Research Projects Page

Since our inception as an outcome committee in 2015, we have consistently and considerably expanded our ability to produce rigorous outcomes research. In 2018, we established a more formal program and leadership, including full time outcomes research staff. The result of these allocated resources has been a productive output across multiple specialty disease states. Below are highlighted outcomes from studies completed in recent years.

Research Project List

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11-20 of 116 results

Transitions of Care: A Focus on Specialty Medication Challenges and Specialty Pharmacist Opportunities

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.

A targeted approach to reducing rates of discontinuation and dose reduction in patients receiving sorafenib or regoranfenib

Sorafenib and regorafenib are oral multikinase inhibitors used to treat some cancers, but adverse events for both drugs are common and often cause patients to discontinue therapy or reduce their dose within several months of initiating therapy. This study found that a pharmacist-initiated tailored intervention reduced sorafenib and regorafenib discontinuations (29% to 13%) and dose reductions due to adverse reactions (18% to 13%).

Pediatric Hepatitis C Patient Care in a Tertiary Academic Medical Center Utilizing an Integrated Health System Specialty Pharmacy Model

This study evaluated how the integrated specialty pharmacy model successful in treating HCV in the pediatric population

ASHP Survey of Health-System Specialty Pharmacy Practice: Practice Models, Operations, and Workforce–2022

Delay in Insurance Approval of Biologic Therapy Dose Escalation is Associated with Increased Disease Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This study evaluated the impact of delayed insurance approval on outcomes in patients prescribed alternate doses of biologic therapy for the treatment of IBD. Researchers found that longer time to insurance approval of a higher biologic dosing regimen was associated with an increase in C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, in at least 45 days after the decision to escalate dose, suggesting the longer time to approval, the less likely to see an improvement in C-reactive protein.

Therapy outcomes associated with prescription cannabidiol use at 12 months post-initiation

This study evaluated prescription cannabidiol (CBD) outcomes during the first 12 months of therapy. Many patients (37%) utilized emergency healthcare services after CBD initiation. Prescription CBD was discontinued in 31 patients due to major side effects, common side effects, and unsatisfactory response. There was no significant change in concomitant ASM use.

Evaluating Patient-Reported Adherence and Outcomes in Specialty Disease States: A Dual Site Initiative

This study examined the association between patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes for patients prescribed specialty medications from rheumatology or multiple sclerosis clinics in two HSSPs for 3,677 patients over 30 months. Patients reporting tolerability issues or lower perceived effectiveness were more likely to report a missed dose.

Health System Specialty Pharmacies Ensure Patients Initiate New Oncology Treatments

Evaluated the rate and reasons for Primary Medication Nonadherence (PMN) to specialty oral oncology medications in Health System Specialty Pharmacies (HSSP). Multisite retrospective cohort study across 7 HSSP sites. Most patients (89%) prescribed oral oncology treatment at HSSP initiated therapy. Primary medication nonadherence was mostly due to patient decision.

Pharmacist review of chronic inhaler therapy appropriateness for hospitalized patients with COPD or asthma

This study assessed the appropriateness of the chronic inhaler regimen for patients admitted to the hospital based on clinical practice guidelines and insurance coverage.

Primary medication nonadherence rates to specialty disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis within a health system specialty pharmacy

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