Implementation of targeted medication adherence interventions within a community chain pharmacy practice: The Pennsylvania Project.

OBJECTIVE: To identify facilitators and barriers to implementing targeted medication adherence interventions in community chain pharmacies, and describe adaptations of the targeted intervention and organizational structure within each individual pharmacy practice. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Central and western Pennsylvania from February to April 2012. PARTICIPANTS: Rite Aid pharmacists staffed at the 118 Pennsylvania Project intervention sites. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Qualitative analysis of pharmacists' perceptions of facilitators and barriers experienced, targeted intervention and organizational structure adaptations implemented, and training and preparation prior to implementation. RESULTS: A total of 15 key informant interviews were conducted from February to April 2012. Ten pharmacists from "early adopter" practices and five pharmacists from "traditionalist" practices were interviewed. Five themes emerged regarding the implementation of targeted interventions, including all pharmacists' need to understand the relationship of patient care programs to their corporation's vision; providing individualized, continual support and mentoring to pharmacists; anticipating barriers before implementation of patient care programs; encouraging active patient engagement; and establishing best practices regarding implementation of patient care services. CONCLUSION: This qualitative analysis revealed that there are a series of key steps that can be taken before the execution of targeted interventions that may promote successful implementation of medication therapy management in community chain pharmacies.

A naloxone and harm reduction educational program across four years of a doctor of pharmacy program.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Naloxone distribution is an increasing service provided by pharmacists as more states enact laws enabling pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription or per protocol to individuals in the wake of an opioid overdose epidemic. Education and training programs are necessary to ensure students and practicing pharmacists are able to effectively provide the service. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: All first, second, and third year students in the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy (OSUCOP) participated in a pilot naloxone and harm reduction educational program. The program consisted of a three-part recorded lecture and a hands-on interactive workshop. Fourth-year students had the opportunity to participate. Students completed a ten-question assessment based on the content of the recorded lecture. Following the workshop, self-reflection and feedback were solicited. FINDINGS: Qualitative data indicated students felt the naloxone educational program was beneficial. Inclusion of harm reduction strategies, a mock counseling session, hands-on practice with naloxone delivery devices, and patient case discussions were valued. DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY: OSUCOP was able to develop and deliver a naloxone and harm reduction educational program across all four years of the PharmD curriculum within one year of passage of laws increasing pharmacist dispensing of naloxone.