Research Projects Page

This study presents results from a national survey evaluating barriers, needed support and program goals for implementing long-acting injectable HIV ART. This work was performed under the larger Accelerating Implementation of Multilevel Strategies to Advance Long-Acting Injectable for Underserved Populations (ALAI UP Project).

It is unexpected that patients with stable lymphocytes on one fumarate would experience significant changes when switching to another fumarate; however, this was being observed in clinical practice. We wanted to identify the frequency and severity of lymphopenia after switching from dimethyl fumarate to either diroximel fumarate (DRF) or monomethyl fumarate (MMF). Our study determined that patients switching to DRF were more likely to have decreased lymphocyte counts post switch compared to MMF.

This qualitative study used focus groups of pharmacy leadership and clinical pharmacists and semi-structured interviews with physician champions to evaluate the development and implementation of CPPAs in an IHSSP. Results demonstrated that implementation of a CPPA in a specialty clinic was thought to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care and was favorably accepted by clinic staff. The IHSSP structure allows CPPAs to be easily integrated in workflow.

This study assessed patients' satisfaction and barriers to their current UC or IBD treatment, their perceived quality of life, and pill burden associated with their current treatment. Patients are open to deprescribing their 5-ASA but would have several questions for their prescribing physician including assurance of continued symptom management or ease of returning to the 5-ASA if needed.

This nationwide survey study evaluated the scope and depth of didactic and experiential instruction on specialty pharmacy (SP) in US schools/colleges of pharmacy. In the 43 respondents (response rate 31%) specialty pharmacy (SP)-related topics were sparsely covered in current didactic and experiential curriculum, but more common in schools with SP-affiliated faculty. Many schools recognize the value and growth of SP and the importance of SP-related education.

This study highlights how specialty pharmacists with access to patient medical records were able to postpone requesting oral anticancer medication refills for patients with upcoming follow-up and sufficient medication on hand. Therapy was discontinued or changed in 98% of postponed requests accounting for over $750,000 in costs avoided based on AWP-20% pricing.

This case series identified patients with multiple sclerosis whose lymphocyte counts were stable on dimethyl fumarate, and then subsequently developed lymphopenia after switching to diroximel fumarate, prompting its discontinuation.

Many barriers prevent individuals with substance use disorders from receiving hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. This study describes 96 patients with active HCV treated in an opioid use disorder bridge clinic model. Of 33 patients who initiated treatment, 25 patients completed treatment, and 13 patients achieved sustained virologic response.

This study assess the impact of pharmacist-led tailored monitoring for patients initiating PARP inhibitor therapy. A retrospective study showed that all patients were able to access medicaiton through the pharmacist-led insurance approval process and 64% of patients required a treatment modification in the first 90 days of therapy. A prospective study reporting the impact of implementing a pharmacist-led targeted monitoring program is forthcoming.

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.