Late Breaking Original Research
Sunday, November 12, 2023
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction:
Georgia Board of Pharmacy (BOP) regulations permit pharmacists to engage in collaborative drug therapy modification (CDTM) with physicians, allowing them to perform patient assessments, adjust pharmacotherapy, and order laboratory tests. Pharmacist-led CDTM can positively impact health outcomes leading to reduced healthcare expenditures. CDTM is underutilized, with <1% of Georgia pharmacists holding an active CDTM license.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What are pharmacist-reported factors that facilitate or impede successful pharmacist implementation of CDTM within Georgia?
Study Design: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis
Methods: All Georgia-licensed CDTM pharmacists were invited to participate in a 60-minute qualitative interview. Interview questions were developed from electronic survey responses. The interview was designed to elicit information regarding the primary end points of perceived benefits and barriers to CDTM implementation. Nine interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes utilizing AtlasTI software to code. Themes were described qualitatively and prevalence of each was reported. Data saturation was achieved at interview seven and 96% coding agreement was reached among two independent researchers.
Results: Nine themes were identified and each was categorized as a facilitator or barrier to establishing pharmacist-led CDTM in Georgia. Themes associated with facilitating were [prevalence %]: 1) practice autonomy [100], 2) personal attributes [100], 3) having support [100], and 4) institutional logistics [88]. Barrier themes included issues concerning: 5) the Georgia BOP [100], 6) pharmacist autonomy [88], 7) federal and state policy [88], 8) institutional restrictions [75], and 9) personal development (e.g., confidence) [22].
Conclusion: Facilitators to the establishment of pharmacist-led CDTM exist and pharmacists can capitalize on these to create successful CDTM programs. Barriers are varied, and although it may be difficult to systematically address individual barriers such as pharmacist autonomy and personal development, many barriers can likely be removed or addressed by policy, such as issues with institutional restrictions and the Georgia BOP, and state or federal policies.
Presenting Author
Sharmon P. Osae Pharm.D., BCACPUniversity of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Authors
Chelsea Keedy PharmD
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Devin Lavender Pharm.D., BCPS, BCACP
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Ashlee Harvey PharmD Candidate
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Blake Johnson Pharm.D., MPH, BCACP
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Russ Palmer Ph.D.
Beth B. Phillips Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Henry Young Ph.D., FAPHA
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Rebecca H. Stone PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, FCCP
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy