Research Projects Page

The objective of this multi-phased survey is to aggregate data to demonstrate the benefits of a health-system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) by demonstrating the clinical services provided by HSSPs.

The goal of this study was to explore healthcare providers’ experiences with specialty medications distributed via Limited Distribution Networks (LDN) that do not include IHSSPs. Participants reported barriers to navigating LDNs that can interfere with clinic workflow and patient care. IHSSPs may reduce clinic burden by helping patients access, afford, and remain on therapy.

This study compares persistence to HIV PrEP in patients filling their medication through an integrated health-system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) compared to those filling at external pharmacies. These findings demonstrate that patients were better maintained on PrEP therapy when their prescriptions were filled with the HSSP compared to external pharmacies, thus highlighting the role HSSPs can have in ending the HIV epidemic.

This randomized prospective study evaluated the effectiveness pharmacist interventions had on specialty medication adherence using proportion of days covered (PDC). After 8 months post-enrollment, median PDC in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group. Currently, 3 products related to this research are below:

Post-transplant patients require complex medication regimens to ensure the survival of the transplanted organ and patient overall well-being. These regimens are frequently adjusted, initiated, or discontinued within soon after transplant. Pharmacist expertise can be utilized to optimize post-transplant medication use. This study describes the creation and corresponding outcomes of a CPPA between pharmacists and physicians within a renal transplant clinic.

Adherence and persistence to specialty medications can be challenging during transitions in sites of care, provider types, specialty medications, and financial coverage changes. In this report, we review obstacles encountered within these transitions and the role of the specialty pharmacist in overcoming obstacles. Case examples for each type of specialty transition provide insight into the unique complexities faced by patients and shed light on pharmacists’ vital role in patient care.

This study's findings indicate that access to DAAs in donor-derived HCV post-transplant is achievable and affordable; however, significant added administrative efforts may be required for insurance approval as well as obtaining copay assistance, which is a limited resource.

The purpose of this descriptive report is to describe the development and results of this program. The Health Outcomes and Research Program began as an initiative for pharmacists to evaluate and convey the benefits they provide to patients, providers, and the health system. The Health Outcomes and Research Program described has pioneered outcomes research among HSSPs nationwide and has proven valuable to specialty pharmacists, the health system, and key specialty pharmacy stakeholders.