How Pharmacists Are Transforming Chronic Care

At the 2024 National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo, held in Boston from August 17 to 19, Jon Easter, a professor of practice, vice chair of practice advancement, and associate faculty director at the University of North Carolina Center for the Business of Health, emphasized the vital role of community pharmacists.

He showcased a research project that transitioned into a real-world program, which not only enhanced patient outcomes but also enabled pharmacists to receive payment for their clinical work.

1. Rising Costs and Chronic Conditions:

Over 50% of Americans live with at least one chronic health condition, leading to substantial healthcare spending. Excessive hospitalization and medication mismanagement contribute to billions in annual costs. Easter emphasized that the U.S. healthcare system struggles with prevention and proactive treatment, especially for chronic diseases like diabetes.

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2. The Role of Pharmacists:

Easter’s research, showcased at the NACDS Expo, demonstrated how community pharmacists can play a critical role in managing chronic conditions. His project involved a three-step intervention including patient identification, screening, and pharmacist consultations. This program, implemented across diverse sites in five states, improved patient outcomes through targeted education and management.

3. Program Outcomes:

The intervention led to measurable improvements, including a reduction in HbA1c levels and enhanced disease management knowledge among patients. Patient satisfaction was high, though pharmacists reported mixed feelings about the feasibility and sustainability of the program, partly due to financial constraints and workflow disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Addressing Pharmacist Reimbursement:

To address reimbursement challenges, Jasmine Perry, PharmD, from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, collaborated to develop the “More Than A Script” program. This initiative aims to incentivize pharmacists for their clinical work and bridge gaps in chronic disease management. By integrating this program with existing pharmacy services, it provides a model for expanding pharmacist roles and improving healthcare access.

5. Future Directions:

Perry and her team are focused on scaling the “More Than A Script” program beyond independent pharmacies and standardizing practices for broader adoption. This innovative approach aims to enhance clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and create a sustainable model for pharmacist involvement in chronic disease management.

The conference highlighted the potential of pharmacists in transforming chronic care management, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

References

Easter J, Perry J. Leveraging diabetes care research to drive impact. Presented at: 2024 National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo; August 17-19, 2024; Boston, MA.
National diabetes statistics report. CDC. May 15, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html
Statistics about diabetes. American Diabetes Association. Updated November 2, 2023. Accessed August 19, 2024.
Trautman S. More Than a Script: Partnering with community pharmacists. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Published July 23, 2024. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.bluecrossnc.com/blog/expert-takes/more-than-a-script