Overview of the Pain and Palliative Care PRN
The American College of Clinical Pharmacy Pain and Palliative Care Practice and Research Network (ACCP PPC PRN) membership is primarily composed of clinical pharmacists, researchers, educators, students, residents, and fellows. The PPC PRN’s mission is to advance pain and palliative care–related pharmacy practice, advocacy, education, and treatment, including safe and effective opioid use. Its objectives are to (1) provide a supportive network for all pharmacists with patient care concerns in pain and palliative care, (2) provide quality education for pharmacy students and those in postgraduate training, (3) build leadership skills in young practitioners by encouraging their involvement in this PRN, and (4) provide an information source and expertise for outside organizations seeking expert opinions for publications or public policy. To achieve this, the PPC PRN has formed 3 committees: Scholarship and Mentorship, Education, and Membership.
Opportunities and Resources for Resident and Fellow PRN Members
Each year, the PPC PRN sponsors 2 travel awards to the ACCP Annual Meeting. Awards may be granted to pharmacy residents, fellows, or students. In addition, residents and fellows are allowed to sit on PRN committees (as listed earlier).
This year, we hope to create new traditions, including:
- An annual, trainee-led continuing education program for all ACCP members
- Regular postings on the ACCP Communities page led by our Membership Committee
- Trainee engagement in our annual focus session presentation at the ACCP Annual Meeting
- This year, our focus session will be a collaboration with the Health Outcomes PRN, evaluating the literature to support the impact of opioid stewardship.
PRN Leadership
Chair: Nicole Genovese, Pharm.D.
Chair-Elect: Lisa Lynn Luciani, Pharm.D.
Secretary-Treasurer: Pamela Tiavises, Pharm.D.
Board Liaison: John M. Allen, Pharm.D., FCCP, FCCM
Total Members: 196 as of December 2024
Program Spotlights
- The PPC PRN recently published an opinion paper in the Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. You can review it at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Opioid Guideline Revisions and Pharmacy Practice: An Opinion of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Pain and Palliative Care Practice and Research Network.
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of updates to the 2022 guidelines, highlighting major changes from the 2016 guidelines and calling attention to the opportunities and challenges for pharmacists in providing patient-centered care with opioids for pain management.
- The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) announced pain management pharmacy as a new, formally recognized specialty certification in September 2023. The first examinations will be offered in 2025, and our PPC alumni are on the BPS Pain Management Pharmacy Specialty Council. The PPC PRN hopes to play a vital role in education and preparation for board certification in pain management pharmacy (BCPMP).
Learn more about BCPMP:
Pain Management Pharmacy (BCPMP) Specialty Certification
BCPMP Examination Specifications