ArticleJournal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
Utilizing diagnostic pharmacists to support Family Medicine Walk-In clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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1 author at 1 institution in 1 country.
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Abstract
backgroundDuring the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, physician focus shifted from continuity of care to pandemic duties. However, patients still required in-person visits for acute or chronic complaints. Specially trained pharmacists were utilized to alleviate Family Medicine Walk-In (FMWI) provider shortages.
objectiveTo describe the innovative practice utilizing diagnostic pharmacists in FMWI, evaluate their impact on provider time, compare workload with traditional advanced practice providers (APPs), and evaluate type of visits and medications prescribed. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Pharmacists at an Indian Health Service medical center staffed FMWI 2.5 days per week to alleviate provider shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. The privileged pharmacist had a diagnostic scope like APPs. Non-privileged pharmacists provided care to patients utilizing current protocols and were required to present all new complaints to providers. PRACTICE INNOVATION: The facility utilized pharmacists that have completed or were progressing through the local diagnostic training program to alleviate provider shortages. EVALUATION
methodsThe absolute number of visits by pharmacists was determined and the number of provider hours shifted to pharmacy estimated. The number of visits by provider type was calculated and compared. ICD-10 codes were evaluated for purpose of visits. New prescriptions written by pharmacists were categorized and reimbursement rates determined.
resultsPharmacists were responsible for 677 visits during 88 clinic days, with an estimated 338 provider hours shifted to pharmacists. Pharmacists saw 5.8 patients per day, APPs 5.2, and physicians 5.7. Pharmacists primarily evaluated hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal, and infectious disease complaints. New prescription categories included pain management, endocrine, cardiovascular, and infectious disease. The single billable pharmacist was reimbursed $77,945.
conclusionDiagnostic pharmacists in FMWI have allowed providers to shift to other pandemic duties and demonstrate similar workload as APPs. Most visits and prescriptions fall within known pharmacist practice. Pharmacists in this setting pay for the existence of this position and remain integrated in FMWI.
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