Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2017
Community pharmacy transition of care services and rural hospital readmissions: A case study.
To explore community pharmacist involvement in the transition of care (TOC) process for patients discharged with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or elective total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). ⋯ Community pharmacist involvement in the TOC process may help to prevent readmissions for patients with AMI, HF, pneumonia, COPD, and elective THA/TKA. Patients are overall satisfied with community pharmacist involvement as they move from inpatient care to home. In addition, there are multiple barriers affecting access and adherence to medication therapy while at home, providing opportunities for pharmacist intervention and assistance.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2017
Integration of pharmacists into patient-centered medical homes in federally qualified health centers in Texas.
To describe the integration and implementation of pharmacy services in patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) as adopted by federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and compare them with usual care (UC). ⋯ PCMH pharmacists in FQHCs were integrated into the workflow to address specific patient needs. Specifically, full-time in-house pharmacists, flexible referral criteria, proactive screening, well defined collaborative practice agreement, and open scheduling were successful strategies for the underserved populations in this study. However, reimbursement plans and provider status for pharmacists should be established to sustain this model of care.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2017
Assessment of targeted automated messages on herpes zoster immunization numbers in an independent community pharmacy.
To evaluate the impact of an automated phone call by a pharmacy owner on the number of herpes zoster vaccinations given in the independent community pharmacy setting, compare herpes zoster immunization numbers in the 3 months during the previous year to the 3 months during the intervention, and assess patient satisfaction with the automated phone call service. ⋯ These results demonstrate that using a targeted, automated phone call directed at eligible patients appears to have a positive effect on their willingness to receive the herpes zoster vaccine and may lead to an increase in vaccination numbers among eligible patients. Various factors must be considered before implementation of this service, including cost and added call volume.
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The epidemic of opioid prescription deaths in recent years resulted in the recent rescheduling of hydrocodone-containing products to restrict access to them. Opioid users have recognized that loperamide can ameliorate withdrawal symptoms and also produce euphoria in very high doses. This article discusses the potential for loperamide misuse and abuse and examines trends in the increasing number of published cases of loperamide toxicity. ⋯ Loperamide misuse and abuse is increasing in the United States, and pharmacists are encouraged to monitor and restrict their sales.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Pharmacists' readiness to provide naloxone in community pharmacies in West Virginia.
The objective of this study is to assess West Virginia pharmacists' stocking and dispensing practices of opioid-related medications and to identify the educational needs relating to providing naloxone in community pharmacies. ⋯ As the most accessible health care providers, community pharmacists are acutely aware of how the opioid epidemic affects their communities. Some pharmacists in West Virginia are hesitant to stock and dispense opioids and opioid-dependence medications. Although this may decrease the flow of potentially abused drugs into the community, it may also restrict access to necessary therapy for patients with opioid use disorder. Furthermore, pharmacists in West Virginia are not yet comfortable stocking and dispensing naloxone. Tailored educational materials can help in controlling the pharmacists' fear and reinforce the benefits of over-the-counter naloxone use.