Community Setting Marketing Tools<\/h3>\n
Evidence clearly demonstrates that pharmacist-physician collaboration improves health outcomes in primary care clinics.3<\/sup> One trial involved 32 medical offices in 15 states, and a pharmacist practiced within each office to make clinical recommendations for patients with hypertension.3<\/sup> Mean systolic blood pressure was 7.3 mm Hg lower in study participants from racial minority groups who received the pharmacist intervention compared to the control group (p=0.0042).3 <\/sup>Also, individuals with <<\/u> 12 years of education in the pharmacist intervention group had a systolic blood pressure 8.1 mm Hg lower than the control group with the same education level.3<\/sup> The study demonstrated the pharmacist intervention reduced racial and socioeconomic disparities in blood pressure treatment.3<\/sup> Pharmacists can provide these results through a short presentation to physicians to build collaborative practices for a variety of disease states, especially for patients with healthcare disparities.<\/p>\n Collaborative practice agreements (CPAs) are voluntary, formal relationships between pharmacists and physicians that authorize pharmacists to perform a variety of patient activities including initiating drug therapy, ordering laboratory tests, and conducting physical assessments.4<\/sup> The best way pharmacists can establish a relationship with physicians is to reach out to prescribers who the pharmacist knows based on the patient prescriptions at the community pharmacy.5 <\/sup><\/p>\n It is also important to build a positive rapport with the clinical coordinator and nursing staff to help establish a CPA.4,5<\/sup> Contacting specialists including dermatologists, cardiologists, and endocrinologists about partnering with the pharmacy services is also a great way to expand the healthcare network.5<\/sup> Visiting the prescriber\u2019s office to make a pitch about pharmacy services can help to build a strong pharmacist-physician relationship.5<\/sup> Discuss the services that the pharmacy offers (e.g., MTM, medical supplies, disease state management, immunizations, point-of-care testing) along with examples of improved health outcomes and patient testimonials.5<\/sup><\/p>\n Oncology pharmacists are valuable and trusted members of the healthcare team, and they continue to play an important role in preventing medication errors and navigating drug shortages amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.6<\/sup> The Hematology\/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) recently published an op-ed and white paper discussing expanded roles for oncology pharmacists.6,7<\/sup> Oncology drugs fall under the umbrella of specialty medications and are associated with high costs and toxicities.6<\/sup> Therefore, developing oncology pharmacist-physician collaborations are critical to manage patients\u2019 drug therapies and improve clinical outcomes.<\/p>\n Within hospital systems, the three pillars of value-based cancer care focus on patients, providers, and data.7<\/sup> Pharmacists work with physicians through value-based care to select the best treatment plan for each patient and ensure the medications are dosed appropriately and supportive care is provided.7<\/sup> Additionally, pharmacists incorporate cost discussions with physicians and patients to ensure therapies are affordable to prevent adherence or access issues.7<\/sup> Pharmacists play an important role in the Oncology Care Model by developing and updating pathways, establishing a formulary review schedule that includes new data and novel therapies, and updating guidelines.7<\/sup><\/p>\n Oncology pharmacists should discuss their important skillset with physicians with examples such as implementing safe medication practices, managing drug therapies, monitoring for adverse effects, and providing education.6<\/sup> Developing continuing education programs for physicians on new drug approvals and treatment guideline updates is a great way for pharmacists to showcase their knowledge and provide a valuable service for providers to stay up-to-date with the latest drug information. Oncology pharmacists can also administer COVID-19 vaccines and educate about their importance for patients with cancer, since they are at high risk of severe COVID-19.8 <\/sup>Promoting these public health initiatives to physicians is vital as pharmacists are playing a critical role in COVID-19 vaccination across the United States.<\/p>\n 1. Goff DA, Ashiru-Oredope D, Cairns KA, et al. \u201cGlobal Contributions of Pharmacists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.\u201d J Am Coll Clin Pharm<\/em>. Published online October 2, 2020; doi: 10.1002\/jac5.1329.<\/p>\n 2. Perepelkin JJ. \u201cWhy Pharmacists Should Not Think of Marketing as a Dirty Word.\u201d Can Pharm J<\/em>. 2014; 147(1):15-19. doi: 10.1177\/1715163513513866.<\/p>\n 3. Anderegg MD, Gums TH, Uribe L, Coffey CS, James PA, Carter PL. \u201cPhysician-pharmacist Collaborative Management: Narrowing the Socioeconomic Blood Pressure Gap.\u201d Hypertension<\/em>. 2016; 68(5): 1314-1320. doi: 10.1161\/HYPERTENSIONAHA.116.08043.<\/p>\n 4. NCPA. \u201cPrescriber collaboration.\u201d https:\/\/ncpa.org\/prescriber-collaboration<\/a>. Accessed April 5, 2021.<\/p>\n 5. Bradley R. \u201cHow to Build Relationships with Prescribers in Your Community.\u201d Good Neighbor Pharmacy. https:\/\/www.wearegnp.com\/insights\/how-to-build-relationships-with-prescribers-in-your-community<\/a>. Published November 4, 2019. Accessed April 5, 2021.<\/p>\n 6. DeRemer D, Liewer S. \u201cThe Value of Oncology Pharmacists Op-ed.\u201d Hematology\/Oncology Pharmacy Association. https:\/\/www.hoparx.org\/images\/hopa\/advocacy\/Issue-Briefs\/Value_of_Hem-Onc_Pharmacists_Op-Ed_021021_FINAL.pdf<\/a>. Accessed April 6, 2021.<\/p>\n 7. Fares M, Heron BB, Atienza S, et al. \u201cValue of Cancer Care Forum: Pharmacy Call to Action.\u201d J Hematol Oncol Pharm<\/em>. 2020; 10(4):212-219.<\/p>\nPromoting Oncology Pharmacist-Physician Relationships in the Health System<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>References<\/strong>:<\/p>\n