Research Projects Page

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 purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a transparent, streamlined process of managing patients with IBD receiving specialty medications that have complex dosing regimens with IV to SubQ routes of administration. This was achieved by implementing an EHR flowsheet for patient management and care coordination between infusion and specialty pharmacy staff.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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

This podium presentation discusses experiences in liver transplantation and the management of HCV into opportunity for successful donor expansion.