ACCP Research Institute Fall 2014 PRN Report

We want to share a quick update on select programs, activities, and successes of the Research Institute (RI). We also invite you to visit our Web site to read the overview of the RI’s Strategic Plan (www.accpri.org/about/plan.aspx). Thank you for supporting the ACCP RI.

Who Joins the ACCP PBRN?

Do you routinely provide direct patient care? Are you frequently pondering an “I wonder” clinical question? Would you like to participate in collaborative clinical research? The ACCP Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) may be the perfect solution. The PBRN is an ever-growing group of clinical pharmacists who practice in a variety of settings from all 50 states. The PBRN affords clinicians the ability to conveniently and expeditiously pool patient care experiences into large-enough sample sizes to answer important clinical questions.

The ACCP PBRN continues to grow since its launch in February 2009. We have more than 800 members to date, including members who belong to existing PRNs, whose data are shown in the following table. We encourage each of you to join!

How Do I Join the ACCP PBRN?

Joining the ACCP PBRN is free to all ACCP members. You can join the PBRN as an individual or as part of an existing network by completing our online registry at http://www.accpri.org/pbrn/registration.aspx. We invite you to browse our “Now Recruiting” and “Ongoing” studies by visiting our Web site (http://www.accpri.org/pbrn/researchProjects.aspx) or share your idea for a potential PBRN study at any time (http://www.accpri.org/pbrn/StudySuggest.aspx). You can also sign up to receive e-mail notifications about future studies.

Calling All Researchers!

The ACCP PBRN is interested in establishing collaborative research efforts with both the ACCP PBRN and other external investigators. If you have a funded project or are applying for funding and are interested in collaborating with the ACCP PBRN, we invite you to complete our Project Concept Description Template at www.accpri.org/pbrn/partner.aspx. Please contact PBRN staff with any questions, or for assistance with developing a clinical question into a PBRN study, at (913) 492-3311 or [email protected].

2014 ACCP Annual Meeting: Austin, Texas

Research Institute Open House: October 14, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Grand Ballroom G, Austin Convention Center

The RI is hosting an Open House to spotlight the Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) and ACCP investigator training programs. Join us for roundtable discussions or individual Q&A time with RI Board members, Focused Investigator Training (FIT) Program faculty and alumni, Research and Scholarship faculty and alumni, and members of the PBRN’s Community Advisory Panel to learn more about these programs, including how to get involved, and begin connecting with other ACCP members about research ideas and grant development. RI staff will also be available to listen to your ideas for investigator training, the PBRN—or any other RI program.

From the Desk of the ACCP PBRN Network Director: An Update on Research Initiatives within the PBRN

Since our update last spring, the PBRN has continued to move forward on several important initiatives. Two of these important initiatives are described in the paragraphs that follow.

Earlier this year, we successfully showed the feasibility of conducting two funded studies, both of which will use the PBRN, and we are eagerly looking forward to recruiting sites during the next several weeks. The first is a non-interventional study evaluating the challenges and attitudinal barriers to adopting immunization recommendations in U.S. health systems. In 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for adults 19 years and older with immunocompromising conditions. However, implementing guidelines at the patient care level requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to recognize and overcome operational barriers to ensure success. In addition, there is considerable competition for the limited resources required to implement guidelines at the institutional or health system level. Using a comprehensive questionnaire, this study seeks to identify the challenges and barriers to implementing or updating guidelines, using the ACIP pneumococcal immunization recommendations as a model.

The second study seeks to identify prescriber perceptions of, attitudes about, and preferences for various factors important in the choice of antipsychotic therapy. The primary aim of this study is to determine how clinicians’ (psychiatrists and pharmacists) beliefs and attitudes affect the choice of atypical antipsychotic agent in the therapy of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Although we have a relatively good understanding of the effectiveness and safety of many newer antipsychotic medications, no studies have been conducted in the United States evaluating factors affecting prescriber selection of these medications, perception of effectiveness and safety, or preferences for selecting therapy since newer antipsychotic agents have become available.

If you are not currently a member, please consider joining the PBRN and participating in one of these studies. For more information about these studies or on how you can get involved with PBRN projects, please contact us by e-mail at [email protected] or telephone at (913) 492-3311.

Daniel Touchette, Pharm.D., M.A.
Network Director, ACCP PBRN

Bettin’ on a Fun Time Casino Night and ACCP City Limits Karaoke Stage

The ACCP Research Institute (RI) invites all 2014 Annual Meeting attendees to our “Bettin’ on a Fun Time Casino Night and ACCP City Limits Karaoke Stage” held in conjunction with the ACCP Opening Reception on Sunday, October 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Hilton Austin Grand Ballroom (sixth Floor).

Join in the fun with your colleagues to:

• Compete for ACCP high rollers recognition!
• Multiply your chances in the end-of-night drawing by cashing in more chips!
• Make donations to challenge colleagues, instructors, and mentors to donate or sing!
• Vote for winning ACCP City Limits Karaoke performances!

Receive 10 free chips at the door with your ACCP meeting badge, and get additional chips with your on-site donations to the RI. One hundred percent of all donations made to the RI during this event will go to support the Institute’s research initiatives.

Please consider donating to help develop clinical pharmacy researchers and advance clinical pharmacy research through the 2014 RI Frontiers Fund. Easy tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.accpri.org/donate.

What Is Your Pharmacy Legacy Going to Be?

Learn more about the ACCP Legacy Society, and tap into our free professional gift giving advice and estate planning tools at www.accpri.org/frontiers/legacy.aspx.