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Pharmacist integration in collaborative care model in underserved communities in rural Mississippi through a community-based research program
METHODS-In partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health, the School of Pharmacy developed a program to provide medication therapy management (MTM) services focused on cardiovascular risk reduction in a subset of patients in rural Mississippi in four federally-qualified health centers. Patients must be >18 years with a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. MTM sessions cover the “ABCs” of heart disease and prevention: aspirin therapy/A1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking cessation. Pharmacists provide MTM services under a collaborative practice agreement, initiating/modifying medication therapy and providing disease education or through provider recommendations. Clinical parameters include drug therapy problems (DTP), A1c, blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG).
RESULTS- To date, 463 patients are enrolled and 3481 DTPs have been identified and resolved. Additional preliminary outcomes include a statistically significant decrease in averages of 1.5% (n=259) in A1c, 2.7 mmHg for SBP, and 2.5 mmHg for DBP. Other results include a significant decrease in TC, LDL.
CONCLUSIONS- Cardiovascular disease is responsible for a significant proportion of healthcare costs. Identifying strategies to curb disease progression and the associated economic burden are critically important. Preliminary data suggest a decrease in A1c, blood pressure, TC, and LDL for the targeted population. Implementation of successful pharmacy MTM services that decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications can enhance patient care in similarly challenging rural areas throughout the nation.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionImplementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Other professions or practice related to public health
Provision of health care to the public
Learning Objectives:
Describe the partnership between the School of Pharmacy, State Department of Health, and Community Partners.
Discuss the community partnerships with federally qualified health centers and the integration of pharmacy services as part of the care model.
Keyword(s): Community-Based Partnership & Collaboration, Community-Based Research (CBPR)
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the co-principal investigator on multiple federally funded grants focused on the implementation and evaluation of services in rural communities. I have served as the program administrator of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy Community-Based Research Program for 6 years. I have a specific interest and experience in developing community partnerships, implementing medication therapy management programs in provider clinics and community pharmacies in underserved areas, and evaluation of community-based projects.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.