This study quantified VSP pharmacists’ work performed to facilitate specialty medication education, access, adherence, and persistence for patients who do not use VSP. Across 3 clinics over 5 months, pharmacists performed 1,645 actions for 714 non-VSP patients, equating to 375 hours and $30,429.48 in estimated pharmacist compensation. Lack of visibility in the patient journey and increased workload on providers and health systems is created when payers and manufacturers lockout IHSSPs.

This quality improvement project aims to evaluate implementation of a standardized process for specialty pharmacists to document and monitor patient disease severity and response to therapy using the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ), a patient reported outcome, administered via the electronic health record patient portal.

This study evaluated treatment outcomes (adherence, persistence, switching and discontinuation of therapy) and pharmacists' management of adverse events (AE's) in patients on an oral oncolytic for CLL/SLL. In a population of patients initiating oral CLL/SLL therapy through an integrated Health-System Pharmacy, adherence to therapy was high (mean PDC 92%). Adverse effects led to 36% of therapy discontinuations and 72% of therapy switches, indicating an opportunity for pharmacists to manage AE's.

This study evaluated how allergic comorbidities affect dupilumab persistence when prescribed for asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Non-persistence was 19% and 22% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. The median time to non-persistence was 66 days (IQR 25-95). Patients with commercial insurance and those with AERD were more likely to persistent.

This study examines the time to hGH medication insurance approval, determine whether time to approval was associated with patient factors, and evaluate whether time to hGH initiation impacts patient growth. Indication for hGH treatment, insurance, a requirement for additional testing, and method of medication coverage were associated with time to approval. Time to hGH initiation did not impact patient growth one year post decision to treat.

This study evaluated the treatment of HCV using DAAs in pediatric patients using an integrated specialty pharmacy model. The model was effective in navigating patients through the treatment cascade of care to SVR. Additional pharmacist contacts were needed for 45% of patients unable to swallow the dosage form at the initial clinic evaluation. Linkage to care following initial clinc evaluation remains a challenge especially in those age 0-5 years.

The Vanderbilt Health System Specialty Pharmacy Outcomes Research Consortium partnered with ASHP to disseminate a national survey assessing clinical services provided by health-system specialty pharmacies (HSSPs). Results demonstrated that HSSPs are a clinical and educational resource for specialty clinics and have developed robust patient care services that encompass the patient journey from before specialty medication selection through treatment monitoring and optimization.

This study evaluated prescription cannabidiol (CBD) outcomes including patient characteristics, adherence and discontinuation, and clinical outcomes during the first 12 months of therapy. Patients initiating therapy had complex medication use patterns. Adherence was high (PDC 94%), but 23% of patients discontinued in the first 12 months. Many patients (37%) utilized emergency healthcare services after CBD initiation. There was no significant change in concomitant ASM use.

This study evaluated reasons for and rates of primary medication nonadherence to specialty DMARDs in patients with RA referred to an integrated health systems specialty pharmacy