CPF FUNDED GRANT DETAILS

The integration of pharmacists in team-based patient care is essential for medication optimization. A number of successful interprofessional collaborations have been published showing an improvement in patient care, however most are conducted in academic ambulatory clinics or in settings where pharmacists and prescribers are in the same building, which allows for face-to-face interaction. It may not be feasible for all prescribers to employ a pharmacist in their clinical practice, therefore collaborating with neighboring community pharmacies can be an alternate solution for team-based patient care. In North Carolina, we have established an enhanced services network of community pharmacists who provide medication management services and coordinate patient care with other health care providers e.g. primary care providers and care managers. The objective of this project is to evaluate successful collaborative practices between community pharmacists in the enhanced services network and other health care providers not housed under the same roof. Qualitative data will be gathered through focus groups and a resource will be created to assist community pharmacists in establishing relationships and coordinating patient care with other health care providers.