- Suggest rosuvastatin 5 mg daily, monitoring for tolerability.
- Reinforce discontinuation of hydrochlorothiazide.
Outcome:
The pharmacist’s interventions led to significant changes in her medication regimen, cohesion with the discharge plan, and aligning her treatment with her health status and latest guidelines. This case highlights the pharmacist’s vital role in optimizing medication regimens for older adults, particularly during transitions of care, ensuring safety and efficacy in complex health scenarios.
Stories we’re following
This month’s healthcare news encapsulates significant trends and shifts, emphasizing affordable drug pricing, team-based care, technological advancements, and the strategic evolution of healthcare roles. Here’s a glance at the key stories:
Mark Cuban and Sidecar Health Partnership: Partnership to reduce prescription drug costs and enhance affordability.
NCPDP Foundation’s Grant to RxLive: Grant to automate pharmacist-led clinical intervention impacts.
American College of Physicians on Doctor-Led Teams: Advocacy for physician-led care teams in multidisciplinary healthcare.
Pharmacists’ Role in Team-Based Care: Expanding pharmacist involvement in chronic disease management and care accessibility.
Future of Pharmacy Technology by Larry King, Surescripts: Predictions for advancements in pharmacy technology and team-based care by 2024.
Visante’s Top 10 Issues for Health System Pharmacy in 2024: Critical challenges and opportunities in health system pharmacy, including workforce dynamics and drug cost management.
