Telehealth Project Addresses Patient Concerns During COVID-19

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Faculty and students from the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy conducted a project with Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy to provide telehealth MTM services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was developed by Shearie Archer, Executive Director of Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy; Marlena Kelley, Pharm.D.; and ACCP member Kevin Astle, Pharm.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy.

Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy is a free pharmacy that provides medication dispensing and MTM services to underserved patients in Southwest Alabama. At the beginning of the pandemic, Ozanam discontinued face-to-face MTM services and pharmacy medication pick-up. This led to growing concerns and health insecurities among patients. The telehealth MTM project emphasized understanding and addressing the holistic well-being of Ozanam’s patients. As part of project-related activities, patients responded to a variety of questions related to how COVID-19 affected their medical care and social well-being. Patients participating in the project were offered diabetes testing supplies and additional follow-up services.