has approved protocols for test to treat, naloxone, hormonal contraception, and other services, yet their implementation in community settings remains variable. This study aimed to explore contextual factors affecting community-based pharmacists’ ability to implement statewide protocols in Virginia.

Methods: Descriptive, qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with community-based pharmacists in Virginia. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling to identify information-rich cases while ensuring representation across practice settings (i.e., independent, chain, urban, rural). Interviews were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) 2.0 to systematically explore factors affecting protocol implementation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using NVIVO 15. Themes were matched to the corresponding CFIR domains and constructs.

Results: Twelve pharmacists participated. Two-thirds were between 30–49 years (66%), with experience ranging from new graduates with <5 years of experience (33%) to >20 years of practice (33%), and representing urban (17%), suburban (50%), and rural (33%) settings. Themes identified under the innovation domain included: clear protocol guidelines (innovation design), lower cost compared to traditional care (innovation relative advantage), and protocol requirements varying by service (innovation complexity). Outer setting domain comprised eligibility barriers (policies and laws), limited access to clinical data (local conditions), and insurance reimbursement issues (financing). Inner setting domain barriers included time constraints (available resources) and workflow disruption (compatibility), while supportive workplace (culture) served as a facilitator. Individual domain factors included technician willingness to embrace expanded roles, and pharmacist liability concerns (motivation), patient awareness gaps (innovation recipients). Implementation process domain revealed independent pharmacies demonstrating greater flexibility compared to chain pharmacies with corporate policy constraints.

Implications: Successful implementation of statewide protocols requires addressing multiple barriers at the system, practice, and individual levels. Future implementation strategies should focus on developing clear implementation toolkits, fostering supportive workplace environments, providing streamlined protocol guidance, and improving public awareness of pharmacist-provided services. Developing tailored implementation strategies that address the unique challenges of independent and chain pharmacy settings is essential for optimizing protocol adoption across practice environments.

Melissa E. Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP, BCIDP, BCPS, FIDSA, AAHIVP, Juliana Chan, PharmD, Julio Rebolledo, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, AE-C, Emily Drwiega, PharmD, BCIDP, BCPS, AAHIVP, Blake Max, PharmD

University of Illinois, Retzky College of Pharmacy

to provide direct patient care to justice-involved patients while utilizing telemedicine, areas of care underrepresented in current pharmacy training.

Jeffrey P. Bratberg, PharmD, FAPhA, Stephen A. Martin, MD, FASAM, Elizabeth B. Ryan, MD, Zachary A. Siegel

University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy

Expanding Access to all Buprenorphine Formulations in Community Pharmacies Can Help Retain Patients in Care and Stabilize the Pharmacist Workforce

People who seek buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) are unable to access it due to geographic, societal, financial, and policy barriers. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) formulations are administered in a limited number of emergency departments, carceral, and outpatient care settings. Community pharmacies are low-barrier locations for starting and maintaining people on buprenorphine. Collaborative addiction care models have shown that pharmacists, providers, and patients benefit from convenient locations, enhanced communication, and increased opportunities to connect patients to other services. Even though all buprenorphine formulations can be prescribed from any DEA-registered provider, pharmacists and their patients with OUD face uncertainty in initiating and maintaining access to LAIB due to pharmacy policy barriers.

Purpose: While pharmacists can administer vaccines in every state, policies on controlled substance medication administration by pharmacists vary. We present the first analysis of state policies on LAIB administration by pharmacists.

Methods: As part of a grant from the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) to the University of Rhode Island, the Legislation Analysis and Public Policy Association (LAPPA) was contracted to conduct research, review, and analyze laws and regulations in the 50 states, Puerto Rico (PR), and the District of Columbia (DC) regarding several aspects of pharmacist-managed buprenorphine. LAPPA used the Westlaw research database to obtain and collate information whether a pharmacist can prescribe and/or administer buprenorphine, either independently or under a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) between July and October 2024. LAPPA’s analysis resulted in three potential answers: yes, no, or unclear. Unclear meant that the available information could support either a “yes” or a “no” answer, depending on interpretation.

Results: Twenty-four (24) states permit pharmacists to administer buprenorphine outside of a CPA. In ten (10) states, the answer is unclear, and in seven (7) states and DC, pharmacists cannot administer buprenorphine. Eleven (11) states expressly permit pharmacist administration of injectable

buprenorphine under a CPA. In thirty (30) states and DC, their CPA provisions do not clearly authorize pharmacists to administer buprenorphine. Two (2) states have policies that limit which disease states or medications are permitted in CPA’s and do not permit buprenorphine administration.

Implications: The future of pharmacy includes pharmacists administering LAIB—under CPAs or independently—in order to increase patient access to convenient formulations and solidify pharmacy’s role in addiction treatment. Advocacy for regulatory or legislative actions are needed to clarify and expand pharmacist medication administration policies to include long-acting injectable buprenorphine formulations in all states.

Emily Casey, PharmD, Jacob Radcliff, PharmD, BCPS, Tanya Uritsky, PharmD, BCPP

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Clinical and Financial Impact of Inpatient Pain Management Pharmacy Specialists

Clinical pharmacists are effective members of inpatient Pain Management, Palliative Care, and Addiction Medicine teams. They provide direct patient care and offer comprehensive medication therapy management, patient and team education, and work to prevent adverse drug events.

Objectives/Purpose: Describe the impact of two Pain Management Clinical Pharmacy Specialists providing direct patient care on inpatient subspecialty consulting teams.

Methods: Two Pain Management Clinical Pharmacy Specialists, one working in palliative care and one working in addiction, tracked patient interventions for 1 month. The interventions were categorized into one of eleven types (e.g., addition of medication, adverse drug event prevention, etc.). Each intervention type was assigned a cost value based on existing data.

Results/Outcome: Over a 1-month period the Addiction Medicine pharmacist recommended 303 interventions over 72 encounters and the Palliative Care pharmacist recommended 374 interventions over 195 encounters. When extrapolated out over 1 year, these valued over $600,000 respectively with each Pain Pharmacy Specialist providing significant value to the hospital. The most common intervention type was Addition of Medication (30%) and Therapeutic Dose Adjustment (29.9%).

Significance/Implications/Relevance: Pain Management Clinical Pharmacy Specialists provide direct patient care which provides significant clinical and financial benefits. Their interventions improve patient outcomes, prevent adverse events, increase clinical acumen of medical teams, and therefore provide value to the hospital.

Tram B. Cat, PharmD, FCSHP, Joel W. Gonzales, Lauren Anderson, MEd, Sharon Youmans, PharmD, MPH, FAPhA

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy

program plays a key role in advancing the school’s commitment to training a diverse pharmacy workforce.

Wendy C. Cox, PharmD, Jana Smith, MA, Leah Pompey, MS, Carla Y. White, BS, RPh

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshleman School of Pharmacy

Enhancing Pharmacy School Recruitment: Impact of Early Assurance Programs and Summer Outreach Initiatives

In recent years, applications to U.S. schools of pharmacy have declined, with a slight increase in applications over the past two years. To address the overall decline and increase the number of applicants from North Carolina and historically underrepresented backgrounds, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy has enhanced its recruitment efforts to focus on these priorities.

Objectives/Purpose: To describe two targeted recruitment initiatives aimed at increasing the number of applicants to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

Methods: Early Assurance Programs (EAPs) were established in collaboration with nine UNC System universities across the state of North Carolina over a 5-year period. Once a student is accepted to the EAP, these programs provide students with an early assurance of admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program (PharmD), contingent upon meeting and maintaining specific prerequisite requirements. The success of these programs relies on strong partnerships with participating universities and a mutually beneficial approach to student development. Additionally, a summer program, the Emerging Students of Pharmacy, was launched with funding from the McKesson Foundation to engage historically underrepresented students. Initially designed as a 1-day experience, the program expanded in its second year to a three-day, 2-night format. The summer program introduces students to the pharmacy profession, highlighting diverse career pathways and the evolving roles of pharmacists in health care.

Results/Outcomes: The expansion of recruitment efforts, particularly through the EAPs and the summer program, has led to an increase in the number of students from these programs applying to the School of Pharmacy. Since 2021, the number of students matriculating into the PharmD program from the EAP has increased to 21 students in 2025 (~14% of the entering class) and is expected to rise as each program matures. Notably, the Emerging Students of Pharmacy summer program has yielded promising outcomes: 37% (7 of 19) of participants in the June 2023 1-day program applied and matriculated, while 33% (9 of 27) of participants in the June 2024 3-day summer program applied and were admitted (matriculation pending for

fall 2025). Most of these students identify as members of underrepresented minority groups.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: These targeted recruitment initiatives have had a measurable impact on increasing applications and admissions, particularly among students from North Carolina and historically underrepresented backgrounds. By fostering strategic university partnerships and creating structured pathways to pharmacy education, these efforts contribute to diversifying the pharmacy workforce and addressing declining enrollment trends.

Patricia H. Fabel, PharmD, Kayce M. Shealy, PharmD, Cecily V. DiPiro, PharmD, Michele James, MSW, Courtney Brightharp, DHSc, Kristian Myers, MPH, Gene Reeder, PhD

University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy

Expanding Team-Based Care in Rural South Carolina through a Pharmacy and Public Health Partnership

The South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA) was awarded a 5-year grant from the SC Department of Public Health (DPH, formerly the SC Department of Helath and Environmental Control) to promote and expand team-based care in SC by developing a training program, participating in an interdisciplinary learning collaborative, contributing to a state-wide change package, and conducting pilots that integrated pharmacists into primary care practices for 2 days a week for 12 weeks.

Objective: To describe the impact of integrating pharmacists into rural SC primary care practices.

Methods: SCPhA and DPH partnered to conduct three team-based care pilots in rural SC from August 2021 to September 2022. Two were between a community pharmacy and a medical practice. The third was in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with its own outpatient pharmacy. Pharmacists and medical practices were identified through existing relationships. The interdisciplinary learning collaborative and change package resources were used to customize the pilot to the specific practice and pharmacist. Pharmacist time, salary, types of visits or services provided, and billing codes were documented. Immunization rates, medication related problems, practice level quality metrics, and patient demographics were also collected. Descriptive statistics were used to portray the sustainability and expansion of team-based care.

Results: The pharmacist in the pilot between the Rural Health Center (RHC) and the community pharmacy had 92 patient visits over 12 weeks, 37% of which were Medicare Chronic Care Management (CCM) visits. In addition to bringing in 34.3% of their salary in direct revenue, the RHC

pharmacist solved 91% of medication related problems (MRPs) found and administered or scheduled 47% of the immunizations recommended. The FQHC pharmacist saw 68 unique patients, mostly for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. In addition to bringing in 41.1% of their salary in direct revenue, the FQHC pharmacist solved 82.3% of MRPs found and administered or scheduled 46.3% of the immunizations recommended. The pharmacist in the patient centered medical home and community pharmacy pilot mostly conducted CCM visits, 63.6% of which were billed at a higher rate due to the pharmacist.

Significance: Integrating pharmacists into primary care may close gaps in care for patients with chronic disease in rural SC. However, additional research and policy changes are needed regarding payment for pharmacist services within primary care for these models to be sustainable and expand beyond the Medicare population.

Yu-Hua Fu, PharmD, MS, PhD,, Jing Wu, PharmD, MPH, Barbara Zarowitz, PharmD, FCCP, BCGP, BCPS, FASCP, Chad Worz, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, Avra L. Thomas, PharmD, MS, BCGP, FASCP, Lynn Poore, MS, Christine R. Valeriann, MS, Dagmara P. Zajac, PharmD, Nicole Brandt, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, FASCP, Catherine E. Cooke, PharmD, BCPS, PAHM

Department of Practice, Sciences and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA, Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), Alexandria, VA, USA

Assessing Pharmacists’ Readiness for Age-Friendly Care: A Needs Assessment Survey

The Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) 4Ms framework—Medication, Mentation, Mobility, and What Matters—has been shown to improve health outcomes for older adults. Its implementation in the U.S. health care system is expanding. With a grant from The John A Hartford Foundation there are expanded opportunities for pharmacists to incorporate the 4Ms in long-term care settings.

Objectives/Purpose: A needs assessment was conducted to determine pharmacists’ familiarity with the 4Ms and identify training and educational needs.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP). The survey link was distributed via email and at four regional meetings. The survey consisted of 38 questions, including multiple-choice and free-text questions, across three sections: participant characteristics, familiarity with AFHS, and awareness

and implementation of the 4Ms. Participants’ comfort in assessing and acting on the 4Ms was measured using a five-point Likert scale. Responses were categorized as comfortable (Likert scale 4-5) or not/less comfortable (Likert scale 1-3). Comfort in assessing a specific 4M domain was defined as scoring 4 or 5 on all items within that domain. Data collection occurred from April 13 to July 15, 2024. Descriptive analyses were performed, and Fisher exact tests were utilized to explore the association between awareness and implementation of the 4Ms concepts.

Results/Outcomes: Of the 232 surveys eligible for analysis (representing 6.6% of ASCP members), 66.4% were female, 62.5% had over 20 years of practice experience, and 51.4% worked in post-acute or long-term care facilities. Awareness of the AFHS initiative was reported by 62.1% of respondents. Comfort in assessing each of the 4Ms varied: “Medication” (73.3%), “What Matters” (71.1%), “Mobility” (28.9%) and “Mentation” (27.2%). Over 50% of respondents had never assessed “Mobility” and “Mentation.” Overall, only 17.7% of respondents were comfortable assessing all 4Ms. Significant positive associations were found between awareness and acting on “Medication” and “What Matters” (p< 0.001).

Significance/Implications/Relevance: The findings suggest that future education efforts impart skills for impacting “Mobility” and “Mentation” along with enhancing the 4Ms as a collective set.

Katherine Gruenberg, PharmD, MA, Conan MacDougall, PharmD, MAS, Jennifer Cocohoba, PharmD, MAS

Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy

Bridging the PrEP Knowledge Gap: Evaluating the National HIV Curriculum in a Pharmacy Program

It’s estimated that 64% of U.S. persons indicated for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are not prescribed it. Several states have passed legislation supporting pharmacist-prescribing of PrEP as one strategy that could bridge this gap. Education is needed to support PrEP furnishing under these laws. Despite the imperative to train pharmacy students to fill this critical public health gap, not all pharmacy schools have the expertise or resources to develop a state-of-the-art curriculum. The National HIV Curriculum (NHC) is an online resource that provides core, scientific knowledge on HIV prevention and treatment. Incorporating the NHC within pharmacy curricula can equip future pharmacists with the knowledge needed to provide PrEP to patients.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the NHC on pharmacy student performance on an objective structured clinical exam assessing PrEP furnishing skills.

care plan (eCarePlan) and were reimbursed for these services as designated in the payor contracts.

Objective: The objective of this project was to characterize SDOH services provided by pharmacists in a CIN of community pharmacies that participated in Pennsylvania Medicaid MCO payor programs.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of existing, deidentified eCarePlan data from four Medicaid SDOH-service payor programs. Care plans from August 2022–April 2024 were included. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the number of participating pharmacies, unique patients, and services provided. Data was managed with SPSS. This project was designated as not human subject research by the University’s institutional review board.

Results: From the four payor program’s eCarePlan data, a total of 15,441 reimbursed SDOH services were provided across 108 pharmacy locations. Of those reimbursed SDOH services, 11,661 were screenings and 3,780 were referrals. These SDOH services were provided to 5,421 unique patients. Categories of referral were determined for 2,499 (66.1%) of the total referrals made (3,780), with the remaining referrals not categorized in earlier eCarePlan data. Referral categories were: Food Insecurity (22.4%); Financial Insecurity (18.9%); Health care access/affordability (14.1%); Utilities (11.6%); Clothing (8.9%); Housing (8.7%); Transportation (8.2%); Employment (5.2%); and Childcare (2.0%).

Significance/Implications: This analysis demonstrates the adoption of the first pharmacy-based SDOH payor program services. Pharmacies are accessible health care practices where SDOH services can occur. Results can better support and recognize the important role of pharmacists in eliminating health care disparities.

Eduardo Han, PharmD Candidate, Mallorie Holmes, PharmD Candidate, Xiang Simon Wang, PhD, MS

Howard University College of Pharmacy

Exploring AI Chatbot Effectiveness in Enhancing Pharmacy Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have emerged as potential tools to support pharmacy education by providing students with instant feedback and personalized learning. However, concerns regarding accuracy, reliability, and adaptability to complex pharmacy-related questions remain. This study evaluates the reliability of AI chatbots in answering pharmacy-related questions, assessing their accuracy across different question complexities and formats.

Objectives: The study aims to determine the accuracy and consistency of AI chatbots in pharmacy education by analyzing their performance on a

dataset of pharmacy-related questions. Additionally, it explores the potential for AI-driven consensus accuracy to enhance reliability and support next-generation pharmacy training programs.

Methods: A total of 500 randomized pharmacy-related questions from established question banks were analyzed, with 389 selected after applying exclusion criteria. These questions, sourced from RxPrep and McGraw Hill, were categorized by Bloom’s Taxonomy to assess complexity (simple vs. complex) and question format. Seven AI models were tested individually, with their responses evaluated for accuracy, consistency, and ability to navigate case-based questions. A consensus accuracy method was applied, simulating how students might consult multiple AI models to determine the most reliable answer. Accuracy rates were compared using statistical analysis, with SPSS utilized to analyze AI performance in relation to student data.

Results: AI chatbots demonstrated varying levels of accuracy, performing better on straightforward, factual questions while struggling with complex, case-based scenarios. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between question complexity and AI model accuracy, with higher accuracy in simpler question formats. However, applying a consensus voting method significantly improved overall reliability by mitigating errors from individual models. Despite strong performance in certain areas, AI chatbots faced challenges in accurately addressing clinical decision-making scenarios, highlighting the need for improvement in handling more complex pharmacy-related questions.

Significance: As AI technology advances, chatbots may become integral to pharmacy education, offering scalable and adaptive learning tools. By refining AI models and integrating consensus-based accuracy improvements, pharmacy programs can leverage AI-driven education to enhance student training, reduce faculty burden, and attract future pharmacists into a technologically advanced profession.

Micah Hata, PharmD, Xin Pan, PharmD, MPH, Crystal Lao, PharmD, Preeti Kotha, PharmD, APh, Anandi Law, PharmD, MS, BPharm

Western University of Health Sciences

Revolutionizing Pharmacy Practice: Innovative Models for Patient Care and Reimbursement

Pharmacy practice has evolved in providing direct patient care services but lack of recognition and reimbursement derail expansion of pharmacist roles. In addition to serving as launchpads for the next generations of practitioners, academic institutions can also train students in setting up and testing two innovative models of patient care and reimbursement. Two innovations have been developed at our institution to train students/postdocs for advanced practice. Innovation 1: Center for Initiatives in

Medication Management (CIMM)—A College of Pharmacy Center that contracts with commercial health plans in a financial and outcome accountability or value-based payment model. Our rotation students are trained to provide direct patient care services to high-risk patients; and to document and bill for services. Innovation 2: Establishment of a postdoctoral position funded by a consortium of independent pharmacies to provide telehealth assessments and recommendations to their patients, with a potential return on investment for the pharmacies.

Objective: To provide an overview of the feasibility of two innovations to advance pharmacy care delivery.

Methods: Data were collected on input and outcome variables of the interventions, including personnel hours, number of student trainees, number of patient encounters based on the types of services provided, and potential reimbursement. Descriptive analyses were performed to summarize the outcomes.

Results: Innovation 1: A total of 75 students were trained to perform telehealth services between 2021 and 2024. During this period, 8,832 outreaches were made, of which 1,088 were actual patient encounters. Of these, 193 patients received Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) and 574 patients received counseling on medication adherence. The estimated annual cost was $43,680, based on the donated time of four pharmacy faculty (salaried through the institution), who each contributed 3.5 hours per week, at an estimated average hourly pharmacist wage of $65. The reimbursement or revenue averaged $11,060 per year. The end-of-year value-added bonuses were $10,845 based on the 2023 outcome. Innovation 2: Between January and March 2025, a total of 36 Medication Therapy Management (MTM) sessions were conducted, potentially generating a reimbursement of $2,077.

Implications: These innovations in pharmacy practice models can be invaluable to the transition of learners to practitioners. Ongoing experience and data analysis reveal feasibility of these models. More information is needed for examining sustainability.

Brigid K. Groves, PharmD, MS, Allison Hill, PharmD, John Grabenstein, RPh, PhD, FASHP, FAPhA, FRSPH, Mitchel C. Rothholz, RPh, MBA, FAPhA, Jann B. Skelton, RPh, MBA, FAPhA

American Pharmacists Association Vaccine Dynamics Three-C Consulting Silver Pennies Consulting

pharmacy technicians, evolving pharmacist responsibilities, and the impact of automation.

Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP, Omar Ketana, PharmD Candidate, Cindy Duong, PharmD Candidate

Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy

Mental Health First Aid Training in California Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students to Raise Awareness, Increase Knowledge, Improve Attitudes, and Promote Resources and Linkages

Nearly one in four Americans live with a mental health condition and fewer than half receive services. Surveys have shown that the general public have confidence in pharmacists’ ability to assist with health issues, yet community pharmacists may not be adequately trained to provide mental health support. Increasing mental health awareness in pharmacists may help promote linkages to resources and treatment.

Objective: To describe the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in pharmacists and pharmacy students.

Methods: Pharmacists and pharmacy students from California were provided MHFA training along with a guide to local resources and completed electronic pre- and post-training surveys and post-course evaluation. Participants’ knowledge was rated in their ability to describe the purpose of MHFA, recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and/or substance use challenges, and explain coping skills. Attitudes were assessed through the likelihood of having supportive conversations with individuals showing signs and symptoms and of making linkages to appropriate resources. Primary outcomes were changes in mean rating scale scores with 1=none, 2=low, 3=moderate, and 4=high. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of utility of the course and linkages made. Curriculum and surveys were standardized, delivered by trained instructors, and participants served as their own controls to maximize validity and minimize bias. Excel Analysis ToolPak was used to perform descriptive statistics and paired samples t-test with p-value of < 0.05 to determine significance.

Results: Of 728 pharmacy professionals trained across 51 courses from January 2023 through March 2025, 309 were pharmacists, 401 students, and 18 technicians. Average age was 33 years (Range: 19–77); 70% were female, 27% male; and 54% were Asian, 25% White, 4% Black, 11% other and 6% preferred not to answer. Significant improvement was observed in mean ratings for understanding the purpose and role of MHFA (2.6 to 3.7), recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health challenges (3.0 to 3.7), and explaining ways to cope when providing MHFA (2.6 to 3.7) (all P< 0.0001). Mean ratings increased for attitudes in likelihood of having a

conversation with someone showing signs or symptoms (2.9 to 3.7) and likelihood of making linkages to appropriate resources (2.7 to 3.7) (both P< 0.0001). Nearly all, 95% of participants, found the course helpful and informative and 73% reported that it better prepared them professionally.

Significance: Improving mental health awareness in pharmacists may address current gaps and serve as a model to increase linkages to resources and treatment.

Grace M. Kuo, PharmD, MPH, Krystal K. Haase, PharmD, Rebecca B. Sleeper, PharmD, FASCP, BCPS, Eric J. MacLaughlin, PharmD

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy

Creating a Hybrid Pathway, Building Distinctions, and Enhancing Pharmacy Practice Training

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center focuses on meeting the health care needs of 10 million individuals residing in 50% of Texas’ land mass across 121 counties in the Panhandle, West and North Texas regions, where 20 of the 22 “pharmacy deserts” in Texas are located.

Objectives/Purpose: To develop an expanded pharmacist workforce and attract students by expanding access to pharmacy education, building distinctions, and enhancing pharmacy practice training.

Methods: (1) To expand access to pharmacy education, we created an innovative hybrid pathway to enhance and complement the traditional in-person pathway. (2) To build distinctions for student success, we collaborated with other schools within the university to offer dual degree programs. We also assessed opportunities to offer students added credentials. (3) To enhance pharmacy practice training, we designed our curriculum to include extensive experiential education as well as hands-on learning in lab sessions.

Results/Outcomes: (1) In 2024, we launched a hybrid “Pioneer Pathway” and enrolled the first cohort of 9 students. For Fall 2025, the pioneer pathway has already admitted 17 candidates with 8 awaiting interview, whereas the traditional pathway has admitted 80 with 29 awaiting interview. Compared to last year, the total number of applications we have received has increased by 35%. (2) There were 200 PharmD/MBA graduates since 2009 and 3 PharmD/MPH graduates since 2022. Both dual degrees can be completed in 4 years; so far 2 graduates have completed 3 degrees in 4 years! All graduates since 2023 have earned a Concentration in Special Populations by successfully completing.

Kelvin M Lu, PharmD, Oluwatoyin Fadeyibi, PharmD, MPH, Andrew M Peterson, PharmD, PhD, FCPP

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Community Behavioral Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

needs, ensuring equitable access to pharmacist services and supporting a sustainable health care system.

Sydney Stawarz, PharmD, Kelsey Hake, PharmD, Stephanie McGrath, PharmD, Melissa Somma McGivney, PharmD

University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and Pennsylvania Pharmacist Care Network

Impact of a Statewide Clinically Integrated Pharmacy Network on Medicaid Member Service Engagement

The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network (PPCN)/CPESN is a statewide clinically integrated network (CIN) of over 200 independent and grocery-store community pharmacies. Since 2017, PPCN has partnered with a Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) to support pharmacist-provided patient care services and payment. In August 2022, PPCN and the Medicaid MCO launched a multi-service program that provides reimbursement for 11 enhanced patient care services to members with Medicaid. PPCN pharmacists document these services in the Pharmacist eCare Plan (PeCP) to facilitate longitudinal patient care and facilitate reimbursement.

Objective: To analyze the impact of a partnership between an MCO and a CIN of community pharmacies that implemented pharmacist-provided services for Medicaid patient members.

Methods: This project is a retrospective analysis of de-identified PeCP data from PPCN pharmacies participating in a Medicaid MCO multi-service program. Subjects are patients who received at least one service at a participating network pharmacy between August 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024. Services include: (1) medication synchronization, (2) medication reconciliation, (3) home delivery, (4) adherence packaging, (5) naloxone dispensing and education, (6) COVID-19 vaccination, (7) health risk assessment, (8) home visit, (9) smoking cessation, (10) social determinants of health (SDOH) assessment, and (11) SDOH referral. Data management and analysis was conducted using Excel and descriptive statistics were used to characterize the data. Metrics evaluated include: (1) number of participating pharmacies, (2) number of unique patients engaged, (3) number of patient encounters documented, (4) number of each service provided.

Results: There were 66,016 patient encounters documented for 9,996 unique patients across 109 unique pharmacies engaged between August 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024. Overall, 92,359 services were provided: 27,923 medication synchronizations, 9,636 medication reconciliations, 23,794 home deliveries, 12,450 adherence packaging services, 779 naloxone dispensing and education services, 1,117 COVID-19 vaccinations, 3,096 health risk assessments, 570 home visits, 22 smoking cessation

services, 10,932 social determinants of health (SDOH) assessments, 2,040 SDOH referrals.

Conclusions/Implications: A partnership between an MCO and PPCN allowed for the implementation and reimbursement of pharmacist-provided enhanced patient care services across Pennsylvania. Medicaid patient members continue to access these services each year demonstrating a need for these services in the community. In 2025, this program will expand to include disease state management services.

Kathryn A. Morbitzer, PharmD, MS, Mary R. McClurg, PharmD, MHS, Sahaana R. Veeravalli, PharmD, Swaycha Goli, Jacqueline E. McLaughlin, PhD, MS

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Exploring the Path(s) Less Traveled: Determining Non-Direct Patient Care Pathway Opportunities for Pharmacists

The pharmacy profession is undergoing a significant transformation, with the supply of pharmacists surpassing demand in traditional patient care roles. While the expansion of PharmD programs has increased the number of graduates, job growth in conventional pharmacy settings has stagnated. Concurrently, there is an increasing demand for pharmacists in non-direct patient care (NDPC) roles, such as the pharmaceutical industry, health policy, and data science. Despite this shift, many pharmacy curricula remain focused on direct patient care pathways, leaving graduates underprepared for emerging career opportunities.

Objectives/Purpose: To explore health care employer perspectives on current and emerging NDPC opportunities for pharmacists and determine how PharmD education and training can evolve to better prepare students for these roles.

Methods: Focus groups of health care employers were conducted to gain diverse perspectives on current and emerging non-direct patient care opportunities for pharmacists. Additionally, participants were asked how training for these opportunities could be incorporated into PharmD curricula to help graduates develop the skillset needed to succeed in these areas. Purposive sampling was used to identify focus group participants. Thirty-nine participants attended one of 16 focus groups over a 2-month period. Thematic coding was used by three researchers to identify themes.

Results/Outcomes: Findings revealed that pharmacists are increasingly sought after in managed care, pharmaceutical industry roles, consulting, and health policy. Emerging areas included health technology, data science, and medical device development. Employers emphasized that, beyond a strong clinical background, pharmacists must develop foundational knowledge in business principles, drug development, teamwork, and leadership. Participants highlighted the need for specialized pathways, certificates, or

dual-degree programs to enhance competitiveness, particularly as pharmacy graduates compete with business and public health graduates for these roles. A major barrier to training in these areas was the limited faculty expertise in NDPC career pathways.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: The shifting landscape of pharmacy employment necessitates curricular adaptation to prepare graduates for diverse career trajectories. This study’s findings have informed the development of a specialized PharmD program at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, focusing on the business of health care and the pharmacy enterprise. These insights are critical for pharmacy educators, employers, and policy makers in reshaping pharmacy education to meet evolving workforce demands. Future efforts should focus on faculty development, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance training for NDPC careers.

Olihe Okoro, PhD, MPH, MPharm, Nyika Friberg, Tobyn Chiu

University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy University of Minnesota, Medical School University of Minnesota, School of Public Health

Provider Blind Spots: How Pharmacists’ Lived Experiences of Social Determinants are Predictive of Structural Awareness

Structural competency is the capacity for health professionals to recognize and respond to health and illness as the downstream effects of broad social, political, and economic structures. These structures shape social determinants of health (SDOH)—conditions in the environments where people live, learn, work, and age. While SDOH’s impact on health disparities is recognized, little research examines providers’ own SDOH experiences and how these relate to delivering structurally competent care.

Objective: This study investigated whether pharmacists’ historical exposure to adverse SDOH is associated with their structural awareness.

Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was administered to pharmacists currently licensed to practice in Minnesota. Items included demographics; social determinants (using a modified Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient Assets, Risks, and Experiences [PRAPARE] questionnaire), and structural awareness-related items using a modified component of the Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Questionnaire [CCSAQ]). Risk scores for respondents’ SDOH and structural awareness scores were calculated, respectively. A multiple linear regression model was used to examine the association between respondents’ structural awareness and SDOH risk score, controlling for year of first licensure, primary setting of pharmacy practice, race, and gender. T-tests examined the difference in mean structural awareness scores with four stand-alone predictor variables: reliance

on public transportation, insurance coverage gaps, food insecurity, and housing insecurity.

Results: One-third (33.2%) of the respondents (N=611) practiced primarily in community/retail settings, 27.2% in hospital, and 17.7% in ambulatory care. Most respondents (75.5%) had never had unmet needs for an extended period; 83% had never been without insurance for ≥3 months. Most respondents had never experienced food insecurity (92.8%), housing instability (85.6%) or transportation needs (92.3%) over an extended period (≥1 month). Out of the 21 possible points demonstrating exposure to SDOH, participants scored an average of 4.9 (median = 4). Of 57 possible points, participants had a mean structural awareness score of 24.5 (median = 25). SDOH risk (assessed as historical experience) was significantly associated with structural awareness (95% CI; p-value = 0.0013)

Significance/Implications: Respondents with lived experience of adverse SDOH were more likely to have higher structural awareness scores. This suggests that pharmacists without the lived experience of adverse SDOH, or related exposure, may not readily make the connection between structural factors and clinical presentation of disease. Pharmacy and continued education must therefore include structural competency training to enable pharmacists to recognize and contribute to addressing the root causes of health inequity in providing patient care.

Denise H. Rhoney, PharmD, FCCP, FNCS, MCCM, Nicholas Nelson, PharmD, Aleda Chen, PharmD, PhD, Ericka Kleppinger, PharmD, Mariann Churchwell, PharmD, Stephanie Sibicky, PharmD, Krisy Thornby, PharmD, Dennis Parker, Jr, PharmD, FCCM, Tina Brock, PharmD, Cindy D. Stowe, PharmD

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Cedarville University College of Pharmacy, Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, University of Toledo College of Pharmacy, Northeastern University College of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University College of Pharmacy, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, University of Melbourne, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy

Future-Proofing Pharmacy Education: A Stakeholder-Informed Forecast for Workforce Readiness

Pharmacy is undergoing a transformational shift. Misalignment between education, workforce readiness, and evolving health care demands threatens sustainability. Using stakeholder-informed thematic analysis and predictive modeling, this study forecasts how pharmacy’s role will evolve over the next 5–10 years to ensure alignment between training and workforce needs.

Objectives: This study aims to identify disconnects between pharmacy education and practice, predict emerging roles and workforce priorities, and

develop data-informed strategies to align education with real-world needs across the continuum of a career.

Methods: A qualitative, thematic analysis was conducted using grounded theory techniques to extract themes from stakeholder (students, faculty, deans, preceptors, professional organizations, practice transformation leaders, payors, and interprofessional education experts) interviews. Common and divergent themes were identified across groups. Co-occurrence network models and centrality metrics mapped theme interconnections and core workforce challenges. Predictive trend forecasting using regression modeling (2025–2035) projected how these themes may shape the future of pharmacy.

Results: Findings revealed workforce shortages are the most pressing challenges, with competency-based education (CBE) recognized as a solution to improve practice readiness. CBE implementation faces challenges, including faculty training gaps, accreditation barriers, and inconsistent assessment models. Expanding pharmacists’ roles in public health delivery was supported in chronic disease prevention, health equity, and interprofessional collaboration. Leadership and advocacy were identified as key future priorities, students and preceptors placed less emphasis on these skills, contrasting with faculty, deans, and professional organizations that stressed their necessity for shaping pharmacy practice policy to expand pharmacists’ influence. Despite shared concerns about digital transformation, students showed limited awareness of its impact, while faculty and leaders emphasized the need for education supporting use of advanced technologies and personalized medicine. Regression modeling projects workforce strain through 2035 and transition to CBE as the dominant education model by 2030. Digital health, AI, and telepharmacy will triple in importance, requiring curriculum updates. Pharmacists’ roles in public health delivery and pharmacy practice policy will expand, necessitating interprofessional collaboration and reimbursement reform.

Implications: To close the divide between pharmacy education and workforce expectations, pharmacy schools must urgently consider transitioning to CBE, embedding digital health training, and strengthening public health integration. Predictive modeling highlights the need for workforce stabilization, faculty development, and structured frameworks that ensure graduates are prepared for evolving patient care models. These findings provide a roadmap for aligning pharmacy education with the future of health care, ensuring pharmacists are equipped to lead in digital transformation, public health expansion, and pharmacy practice advocacy.

Marie Smith, PharmD, Erika Vuernick, PharmD, Daren Anderson, MD, Mary Mulrooney, PhD, Ofer Harel, PhD, Prince Allotey, PhD

University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Community Health Center, Inc.

especially when a primary care practice is unable to employ or contract a clinical pharmacist. • Provides an efficient and cost-effective approach to diversify and expand primary care teams. • Pharmacist e-consult services are a promising modality to decrease primary care workload for complex medication-related issues.

Candy Tsourounis, PharmD, Jessica Galens, PharmD, MBA, Elise Wozniak, PharmD, Lisa Kroon, PharmD, CDCES, Desi Kotis, PharmD

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy

Showcasing Pharmacy Value: A Data-Driven Perspective

Rising pharmaceutical costs prompted UCSF Health to investigate opportunities to reduce pharmaceutical expenditures, with a focus on high-cost medications. A comprehensive analysis identified key areas for improvement: 1. Inventory Management, 2. Drug Utilization Management, 3. Drug Pricing Contract Optimization, and 4. Revenue Cycle Monitoring.

Objective: To develop and implement a pharmacy value optimization program aimed at reducing pharmaceutical expenditures by addressing identified areas within the pharmacy enterprise.

Methods: A pharmacy value optimization (PVO) program was created with targeted expense reduction initiatives implemented concurrently. A budgeted expansion of pharmacists and analysts across cross-functional teams was incorporated into the optimization process. Goals were established in Q4 of the previous FY and progress was reported to senior leadership monthly. 1. Inventory Management: The purchasing, operations, and 340B teams held weekly meetings to monitor wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) spending and identify cost-saving opportunities. 2. Drug Utilization Management (DUM): Established processes to improve cost-effective prescribing practices for emerging therapies and to facilitate the management of high-cost drug therapies, including appropriate site-of-care. Dedicated pharmacists and data analysts developed drug utilization reports, dashboards, and tools for ongoing DUM initiatives. 3. Drug Pricing Contract Optimization: An electronic inventory management system was implemented to allow for increased efficiencies in mitigating drug shortages and recall processes. Steps were taken to cut down on wasteful activities, such as switching to a single drug distribution model that uses automated dispensing cabinets. Completed a full review of all drug pricing agreements. 4. Revenue Cycle Improvements: Established comprehensive revenue cycle monitoring, including waste billing, new technology add-on payment (NTAP), charge capture, and reduction of avoidable write-offs.

Results: Since 2020, the pharmacy value optimization program and structure have yielded over $750M in savings. The 340B optimization savings

totaled $560M, driven by reducing avoidable WAC purchases and ensuring accumulations match utilization. Savings from drug use management were $154M, including biosimilar standardization across the system, dose rounding protocols, and ensuring an appropriate site of care for specialty infusions. Changes in inventory management and drug pricing contract optimization yielded $16.7M in savings. Revenue cycle improvements resulted in $14M in savings from waste billing and NTAP process improvements, improved charge capture monitoring, and reduction of avoidable write-offs.

Significance: This success led to the expansion of the pharmacy workforce in analytics, informatics, pharmacy revenue cycle, and drug use management. The PVO program has evolved into a resilient, ongoing cost-saving program that continuously supports the needs of the health system.

Tyler J. Varisco, PharmD, PhD, Hannah Fish, PharmD, PhD, Joshua Bolin, Lucas Hill, PharmD, FCCP, David Dadiomov, PharmD, BCPP, Ekere J. Essien, MD, PhD, Matthew A. Wanat, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM, Diane Ginsburg, PhD, RPh, FASHP, Jeanne Waggner, RPh, Taha Hussain, Jeffrey P. Bratberg, PharmD, FAPhA, Douglas Thornton, PharmD, PhD, BCPS

Prescription Drug Misuse Education and Research Center, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh, University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Access to Resources and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Practice Guideline: Consensus Recommendations for Pharmacists and Distributors

Less than 60% of community pharmacies in the United States dispense buprenorphine, the only agonist medication for opioid use disorder (OUD) that can currently be dispensed in that setting. Buprenorphine reduces opioid overdose risk by half, yet its limited availability in community pharmacies contrasts with recent federal policy changes aimed at improving access to medication for OUD. A complex web of regulations intended to prevent opioid diversion and limited clinical training on substance use disorder interfere with buprenorphine availability.

Objectives: This research and dissemination campaign aimed to create consensus guidance for pharmacies and pharmaceutical distributors to enhance buprenorphine access in community pharmacies.

Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis using open coding informed

by the Theory of Planned Behavior on data from seven focus groups with 46 pharmacists across Texas, California, and West Virginia. Findings informed the development of vignettes describing pharmacy-level barriers to buprenorphine supply. We then convened a 22-member expert panel—including professionals in drug distribution, enforcement, regulatory policy, pharmacy practice, and addiction psychiatry—for a four-round Delphi study. In round one, participants reviewed vignettes and responded to open-ended questions to generate recommendations. In round two, recommendations were rated on a 9-point acceptability scale, with consensus defined as ≥70% of participants rating each item >7. Unresolved items were revised and reassessed in round three. Round four consisted of a 4-hour live rating session. The final recommendations underwent additional refinement following a public comment period hosted by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Results: After incorporating public feedback, the final pharmacist guidance contained 9 major recommendations and 35 supporting recommendations addressing treatment adherence, appropriate use of buprenorphine mono-therapy, strategies to minimize treatment interruptions, interpretation of prescription drug monitoring program data, care coordination, and stigma reduction. The companion guidance to pharmaceutical distributors included six consensus recommendations to improve buprenorphine wholesale access without legislative action.

Implications: To our knowledge, this is the first consensus guidance specifically aimed at improving access to high-quality OUD care in community pharmacies. Endorsed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Pharmacists Association, and the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, among others, this guidance provides practical, multidisciplinary solutions to empower pharmacists in supporting patients with OUD. Dissemination efforts include accredited continuing pharmacy education, conference presentations, and direct-mail campaigns. A companion toolkit for patients in treatment is in development.

Jacqueline M. Zeeman, PharmD, Suzanne C. Harris, PharmD, BCPP, CPP

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Building a Culture of Well-Being: Assessing Factors that Influence Well-Being and Burnout in Pharmacy to Identify Action-Oriented Solutions

Numerous studies describe concerning rates of burnout; however, less is known about factors contributing to burnout and reduced well-being in the pharmacy workforce. Additionally, emerging literature suggests factors influencing these domains may vary by role (e.g., clinician, faculty, student). The National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM’s) National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being recognizes a shared responsibility to strengthen the

health workforce that requires collective action by all actors in the U.S. health system, including academic institutions and clinical training programs. Identifying factors that influence burnout is key to establishing strategies to support well-being and move toward a health care workforce that is thriving as they improve population health, enhance care experience, and advance health equity.

Objective/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess factors influencing burnout and identify strategies to promote well-being in faculty, staff, students, and post-doctoral fellows in pharmacy.

Methods: Full-time faculty, staff, students, and post-docs were recruited to participate in this exploratory study. Focus groups were stratified by participant role to explore experiences that may be unique to these groups. A semi-structured interview format was used to discuss factors contributing toward burnout and well-being as well as solicit recommendations for strategies to improve well-being. Inductive coding was used to identify themes.

Results/Outcomes: Sixty-three participants engaged in 21 focus groups: 11 faculty in 4 sessions, 27 staff in 5 sessions, 12 pharmacy students in 6 sessions, 6 graduate students in 3 sessions, and 7 post-doctoral fellows in 3 sessions. All groups identified workload as a factor impacting their burnout. Factors unique to each group were also identified, including workplace inefficiencies and unexpected factors (faculty), higher education culture (staff), competitive culture (pharmacy students), financial stressors (graduate students), and difficulty transitioning from academic program to fellowship training (postdocs). While factors positively contributing to well-being varied across groups, each emphasized relational elements (e.g., connection, relationships) as notable. Recommendations varied by role: faculty and staff emphasized intentional workplace initiatives, pharmacy students recommended curricular strategies, graduate students emphasized peer connection and financial support, and post-doctoral fellows suggested non-supervisor support networks (e.g., peer mentoring).

Significance/Implications/Relevance: Academic institutions and clinical education programs training our future health workforce are important constituents in the shared responsibility to restore a thriving health workforce. While workload and relationships impacted all groups, findings suggest factors influencing burnout and well-being differ by role. Insights can inform strategies to promote well-being in health professions programs broadly, including pharmacy.

and 30 (75%) expressed interest in applying to the SSPPS. Twenty (50%) have participated in the community-based intervention, and seven of the 20 (35%) qualified for the letter of recommendation incentive. A letter of recommendation for the SSPPS was prepared for four of the seven (57%) eligible undergraduate students. Two of the four (50%) students have been accepted into the SPPSS, and the remaining two (50%) are currently under review for admission to the pharmacy program.

Implications: Offering opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in pharmacist-led community-based interventions may be a viable mechanism for recruitment.

Sarah J. Billups, PharmD, BCPS, Danielle R. Fixen, PharmD, BCGP, Ashley Daffron, PharmD, BCACP, Ingrid Lobo, MD, Micol Rothman, MD, Alexandra Marcus, Chris Harty, Lisa R. Schilling, MD

The University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS)

Optimizing Pharmacist Impact Through a Collaborative Outreach Model in a Primary Care Setting

The value of these two projects for the future of pharmacy draw upon two well-established facts: (1) There is a shortage of primary care providers that is projected to worsen in the coming years. (2) Clinical pharmacist collaborative care improves the quality of chronic disease management while providing positive provider and patient experiences in primary care settings. However, current payment models cannot support pharmacist collaborative management of every patient likely to benefit, so models that apply pharmacist skills to these patient populations in an efficient manner are needed.

Objectives/Purpose: These two projects aimed to reduce clinical inertia and improve health care quality outcomes for patients with hypertension or osteoporosis through electronic consultations (e-consults) by embedded clinical pharmacists in an ambulatory care setting.

Methods: Two interventions were built upon collaborations between a team of 12 decentralized clinical pharmacists, a centralized outreach team called Ambulatory Health Promotion (AHP), and primary care providers (PCPs). For these programs, the AHP team identified patients within one of two populations: (1) uncontrolled hypertension or (2) a recent hospital discharge for a fragility fracture, and performed outreach to schedule a primary care visit focused on optimizing care for the relevant condition. In phase two for both programs, in addition to scheduling a visit, AHP forwarded a note to the clinic-based pharmacist to review and provide recommendations via an electronic consultation ahead of the patient visit. The pharmacist e-consult provided patient-specific evidence-based recommendations to optimize

therapy for hypertension or osteoporosis, respectively. Providers had the option of referring patients for pharmacist management, if desired, as the pharmacist team has collaborative practice agreements for both conditions.

Results/Outcomes: Addition of the pharmacist e-consult was associated with reduced clinical inertia for both patient populations. Among hypertension patients with blood pressure >140/90 mmHg at the visit, medication therapy was intensified in 100/158 (63%) of intervention visits versus 68/154 (44%) of comparator visits (p=0.01), and more intervention patients (21% versus 16%), achieved a blood pressure < 140/90 within 6 months. For the post-fracture osteoporosis population, pharmacotherapy treatment rates increased from 197/428 (46%) to 107/187 (57%, p=0.03). A small number of patients were referred for pharmacist collaborative care.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: This collaborative model brings together outreach coordinators, pharmacists, and medical providers to improve the care of patients with chronic conditions in a way that makes use of clinical pharmacist expertise effectively and efficiently. Pharmacists, providers, and outreach coordinators all expressed high satisfaction with this model.

Eurelis M. Rivera Pérez, Edgardo González Muñoz, Yu-Hua Fu, Eposi Elonge, Jing Wu, Barbara Zarowitz, Christine R. Valeriann, Dagmara P. Zajac, Lynn Poore, Avra L. Thomas, Chad Worz, Catherine E. Cooke, Nicole Brandt

Department of Practice, Sciences and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA, Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), Alexandria, VA, USA

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Understanding Pharmacists’ Perspective and Opportunities for the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging tool capable of evaluating large patient datasets to reduce workload and assist health care providers in decision making.

Objectives/Purpose: This cross-sectional study evaluates pharmacists’ perspectives on incorporating AI into their workflow and examining its benefits and potential drawbacks.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP). The survey link was distributed via email and at four regional meetings. The survey consisted of multiple-choice and free-text questions about AI embedded within a survey on the awareness and implementation of age-friendly care. Data collection occurred from April 13 to July 15, 2024, and descriptive analyses were performed for the AI questions.

treatment at the pharmacy. Patient satisfaction surveys were deployed to patients after receiving treatment at the pharmacy. Survey data was triangulated with quantitative data and meeting minutes to evaluate implementation outcomes (adoption, acceptability, feasibility).

Results: From November 2022 to June 2024, 2092 home test kits were ordered by patients. A total of 764 kits were returned to the lab for processing. Of these, 54 (7.1%) tested positive for chlamydia and 17 (2.2%) for gonorrhea. Five patients chose to receive treatment at the pharmacy using our treatment standing orders. Patients found that the service was respectful, comfortable, and accessible. Barriers included restrictive collaborative practice regulation, and difficulty granting pharmacy access to electronic health records, however, frequent communication between partners facilitated problem-solving. Partner meetings were used to triage this program’s feasibility and fidelity in real time. A toolkit of learnings that includes example policies, procedures, standing orders, and education is publicly available.

Significance/Implications: Testing kit distribution and patient survey data demonstrated program adoption and acceptability. This pilot provides proof of concept that community pharmacies can address access to STI care and have the potential to reach patients who might not otherwise be tested and treated for STIs. Our toolkit may help more pharmacies to partner with local health departments and providers on STI test-to-treat services.

Ashley W Ellis, PharmD, MBA, CDECS, Cori C. Grant, PhD, MBA, MS, Gladys Icaza Hunt, BA, Savannah Fine, MD Candidate, H.K. Quinn Valier, PhD

University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Pharmacy, Tennessee Population Health Consortium

Through the Lens: Photovoice Reveals the Role of Pharmacists in Primary Care

Meeting the health-related needs of individual patients and populations requires integrated, team-based approaches addressing chronic disease management, medication safety, and patient-centered care. Clinic embedded pharmacists are uniquely positioned to contribute by optimizing medication use, closing care gaps, and providing patient-centered education. This study explores the role of pharmacists in primary care, their contributions to improving health outcomes, and the barriers and facilitators of pharmacist-physician collaboration.

Objectives/Purpose: This study aimed to examine how clinic embedded pharmacists contribute to patient-centered care, identify barriers and facilitators to their integration, and identify strategies for enhancing pharmacist-physician collaboration. Using the photovoice method, we documented real-world pharmacist experiences, providing insights into the care they provide.

with high school students from BIPOC and underserved communities. The High School Pharmacy Outreach Program (POP) was developed to educate and inspire students about pharmacy, emphasizing its diverse career opportunities and impact on patient care. By providing early exposure and mentorship, POP aims to cultivate, inspire, and equip future pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary for modern pharmacy practice.

Objectives/Purpose: The primary objectives of POP are to (1) increase awareness of pharmacy as a career option among high school students, (2) provide hands-on experiences that highlight pharmacists’ roles in health care, and (3) develop professional skills and knowledge of pharmacy pathways.

Methods: POP is structured into four interactive lessons covering fundamental aspects of pharmacy practice, public health contributions, career pathways, and medication safety. Sessions include pharmacy student-led discussions, hands-on activities (e.g., prescription bottle interpretation, patient counseling role-play, and blood sugar monitoring), and cultural competence training. The program partners with local high schools to deliver in-person lessons by pharmacy students. Surveys administered pre- and post-program assess changes in students’ knowledge, perceptions, and interest in pharmacy careers.

Results/Outcomes: Preliminary data indicate a significant increase in students’ understanding of pharmacists’ roles and interest in the profession overall. Qualitative feedback highlights the effectiveness of real-world pharmacy student interactions, hands-on activities, and mentorship components in fostering engagement and career consideration.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: POP serves as a scalable model for introducing high school students to pharmacy careers while addressing knowledge gaps in the role of pharmacists. The program equips students with the knowledge and motivation to pursue pharmacy education by integrating early exposure, mentorship, and experiential learning. Expanding initiatives like POP nationwide can enhance recruitment efforts, ultimately leading to a more robust and prepared workforce that meets the evolving needs of health care and patient care. The program aligns with national efforts to modernize pharmacy education and ensure that the profession remains dynamic, inclusive, and patient-centered.

Heidi R. Olson, Alice N. Hemenway, Josie Clark, Marissa King, Megan Magnuson, Allison Schriever, Christopher Schriever, Kevin O. Rynn

University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy, Rockford Health Sciences Campus, Rockford, IL

pharmacists and other health sciences learners with the skills they need to provide care on teams in the future.

Ellie LaNou, PharmD, BCPS, Kenja Hanniford, MS, CharLeigh Steverson, PharmD, Brian Lawson, PharmD, ICE-CCP

Board of Pharmacy Specialties

Implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Recertification Framework within the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS)

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) asserts the purpose of recertification is to help ensure that the board-certified pharmacist demonstrates a continued commitment to maintaining and further developing competencies necessary for safe and effective practice in the specialty area. In previous research, board-certified pharmacists report expanded competency, credibility, personal gratification, and confidence as benefits of maintaining certification. In 2024, BPS began integration of continuing professional development (CPD) within the recertification framework. The CPD-recertification framework is resultant of feedback from board-certified pharmacists who value cost-efficient and time-efficient recertification options. CPD can be defined as intentional, life-long learning through reflecting, planning, learning, evaluating, applying, and recording/reviewing. CPD activities include continuing pharmacy education (CPE) but also include practice-based activities such as academic/professional study, scholarly activities, teaching and precepting, workplace activities, and leadership/professional service.

Objectives/Purpose: This project seeks to describe: (1) the implementation of CPD within the recertification framework and (2) CPD uptake among board-certified pharmacists.

Methods: Certification cycles beginning January 1, 2024, were eligible for the updated CPD-recertification framework in 2024. Eligible board-certified pharmacists self-reported an annual reflection/plan (ARP) and CPD activities in the online platform, MyBPS. At the end of 2024, the database was queried to quantify CPD uptake and basic descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results/Outcomes: In 2024, 8,595 certifications were eligible for the CPD-recertification framework. 3,609 ARP entries and 7,780 CPD activities were self-reported by board-certified pharmacists. The most prevalent CPD activities were earning CPE, serving as a preceptor, and developing/presenting educational content.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: Findings indicate that board-certified pharmacists are well positioned to make recertification progress with CPD. BPS continues monitoring findings and feedback to inform quality improvement initiatives. This project may inform the implementation of CPD for

other next-generation education, training, and development purposes such as maintenance of licensure, workplace performance evaluations, Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, resident development plans, and more.

Keith D. Marciniak, BSPharm, Brigid K. Groves, PharmD, MS, Alex C. Varkey, PharmD, MS, FAPhA

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

Enhancing Pharmacy Workforce Well-Being: Analyzing Current Challenges and Strategies for Workplace Improvement

Studies indicate that when pharmacists experience mental distress, it can adversely affect patient care and potentially jeopardize the sustainability of health care services. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is committed to promoting and maintaining the well-being and resilience of pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmaceutical scientists in all practice settings. APhA has developed several resources to address well-being and workplace culture, most notably the Well-Being Index for Pharmacy Personnel (WBI) and Pharmacy Workplace Well-Being Reporting (PWWR).

Objectives: To summarize APhA’s actions in addressing pharmacist and pharmacy personnel well-being and workplace issues. To describe utilization of the WBI and PWWR tools. To list solutions to address pharmacy personnel well-being concerns.

Methods: WBI and PWWR are promoted through communication channels, including newsletters, member engagement platform, and social media. Quantitative and qualitative data are analyzed quarterly. Programming and educational materials are developed to address common themes. A solutions-based summit identified actions to improve workplace conditions.

Results: Since 2019, 15,558 individuals completed an initial WBI, and 14,885 individuals completed a reassessment. The overall national assessor distress percent is 30.7%; 31.4% for pharmacists, 28.1% for student pharmacists, and 35.2% for pharmacy technicians. The WBI distress percent by practice setting is 42.4% in community-chain pharmacies; 29.3% in community-independent pharmacies; 28.0% in health-system pharmacies; and 22.4% in academia. In 2024, 385 negative experiences were reported via PWWR. On a scale of 0 to 4 (0=none and 4=significant), 91% of experiences received a 3 or 4 rating related to increased stress and 84% of experiences received a 3 or 4 rating related to increased burnout. The solutions-based summit final report identifies transformative and actionable changes for five pharmacy workplace themes: practice advancement, mental health, workforce, regulations and requirements, and technology and workflow efficiencies. APhA-developed resources include the Pharmacist’s

Fundamental Responsibilities & Rights, which can be used to start conversations about pharmacy workplace issues; Zero Tolerance Flyer, which indicates a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of staff; patient code of conduct; Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day annually in September; APhA Emotional Support Groups, which allow members to share experiences monthly; and the APhA Well-Being Advisory Committee, which addresses well-being and workplace initiatives.

Significance: APhA continues to utilize data from WBI and PWWR to further collaborations with external pharmacy and health care organizations, and to improve workplace conditions for pharmacists and their teams. Many of these strategies can be adapted to enhance pharmacy practice on a national level.

Rebecca Maxson, PharmD, Calvin J Meaney, PharmD, Andrew Traynor, PharmD, Tracy L. Anderson-Haag, PharmD, Wendy St. Peter, PharmD

Advancing Kidney Health through Optimal Medication Management (AKHOMM)

Implementing an Innovative Learning and Action Collaborative to Advance Comprehensive Medication Management for Individuals with Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome

With the recent American Heart Association Presidential Advisory on the urgency of addressing cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic (CKM) syndrome and the advancement of guideline directed medication therapy (GDMT) to prevent the onset and progression of CKM conditions, the opportunities for pharmacists in providing comprehensive medication management (CMM) have been amplified. The Advancing Kidney Health through Optimal Medication Management (AKHOMM) initiative is aimed at improving GDMT for people with CKM syndrome by advancing inclusion of CMM pharmacists on multidisciplinary health care teams. We designed and launched the first cohort of the AKHOMM Learning and Action Collaborative (LAC) using principles of implementation science to address this need.

Objective: Utilizing a LAC, advance the practice of CMM to improve medication management and uptake of GDMT for persons with CKM via pharmacists as an integral member of the health care team.

Methods: The call for participants for the first AKHOMM-LAC was sent out via national pharmacy organizations’ email lists. Three virtual question and answer sessions were offered for potential participant teams. Participants were required to apply and complete an interview. Accepted teams completed a 4-month readiness phase and are in the 12-month implementation phase. Teams meet with their coaches monthly, have monthly all-team

pacing events or field expert sessions, and attend three all-team milestone meetings. Progress toward each team’s bold aim is tracked monthly using the LAC’s self-assessment tracker.

Outcomes: Seven diverse teams across the United States encompassing academic, private, primary care, and nephrology practices, and clinic sites serving underserved communities joined the AKHOMM LAC in July 2024. After the 1st quarter of the implementation phase (January 2025), 28% of all critical actions for team performance were completed using the self-assessment tracker.

Relevance: The rapid successes of cohort one with adding a CMM pharmacist to the health care team and working to improve GDMT adherence will encourage other sites to participate in future LAC cohorts. Given the multitude of new GDMT therapies in persons with CKM conditions, our LAC will also stimulate funding for future LACs by demonstrating how to successfully build and sustain a CMM program focused on CKM GDMT across a diversity of health care practices and patient populations. Our innovative approach using implementation science techniques will provide a roadmap for rapid integration of pharmacists to provide CMM in high risk CKM populations and data to develop future scalable models.

Nicole L McDaniel, PharmD, James L Martin, PharmD, MPH, Kristy R Crooks, PhD, Ashley Hansen, RN, BSN, Emily C Hearst, MHSA, Kaitlyn W Hess, MS, MLS, ASCP, Natalie Johnson, PharmD, David P Kao, MD, Elizabeth L Kudron, MD, MPH, Yee Ming Lee, PharmD, Elise L Shalowitz, MS, Carolyn Swartz, BSN, RN, Katy E Trinkley, PharmD, PhD, Sharon Vandenberg, RPh, MBA, Christina L Aquilante, PharmD

Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, UCHealth, Aurora, CO

Preemptive Return of Pharmacogenetic Results from a Population Biobank: Enhancing Patient Safety through Asynchronous Surveillance of High-Risk Medications

Some population-scale biobanks preemptively return clinical pharmacogenomic (PGx) results to the electronic health record (EHR). An important consideration is how to handle the return of results for participants who are already receiving high-risk PGx medications but for whom the prescribing clinician did not order the PGx test nor has an automated point-of-prescribing clinical decision support alert fired yet. Here, we describe the design and outcomes of an asynchronous PGx medication surveillance protocol for participants who received PGx results from a population biobank.

Methods: We designed an asynchronous (i.e., not timed with medication order or refill) automated report infrastructure using native EHR

functionalities. Specifically, reports are run following release of new PGx results, and the active EHR medication lists of participants with pertinent at-risk phenotypes are screened for high-risk PGx medications. Participants identified as having potential high-risk drug-gene interactions (DGIs) are reviewed by a PGx-trained pharmacist and presented to a biobank physician at weekly rounds. For clinically relevant cases, electronic in-basket messages are sent to the prescribing clinician, notifying them of the potential DGI and alternative therapies. For this analysis, we evaluated all asynchronous reports from April 2022–April 2024, which included participants with altered metabolizer phenotypes and the following high-risk DGIs: clopidogrel/CYP2C19; fluoropyrimidines/DPYD; thiopurines/TPMT/NUDT15; and voriconazole/CYP2C19.

Results: Of the 350,880 distinct PGx results returned for 55,276 biobank participants, 657 (1.2%) of participants met criteria for asynchronous screening. Of those 657 participants, 39 (5.9%) required discussion at rounds and/or a clinician in-basket message. The high-risk DGIs included: 32 (82.1%) clopidogrel/CYP2C19; 5 (12.8%) systemic fluoropyrimidines/DPYD; 1 (2.6%) azathioprine/TPMT/NUDT15; and 1 (2.6%) voriconazole/CYP2C19. Of the 25 in-basket messages sent, 14 clinicians (56%) modified drug therapy, whereas 11 (44%) continued current therapy, which was deemed appropriate given the associated clinical context.

Conclusion: Overall, only 1% of biobank participants required asynchronous review of their active medications, with less than 0.1% requiring discussion at PGx rounds and/or a clinician message. These data highlight that asynchronous surveillance of high-risk PGx medications can be successfully achieved for preemptive population-scale PGx initiatives, without substantial clinical burden on the biobank program.

Logan McDermott, Lisa Smith, Cindy Perez, Lupe Govea

Walmart Expanded Pharmacist Scope of Practice for Clinical Services

Optimizing Pharmacist Impact through a Collaborative Outreach Model in a Primary Care Setting

Community pharmacies are critical access points of care and are pivotal in filling the unmet need for primary care services in the United States. According to a National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) 2023 report, more than 100 million Americans do not have a primary care provider, with 25% of those individuals being children. This equates to one-third of Americans in this country are not being regularly screened for preventable health conditions and treated for routine medical concerns. Rural and underserved communities are impacted more heavily with these primary care shortages. Community pharmacy by in large is the greatest area where pharmacists enter post-graduation. Through a Doctor of

Pharmacy education, pharmacists are trained to manage a complex array of disease states through preventative care and medication interventions. The United States has entered a medical crisis for patients to access quality care easily, affordably, and conveniently. With 4,600 pharmacies and 16,000 pharmacists, Walmart is well equipped to mitigate provider shortages and serve communities.

Purpose: This report seeks to explore how expanding Walmart pharmacists’ scope of practice can enhance health care service access points and offerings for patients.

Methods: Walmart corporate teams reviewed state and federal rules and regulations to implement and deliver expanded pharmacy health services. These services included testing and treatment for influenza, streptococcus, and SARS-CoV-2, pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraceptives, and stigma-free human immunodeficiency virus testing and care.

Outcomes: Walmart has delivered testing and treatment services for influenza, streptococcus, and SARS-CoV-2 in 21 states. Additionally, for pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraceptives, Walmart has released this service in 32 states. Furthermoremore, stigma-free human immunodeficiency virus testing is in 2 states and specialized HIV care has launched in 12 states.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: The United States is amid a health care crisis worsening due to provider shortages. In this country, 90% of Americans live within a 10-mile radius of a Walmart. Walmart has the infrastructure to allow pharmacists to step into primary care roles supporting patients through this provider shortage. With a workforce of 16,000 pharmacists, Walmart is able to allow patients to receive essential care conveniently and affordably when they may not have received care otherwise.

Ashley Meredith, Sally Rafie, Jackie Campi, Jenny Newlon

Purdue University/Birth Control Pharmacist

Creation of a Digital Community of Practice to Support Pharmacist Contraception Prescribing

The landscape of pharmacy practice continues to evolve, requiring adaptation among pharmacists. Over the past decade, more than half of U.S. states have authorized pharmacists to prescribe contraception. Adoption of this new service has been slower than desired. Pharmacists desire community building, training, and technical assistance to guide implementation of contraception prescribing. Creation of a professional community of practice (CoP) has been shown to successfully support pharmacists providing family planning care in Canada and another CoP supporting reproductive health services in Australia is currently being evaluated. Our CoP focuses on the

unique needs and challenges faced by pharmacists who provide contraception care or would like to.

Objectives/Purpose: The primary objective is to describe the development of a web-based CoP for pharmacists who prescribe birth control. The CoP aims to be a supportive and educational environment to allow pharmacists, pharmacy students, and partners to learn and share with peers about contraception care best practices, patient care strategies, regulatory changes, and operational and business considerations, including workflow and billing.

Methods: Building on preliminary research, the digital CoP was designed to focus on connection, education, and technical assistance to aid implementation. Content experts and an instructional designer created content that is engaging and tailored to meet the specific learning needs of pharmacists.

Results/Outcomes: A digital CoP has been implemented at BirthControl Pharmacist.com. Resources to support connection include discussion boards, a stakeholder directory, and live programming. Education is provided through live and home study continuing education programs, podcasts, and clinical resources (e.g., contraceptive product information, side effect management, etc.). Technical assistance for implementation is supported through template clinical documentation forms (e.g., self-screening questionnaire, visit documentation, visit summary), personalizable marketing materials, and example pharmacy staff workflows.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: By providing a structured, yet adaptable, platform for education and community building, the CoP can enhance pharmacists’ and students’ ability to provide high-quality contraception prescribing. Additionally, the CoP aims to be adaptable to feedback and research outcomes, which allows for inclusion of additional patient care topics as pharmacy practice evolves. This initiative underscores the importance of supporting continuous professional development to allow pharmacists to feel comfortable when adapting to new aspects of pharmacy practice.

Faria Munir, PharmD, BCPS, MS, Heather Ipema, PharmD, BCPS, Rahul Nohria, PharmD, Divita Singh, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP

University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy, Larkin University College of Pharmacy, Temple University School of Pharmacy

Change in Pharmacy Student Perceptions of Generative Artificial Intelligence After a ChatGPT-Based Drug Information Activity

There is growing support for teaching pharmacy students how to become literate about generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how to use it responsibly. Data on the effect of AI-driven activities on pharmacy student

knowledge, misconceptions, and uncertainties would offer essential insights in how to design and incorporate these activities in pharmacy curricula.

Objectives/Purpose: The current study assessed pharmacy students’ perceptions about their professional and personal use of ChatGPT before and after participation in a ChatGPT-based drug information activity.

Methods: In 2024, students at three different colleges of pharmacy completed a baseline and post-activity survey on their perceptions of ChatGPT including its reliability, usefulness, and impact on academic performance and critical thinking. The survey was a modified version of the TAME-ChatGPT assessment that used a 5-point Likert scale. After the baseline survey, students answered clinically relevant drug information questions on their own using primary or tertiary resources and compared their answers with ChatGPT responses. Independent t-test samples were used to compare baseline and post-activity surveys.

Results/Outcomes: A total of 227 students completed the pre-survey and 203 students completed the post-survey. Students’ concerns about the reliability of ChatGPT increased after completing the drug information activity (pre-survey: 3.57 ± 0.96; post-survey: 3.88 ± 1.11; p=0.00221). Students’ concerns about reliance on ChatGPT and prevention of critical thinking increased (pre-survey: 3.30 ± 1.34; post-survey: 3.57 ± 1.21; p=0.03055). The following areas decreased after the activity: enthusiasm about ChatGPT as learning and research tool (pre-survey: 3.60 ± 1.02; post-survey: 3.31 ± 1.18; p=.00826), viewing ChatGPT as an important tool for academic success (pre-survey: 3.40±1.13; post-survey: 3.12 ± 1.23; p=.01546), and concern regarding ChatGPT’s potential for plagiarism (pre-survey: 4.12 ± 0.96; post-survey: 3.91 ± 1.10; p=.0306).Fewer students stated that they would recommend ChatGPT to colleagues post-activity (p < 0.001). Common themes in open-ended survey questions included skepticism and partial trust in ChatGPT, with frequent mentions of the words “not very reliable.”

Significance/Implications/Relevance: After a hands-on ChatGPT-based learning activity, pharmacy students reported increased concerns about reliability and reliance on information that may hinder their own critical thinking. The results of this study may encourage pharmacy educators to implement classroom activities for active exploration of the benefits and challenges of generative AI. Pharmacy educators must continue to explore effective instructional methods to provide students with exposure to disruptive and emerging technologies that will affect pharmacy practice in the future.

Nardine Nakhla, Rosemary Killeen, Kenny Chong, Kathy Tam, Ruth Ackerman, and Jen Belcher

University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada & the Ontario Pharmacists Association

pharmacist and pharmacy technician confidence in delivering minor ailment services. This educational approach provides a framework for supporting pharmacy practice expansion as additional conditions are approved for pharmacist prescribing in Ontario, Canada.

Brittany Norton, PharmD, Kirsten Balano, PharmD

University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy

Finding Water in the Pharmacy Desert

Only 12% of pharmacists practice in rural and non-urban areas, despite 15–20% of Americans living in rural areas. Many rural communities struggle to recruit pharmacists, particularly as existing pharmacists near retirement. This has led to the creation of many pharmacy deserts, where patients have minimal to no access to pharmacy services.

Objectives: This session aims to demonstrate that initiating pharmacy student programs and residency programs in rural areas and pharmacy deserts can lead to sustainable workforce development. Additionally, these programs can showcase the expanded roles of pharmacists.

Methods: A literature review of rural health websites and publications was conducted. Additionally, the UCSF School of Pharmacy has implemented experiential programs in rural areas of California, including North Bay and Central Valley counties. Best practices from UCSF School of Pharmacy for implementing experiential programs in resource-limited areas will be shared.

Outcomes: In rural communities that offer Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations for pharmacy students or create residency programs, there is an increased retention rate in these areas. One such program in South Dakota found that 70% of pharmacy students who participated in the rural program remained in South Dakota, with 30% of them choosing to practice in rural areas after graduation. Another program in Wisconsin utilizes these rural students to assist with long-term patient projects, which helps free up staff time and provides valuable hands-on experiences for students. UCSF has utilized interprofessional preceptors to support the experiential programs in resource-limited areas. Physician, Nurse Practitioner, and Physician Assistant residency programs have partnered with Schools of Pharmacy to build innovative interprofessional learning environments.

Significance: Many sites may be hesitant to take on students due to fears about increased workload and insufficient staff to precept. However, it is worth exploring this opportunity in rural areas. Pharmacy students can be precepted by not only pharmacists but also by other professionals. Additionally, precepting students can extend pharmacy services and create a sense of professional fulfillment, which can reduce feelings of burnout.

Having students in rural areas not only maintains the existing pharmacy workforce but also creates a pipeline for future pharmacists in these areas.

Jacob Rogers, PharmD, BCACP, Keri Christensen, PhD

University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, HSC Health Center for Older Adults

Impacts of Early Exposure to Geriatric Patient Care on Pharmacy Students’ Education

First year pharmacy students at the University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy participate in the Seniors Assisting in Geriatric Education (SAGE) Program. The SAGE Program is an innovative program that groups preclinical students across eight health care disciplines with a volunteer older adult. The mission of the program is to strengthen health profession students’ interprofessional medical education through the care of older adults. Students complete a series of visits with their team in the mentor’s home to practice these foundational skills.

Objectives/Purpose: The impact of the SAGE Program on interprofessional teamwork has previously been published. However, the impact of early exposure to geriatric care in pharmacy education has not previously been documented. To address this gap, the objective of this study is to review SAGE Program survey data to identify the impact of early exposure to geriatric education on pharmacy students. A secondary objective is to evaluate the pharmacy student’s perceived value of SAGE on their future practice.

Methods: As part of the SAGE Program, students complete a survey that asks student perceptions of their knowledge before and after each in-home visit. The targeted questions for review in this study consist of the following on a 5-point Likert scale: students’ ability to conduct medication assessment, interprofessional communication, change in attitudes toward older adults, and change in knowledge of health team needs.

Results/Outcomes: Since its inception in 2009, the SAGE Program has received local and national recognition for preparing the next generation of health care professionals in geriatric-focused care. Previous publications on the SAGE program show a positive impact on interprofessional practice and attitudes toward older adults. This study anticipates a similar outcome in relation to geriatric care. Early evaluations of post-program survey data show a positive impact on pharmacy students’ ability to confidently complete a medication assessment and recognize the value for team-based approach to geriatrics.

Significance: In 2034, the older adult population will outnumber children under 18 years old for the first time in U.S. history. By 2050, older adults are projected to make up at least 22% of the U.S. population. Older adults

have a high prevalence of chronic diseases and are thus taking numerous prescriptions and over-the-counter medications daily. One in five medications taken by older adults may be inappropriate or unnecessary. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help older adults mitigate adverse drug events and the burdens of polypharmacy.

Mollie Ashe Scott, PharmD, BCACP, CPP, FASHP, FNCAP, Amanda Savage, PharmD, Macary Marciniak, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, Jill Sergison, CNM

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC School of Medicine UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Points True North

Interprofessional Collaboration and Coalition-Building: Implementation of Pharmacist-Prescribed Hormonal Contraception in North Carolina

One in four women experience barriers to hormonal contraception access, and maternal mortality is increasing, particularly in women of color. Thirty states and the District of Columbia currently allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception under collaborative practice agreement, standing order, or statewide protocol. In 2021, North Carolina (NC) passed legislation that allows pharmacists to initiate hormonal contraceptive pills and patches.

Objectives: This poster will describe how a diverse group of stakeholders collaborated to implement pharmacist-prescribed contraception and report uptake of pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception across NC.

Methods: Coalition Building and Payment: A Contraception Summit was held in Chapel Hill that engaged over 80 stakeholders to identify strategies for successful implementation. NC Medicaid established a credentialing and payment process to allow contraception pharmacists to become providers and bill for clinical pharmacy services. Marketing: Points True North led a campaign including a statewide logo, social media ads, and marketing materials to advertise pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception to patients. North Caroline Association of Pharmacists (NCAP) created an online tool entitled NC Pharmacy Finder where health care professionals, stakeholders, and the public can search to find a pharmacy in their community that provides hormonal contraception. Evaluation of Uptake: Descriptive data about uptake of contraception services included number of pharmacists trained as birth control pharmacists, number of pharmacists credentialed by NC Medicaid as birth control providers, and number of NC counties with a birth control pharmacy providing contraception services. Data about trained and credentialed pharmacists was reported by NCAP and NC Medicaid. Each trained pharmacist was contacted by phone to determine if they were providing contraception services and pharmacy locations were mapped by NC county.

Results: Currently 1,666 pharmacists have completed the NCAP training, 1,464 pharmacists are recognized as contraception providers under

Medicaid, and 93% of NC counties have a pharmacy that provides hormonal contraception services.

Significance: Implementation of pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception in NC was informed by a robust number of diverse stakeholders representing academia, research, legislators, pharmacy, medicine, reproductive health, reproductive justice, public health, Medicaid, and local communities. This interprofessional collaboration and coalition building supported successful implementation efforts.

Marie Smith, PharmD, FNAP, Mary Mulrooney, PharmD, MBA

University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy

Pharmacist Impact on Provider Workload Burden and Patient Access: Primary Care and Population Health Teams

A pharmacist’s expertise in medication optimization, management, and monitoring is complementary to primary care providers (PCPs) skill sets. A challenge remains to determine the optimal pharmacist practice model in primary care settings and population health teams to offset PCP clinical workload burden and improve patient access to PCP appointments.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the impact of integrated pharmacist services on: (1) PCP workload burden, and (2) additional PCP-patient visits to alleviate patient access challenges.

Methods: The PCImpact model was developed/tested with primary care leaders and clinicians in a statewide federally qualified health center and large health system–affiliated medical group. PCImpact was applied to two common pharmacist practice models—population health team (PH) or direct patient care (DPC). The PH pharmacist performed one-time, comprehensive medication reviews using electronic health records (no direct patient interaction). PCPs reviewed and implemented PH pharmacist recommendations. In the DPC model, an embedded PC pharmacist had written collaborative practice agreements (CPAs) with PCPs. CPAs allowed the pharmacist to assess medication regimens, implement needed changes, and order follow-up lab tests without requiring PCP implementation. Site-specific data inputs were obtained through onsite workflow mapping and reviewed with organizational leaders/clinicians. PCImpact outputs were: (1) pharmacist workload capacity, (2) PCP time saved or required for implementation of pharmacist recommendations, and (3) pharmacist impact on opening additional PCP-patient appointments.

Results: Pharmacists can conduct 2,304 one-time patient medication reviews in a PH model. In the DPC model, the pharmacist can conduct 640 patient encounters since initial and follow-up patient visits are longitudinal until the patients’ drug therapy problems are resolved. The PH

practice model adds 384 hours to the PCP workload per year since the PCP needs to review and implement the pharmacist’s recommendations for drug therapy changes/monitoring tests. In the DPC model, there is a 640-hour PCP workload reduction since pharmacists use a CPA to implement necessary drug therapy changes/monitoring tests without requiring PCP review and approval. This leads to opening up 1,920 PCP appointments per year for patients who have immediate care needs.

Implications: Additional PCP workload is required to review/implement pharmacists’ recommendations in the PH model. Expanding primary care teams with pharmacists using a DPC model and CPAs can reduce PCP clinical workload burden, and open up PCP visits for greater patient access. Patient access can be improved by opening up PCP appointments as a result of shifting patients with medication optimization and management needs to the pharmacist.

Wendy St. Peter, Chi-Han Cheng, Lindsay Sorge, Debbie Pestka, Omolayo Umaru, Hadley Dowell, Kate Dryden, Joshua J. Neumiller

Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Goucher College.

Assessing Readiness for Pharmacist-Led Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Comprehensive Medication Management Across Five Academic Health Systems

Despite the emergence of breakthrough therapies in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) care in recent years, their uptake remains suboptimal, even though they are widely recommended in clinical guidelines. Persistent care gaps leading to suboptimal use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) stem from fragmented clinical workflows across specialties, a siloed management approach to complex CKM conditions, therapeutic inertia, disparities in medication use, and patient-level challenges in managing complex medication regimens. Addressing these gaps requires novel, team-based, patient-centered comprehensive medication management (CMM) approaches to promote initiation of GDMT, optimize medication use, and improve outcomes for patients with CKM conditions. As integral members of the multidisciplinary care team, pharmacists can enhance the adoption of GDMT through pharmacist-led CMM interventions.

Objectives/Purpose: This study aimed to assess the readiness for implementation of a standardized CKM-CMM optimization intervention led by pharmacists across diverse academic health care systems in the United States using a mixed-methods approach.

caregivers caring for such children in the home setting, including tasks involving complex medication regimens.

Objectives: To describe family caregiver developed systems to manage medications in the home environment and identify opportunities for designing systems to support safe medication management for CMC.

Methods: The work being presented here is part of a federally funded study using mixed methods design to identify medication safety risks during the hospital to home transition period, and design and evaluate a prototype tool to support safe medication management in the home setting. For the present study, family caregivers of CMC, recruited from a tertiary care children’s hospital in central Indiana, participated in three rounds of semi-structured interviews along with photography-assisted observations conducted in their home environment.

Results: A total of 20 family caregivers caring for CMC ranging from 2 weeks old through 17 years were included in the study. Following discharge, families struggled to adapt to the new routine involving medications and other health care tasks. With time, family caregivers developed their own systems to support their work managing medications and other health care tasks, with varying levels of sophistication. Broadly, we identified three core functions in family caregiver home systems: 1) Information management: families created or adapted tools to keep track of medication and feeding administration, medication refills, and visits to health care facilities; documented care experiences; shared information with family members and close friends; 2) Product management: families developed systems to store and track medications, feeding supplies, and medical devices; 3) Care process management: families developed a process to prepare medication doses, including strategies to simplify multi-step and complicated tasks involving liquid medications. Additional details will be presented through photography.

Implications: Pharmacists and other professionals are often unaware of what transpires in the home environment. Medication practices and systems developed by family caregivers provide valuable insights to identify safety risks, and develop interventions. This also provides new avenues for the pharmacy profession to develop innovative practice models that meet the medication management needs of medically complex children and their family caregivers.

Kenya Anderson

New York Presbyterian - Weill Cornell

Future-Proofing the Pharmacy Workforce for Financial Stability and System Resilience

The evolving landscape of health care demands a pharmacy workforce that is not only clinically adept but also financially stable and adaptable to

dynamic system changes. Traditional pharmacy roles have been financially constrained by reimbursement models that do not fully capture pharmacists’ contributions. As health care systems shift toward value-based care, innovative training programs and policy reforms are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in the profession.

Objectives/Purpose: This study aims to explore strategies to future-proof the pharmacy workforce by integrating financial stability, career diversification, and adaptability into education, workforce planning, and professional development. The objective is to identify policies and training models that enhance economic resilience while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Methods: A literature review of existing workforce models, compensation structures, and training programs was conducted to identify trends in financial sustainability and career diversification. Key stakeholders, including pharmacy educators, health care administrators, and practicing pharmacists, provided insights through surveys and interviews to assess current gaps and potential solutions.

Results/Outcomes: Findings suggest that shifting compensation models toward value-based payment structures can better recognize pharmacists’ contributions to preventive care, chronic disease management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Expanding pharmacists’ roles in public health, digital health, pharmacogenomics, and telepharmacy creates diverse career pathways that mitigate financial volatility and promote job security. Additionally, integrating business and leadership training into pharmacy education enhances financial literacy and empowers pharmacists to establish sustainable practices and innovative service models.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: A financially stable pharmacy workforce is critical to ensuring the profession remains agile amid health care system changes. Collaboration between academia, health care institutions, and policy makers is essential to developing curricula and career pathways that support financial resilience. By proactively investing in workforce stability, the pharmacy profession can navigate economic uncertainties, continue to advance patient care, and optimize health outcomes in an evolving health care environment.

Jolene Bostwick, Kelly Gable, Suzanne Harris

University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy

specialized practices, including psychiatric pharmacy. Other programs would benefit from implementing the strategies discussed to support destigmatization of mental illness to improve patient lives.

Maria Charles, Nam Hoang, Emily Hom, Amy Hwang, Isaac Yeoh, Joanne Chun, Jeff Lin

University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy

Tiny Patients, Big Answers: AI’s Role in Explaining Medicine to Kids

One of the key challenges for pharmacists is effectively communicating dosing regimens and the importance of compliance within pediatric populations. Children often lack full agency in their decision making and may not understand the purpose of medications, which can lead to negative perceptions or confusion. This disconnect between children, parents, and clinicians can hinder treatment adherence. To improve communication, it is essential to present medical information in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Medications are crucial for treating various conditions in children, and helping them understand their role can reduce stress and improve adherence.

Objective/Purpose: This project aims to improve pediatric understanding of medication, fostering greater autonomy and agency over their health. Children often struggle to comprehend therapeutic information, and a chatbot designed as a familiar cartoon character could help standardize and simplify these conversations. By making medications less intimidating, the chatbot could reduce anxiety, and improve adherence. Large language models like ChatGPT have shown promise in translating complex concepts into accessible language, and we believe this same technology can bridge the gap between pharmacists and pediatric patients, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Methods: We developed our chatbot using Mistral AI’s platform and created a chatbot personality based on the popular children’s TV show character, Bluey, where complex medications, medical conditions, and therapies can be explained to children in a friendly and engaging way. A system prompt was written to define parameters such as context, objective, tone, and audience, ensuring clinical accuracy, safety, and adherence to UCSF’s standards. Few-shot learning techniques were used to guide responses, helping “Bluey” to learn patterns from examples without extensive retraining. This allowed the Bluey chatbot to mimic Bluey’s speech and personality, simplify complex concepts into child-friendly explanations, handle unclear or unsafe questioning, and ensure clinical accuracy.

Results/Outcomes: The Bluey chatbot has been tested with pharmacists, receiving enthusiastic feedback. It mimics Bluey’s playful tone, effectively

simplifies medication concepts, prevents age-inappropriate content, and holds promise to engage pediatric patients and improve communication.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: Research shows that improving medication understanding leads to better adherence and reduced anxiety. This first-of-its-kind implementation can expand to support multilingual capabilities and characters from international communities, making medication education more inclusive for underrepresented pediatric populations. Our chatbot represents the first step toward bridging the communication gap between pediatric patients and pharmacy providers, and carries the potential to transform how children engage with health care, paving a more interconnected health care system for all.

Maisara M. Chowdhury, Christine Formea, Carrie C. Hoefer

University at Buffalo, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Standardizing Laboratory Practices in Pharmacogenomics (STRIPE)

Role of Interprofessional Events in Advancing the Field of Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) has proven to be a vital tool in health care, however, the lack of educational standardization makes it difficult for health care professionals to utilize its full potential. There is an abundance of variation of PGx educational content across health care fields, including nursing, pharmacy, and medical schools.

Objectives/Purpose: While the standardization of PGx education across health care disciplines is crucial, the delivery methods are just as critical for benefiting pre-health care students. One of the most successful ways to disseminate PGx education is by hosting interprofessional education (IPE) events, which promote communication and collaboration between students of different health care professions, mimicking the health care environment.

Methods: This past year, the Standardizing Laboratory Practices in Pharmacogenomics (STRIPE) organization brought together experts from diverse professional backgrounds in PGx to address various challenges in clinical practice, laboratory procedures, study design, clinical decision support, and education. The STRIPE education team facilitated small group discussions with health care professionals to identify key concerns, particularly the scarcity of PGx IPE events.

Results/Outcomes: These discussions led to the formation of consensus statements aimed at supporting educational initiatives. These statements were then presented to all workshop groups, and a vote was conducted to confirm consensus as a first step to establish a gold standard for IPE events in health care education.

delivery of reproductive health services, identifying at-risk populations who are candidates for statin therapy, and other areas which involve the use of chronic medications. Students should be exposed to direct patient care situations early in their didactic curriculum in order to understand their role and develop confidence in disease states in which they plan an important role in their communities.

Abigail Elmes-Patel, PharmD, MHPE, Dave Jimenez, PhD, Stockton Mayer, DO, Albert Murphy, MPH, Chintan Patel, PharmD, Amina Gassam, PharmD, Toni Martinford, PharmD, Leyla Rashid, PharmD, Sarah Messmer, MD

University of Illinois Chicago Herbert and Carol Retzky College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago

Recovery on the Go: The Pharmacist’s Role in Providing Low-Barrier Buprenorphine from a Medical Mobile Unit in Chicago

In 2023, one-third of the emergency responses for opioid-related overdose in Chicago were concentrated in just five neighborhoods on the West Side. High opioid overdose rates coupled with significant disparities in preventable hospitalizations and outpatient care utilization underscore a dire need for expanding health care access. In 2021, the Community Outreach Intervention Projects (COIP) launched a multidisciplinary medical mobile unit (MMU), including pharmacists, offering hyperlocal harm reduction, primary care, wound care, and medication-assisted recovery via low-threshold buprenorphine. In 2022, through collaboration with an opioid treatment program, the MMU began directly dispensing premade packs of buprenorphine films, offering up to 24 mg daily. The pharmacist provides prescription drug monitoring, COVID-19 testing and vaccination, medication counseling, and buprenorphine dispensing.

Objectives/Purpose: To assess the utilization of an MMU providing targeted interventions to Chicago communities most impacted by opioid overdose.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted via chart review including patients seen by the MMU between May 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024. Primary outcomes included the patient demographics and services provided. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported substance use history and reasons for not dispensing buprenorphine.

Results/Outcomes: A total of 1,599 individual patients were seen across 4,418 visits. The typical patient was Black (59.6%, n=953), male (68.5%, n=1,095), 46.4 years old (mean, SD 12.3), and insured by Medicaid (52.9%, n=846). Common services were buprenorphine (75.6%, n=3,338), medication refill (11.5%, n=509), wound care (10.1%, n=448), COVID-19

vaccination (9.9%, n=436), and COVID-19 testing (4.8%, n=212). Of the 1,010 patients seen for buprenorphine, 47% returned to the MMU for follow-up. About 74.1% of patients used opioids via insufflation only, 16.9% via multiple routes, and 7.2% via injection only. Nearly 92% had documented polysubstance use. When buprenorphine became available, 84.2% of patients (n=602) received buprenorphine across 2,273 visits. The most common reasons for not dispensing buprenorphine included indication for longer duration (28.3%, n=202), indication for shorter duration (6.7%, n=48), and premade pack dosing was inappropriate for the individual (11.1%, n=79).

Significance/Implications/Relevance: The demographics of patients seen on the MMU closely reflect that of the populations most in need of services on Chicago’s West Side, highlighting the MMU’s success in reaching the target population. The community’s acceptability and reliance on the MMU is evident with nearly half of those receiving buprenorphine returning for follow-up. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, pharmacists play a critical role in broadening access to lifesaving care with buprenorphine and wrap-around services in underserved communities.

Meagan Garza, PharmD

University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy

Beyond Human Health: Integrating One Health Principles in Pharmacy Education

The One Health approach recognizes that the health of humans, animals, plants, and our shared environment are interconnected. Almost 20 years ago, veterinarians jumped at the opportunity to lead a One Health renaissance with the support of medical and public health professional organizations. Since then, medical and public health professionals have successfully integrated a One Health approach into their education, clinical practice, and research. Pharmacy professionals have not properly recognized their role in improving health outcomes across human, animal, and plant ecosystems: a professional imperative that can no longer be neglected.

Objective/Purpose: To crosswalk One Health competency tools with PharmD program accreditation standards to reveal areas of opportunity for integrating One Health principles into the curricula. Thus, this study aims to identify gaps in pharmacist education and training necessary to equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and systems-thinking to adapt and address complex health challenges.

Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy developed a co-curricular group focused on education and advocacy in environmental sustainability. Preliminary outcomes between 2023 and 2024 across these educational offerings are reported here.

Results: UCSF students highly rated the climate-health content (mean teaching evaluation ratings ranged from 4.16–4.68, where 5=ideal) and demonstrated adequate performance (82% pass rate) on a summative exam question requiring knowledge application of climate change impacts on mental and social determinants of health. Students participating in UM’s COIL course reported increased interest in promoting environmental sustainability (n=34/40, 85%), increased interest in mitigating the impacts of climate change on human health (n=34/40, 85%), and increased confidence in engaging in self-directed learning to increase their knowledge about planetary health (n=32/40, 80%). Students at VCU were able to create an independent organization to address the gap between professional pharmacy training and environmental responsibility. Leadership opportunities along with communication and collaboration skills through the organization gave way to a professionally diverse group of pharmacy school graduates.

Significance: These preliminary results indicate the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating climate-health content within pharmacy training. Students across all three institutions expressed interest in these topics, demonstrating an opportunity to engage students and expand their role within the pharmacy profession by addressing climate-health issues. Future directions include advocating for wider adoption of climate change content within pharmacy education and training.

Michael L. Lim, William C. Gong

USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Driving Innovation and Future-Proofing Pharmacy Careers Through Pharmaceutical Industry Training and Educational Programs

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry values highly trained pharmacists with skills to deliver value for research, development, and commercialization of novel medicines with patient impact. While opportunities exist for students looking beyond direct patient care and drug distribution, the industry is dynamic due to rapid innovations in science, technology, and medicine, plus volatility in the competitive business environment, company strategies, and government and payor pressures. A future-focused strategy for innovative pharmacy education and training that emphasizes industry careers and prepares pharmacists for an evolving and uncertain future requires understanding of and investment into core competencies that will assure success and adaptability.

compounded by a lack of culturally representative providers and a shortage of pharmacies and pharmacists.

Objectives/Purpose: To address the health care disparities and workforce shortages in a rural underserved region of California, the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy and the University of California Merced (UC Merced), which is located in the Central Valley, are establishing a BA/BS-to-PharmD Pathway Program. This pioneering initiative is streamlining the educational journey for students, facilitating their entry into the pharmacy profession, and ultimately meeting unmet healthcare needs in the Central and San Joaquin Valley.

Methods: The program was developed by a working group consisting of faculty from both UCSF and UC Merced. The working group developed admissions and program criteria to enable students to complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at UC Merced and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at UCSF in six years. Selected courses offered by the UCSF School of Pharmacy will satisfy Bachelor’s degree requirements. Thus, students in the program will complete their BA/BS requirements concurrently. To encourage students to return to the rural regions of California, students in the program will be required to complete their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) in the San Joaquin and Central Valleys.

Results/Outcomes: The first cohort will be selected among the applicants completing their first year of undergraduate studies at UC Merced in the Spring of 2026; the first graduates from the program will complete their studies at the UCSF School of Pharmacy in 2031. This hybrid model reduces the time and financial burden of obtaining these degrees separately, supports workforce development, and trains competent health care providers for the underserved regions of California. The program’s success will be assessed by the number of graduates and the number who return to practice pharmacy in rural California.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: This initiative leverages the diverse backgrounds and regions served by UC Merced to foster culturally competent care in underserved rural regions. The hybrid BA/BS-to-PharmD Program is a model for partnerships between undergraduate institutions and pharmacy schools in educating a strong and competent pharmacy workforce for rural regions while shortening the time to graduate health professional degrees.

Mark A. Munger, PharmD, Jacque Turgeon, BPharm, PhD, Przemyslaw Radwanski, PharmD, PhD

University of Utah Health/College of Pharmacy/Department of Pharmacotherapy and Internal Medicine, Galenus Rx Orlando, FL, The Ohio State University/College of Pharmacy/Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology

underserved areas •Creation of a scalable and financially viable model for PhC-led primary and chronic disease management •Provide practicing pharmacists with a unique training model that allows for development of a new clinical practice career path •A replicable training model that can be adapted in other states.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: This program characterizes the future of pharmacy by developing an expanded, highly-skilled workforce capable of providing direct patient care. By bridging gaps in health care access, PhCs contribute to improved health outcomes for the communities they serve. This training program demonstrates an innovative approach to pharmacy education and workforce development in response to gaps in health care and community needs.

Chelsea Di Polito, PharmD, BCPP

American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP)

Psychotropic Stewardship: The Future of Pharmacy in Mental Health

Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) play a critical role in optimizing psychotropic medication use through Psychotropic Stewardship Programs (PSPs). These programs provide a structured approach to medication review, optimization, and ongoing management to enhance patient outcomes, minimize adverse effects, and improve psychiatric care.

Objectives/Purpose: To highlight the role of BCPPs in advancing patient care through PSPs, ensuring the safe and effective use of psychotropic medications for individuals with psychiatric and substance use disorders.

Methods: PSPs integrate BCPPs as leaders within multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatric prescribers, nurses, and social workers, to optimize psychotropic medication management. Key components include comprehensive medication reviews, collaborative treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring. PSPs employ prospective audits, retrospective chart reviews, and clinical decision-support tools such as medication therapy management and best practice alerts. Additionally, risk stratification methods help prioritize high-risk patients, allowing for targeted interventions that optimize resource allocation and staff efficiency. Program effectiveness is evaluated through medication safety, adherence, quality of care improvements, and provider engagement.

Results/Outcomes: PSPs have the potential to transform psychiatric care by optimizing prescribing practices, reducing polypharmacy, and improving patient safety. By leveraging BCPPs in leadership roles, these programs enhance evidence-based prescribing, streamline medication reconciliation, and increase adherence. The incorporation of risk stratification and best practices facilitates efficient deployment of clinical resources, ensuring that

staff efforts are focused on patients who would benefit most from intensive medication management. Expected outcomes include fewer adverse drug reactions, reduced hospital readmissions, and lower health care costs, while expanding access to psychiatric care.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: PSPs address both individual and population health needs by improving treatment access, minimizing medication-related risks, and enhancing care coordination. By integrating risk stratification and best practice approaches, these programs improve resource utilization and staff efficiency, ultimately strengthening psychiatric care delivery. As PSPs gain recognition, they could become a standard of care, driving systemic improvements in psychotropic medication use and mental health outcomes.

Dhakrit Rungkitwattanakul, PharmD, BCPS, FNKF, Sanaa Belrhiti, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, Howard University College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Howard University Hospital

Using Implementation Science to Advance Nephrotoxin Stewardship Service and Health Equity in Preventing Hospital-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury among African American Patients

African American patients face a disproportionately higher risk of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI), largely due to a greater burden of pre-hospitalization risk factors such as hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Nephrotoxin exposure during hospitalization further exacerbates this risk. Despite numerous evidence-based strategies to reduce HA-AKI, structured nephrotoxin stewardship programs remain underutilized in hospitals serving predominantly Black populations. To address this disparity, we applied an implementation science framework to develop and operationalize a nephrotoxin stewardship service (NSS) aimed at mitigating HA-AKI risk among African American patients.

Methods: We applied an implementation science framework, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to design, implement, and evaluate the NSS at a community-based teaching hospital where 75–80% of patients are African American. Key components included stakeholder engagement, needs assessment, and iterative process improvements informed by real-time data. The NSS integrated pharmacist-led medication monitoring, electronic health record (EHR)-based nephrotoxin surveillance, and provider education on nephrotoxin burden reduction strategies.

Results: The implementation process led to the successful establishment of an operational nephrotoxin stewardship service within the hospital. Early

outcomes indicate improved identification of high-risk patients, real-time pharmacist interventions to adjust nephrotoxin exposure, and enhanced provider awareness of HA-AKI prevention strategies. Integration within existing hospital workflows facilitated uptake, and initial feedback from clinicians supported the service’s value in improving patient safety.

Conclusion: The creation of a nephrotoxin stewardship service using an implementation science approach represents a critical step toward reducing HA-AKI disparities in African American patients. By embedding evidence-based nephrotoxin risk mitigation strategies into hospital practice, this service has the potential to improve kidney health outcomes and promote health equity. Future research will focus on evaluating the long-term impact and scalability of this model to other health care settings.

Farzana Samad

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Importance of Medication Safety Expertise in Research

Medication safety specialists help design safe systems across the medication-use continuum, preventing medication-related harm and fostering a culture of safety. Medication safety specialists are often involved in process and quality improvement projects at practice sites. However, projects localized to an organization or lacking evidence-based design may not be easily accessible for other organizations seeking to build upon existing solutions. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is uniquely poised to lead the nation in patient safety research. As of August 2024, AHRQ has supported 123 patient safety projects related to medication safety, however the involvement of medication safety specialists on research teams is obscure. To prepare the next generation of pharmacists entering the field of medication safety, research skills and experience are crucial to contributing to key personnel roles on research teams. Because the safe use of medications is important to AHRQ’s mission, we sought to understand the grant funding provided to schools of pharmacy for research training.

Objectives/Purpose: To quantify the extent of AHRQ grant funding to schools of pharmacy and to promote the field of medication safety research to potential pharmacy students, residents, fellows, and career pharmacy professionals.

Methods: NIH RePORTER Tool was used to extract all projects administered and funded by AHRQ grants between 1985 and March 2025. Training-related mechanisms were targeted for review.

Results/Outcomes: A total of 14,300 projects were administered and funded by AHRQ grants between 1985 and March 2025. Through a broad application of “training-related” mechanisms, activities K01, K02, K08, K12,

F31, F32, R36, and T32 were included (n=2,928, 20% of grant funding). The most awarded training mechanism was K08, which accounted for 6.97% of all grant funding. Out of all “training-related” grants, most were awarded to schools of medicine (49.97%) and 1.81% were awarded to schools of pharmacy. Notably, no grants were awarded to schools of pharmacy since 2020.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: Schools of pharmacy receive relatively less grant funding. This data can be used to supplement discussion of barriers to interest, formal education, training, and grant funding for schools of pharmacy, specifically in the fields of patient safety and quality. This data can be used to encourage medication safety specialists to seek research training to be a part of interprofessional teams studying evidence-based best practices.

Olivia Sin, Anthony Blash, PharmD, CPHiMS

Belmont University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Connecting the Dots: Sleep Duration and Hypertension Prevalence

Insufficient sleep has been identified as a contributor to various chronic health conditions, such as hypertension. As accessible health care providers, pharmacists are well positioned to play a greater role in addressing modifiable risk factors such as a lack of sleep to help patients prevent and manage high blood pressure.

Objectives/Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the association between short sleep duration (defined as fewer than 7 hours per night) and the prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 18 and older in the state of Tennessee. The findings will inform potential strategies for pharmacists to support individual and population health.

Methods: A Structured Query Language (SQL) query was executed in Azure Data Studio to analyze associated health-related variables within the 2019 Belmont Data Collaborative (BDC) Hypertension Data Product, such as short sleep duration and the prevalence of hypertension. This dataset integrates data from multiple publicly accessible data sources and surveys across Tennessee census tracts. A line graph was used to visualize the association in Azure Data Studio, and the dataset was further imported into Microsoft Excel for scatter plot analysis.

Results/Outcomes: Census tracts with higher percentages of adults reporting less than 7 hours of sleep per night tended to show higher rates of hypertension. The scatter plot revealed a positive association with a trend-line R-squared value of 0.3167, suggesting that shorter sleep duration may contribute to an increased prevalence of high blood pressure.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: These findings highlight a valuable

opportunity for pharmacists to promote sufficient sleep in the prevention and management of high blood pressure. By educating and counseling patients on the importance of adequate sleep, pharmacists can help address a commonly overlooked risk factor for hypertension. This non-pharmacological approach supports a more holistic model of health and reinforces the evolving role of pharmacists in preventive care.

Sony Tuteja, PharmD MS, Mari Angelica Cayabyab, PharmD, Glenda Hoffecker, PharmD, Victoria Wittner, MPH, Xingmei Wang, MS, Joseph Bleznuck, Rachel Hatch, PharmD, Donna Capozzi, PharmD, Avni Santani, PhD, Hakon Hakonarson, MD PhD, Ryan C. Massa, MD, Nevena Damjanov, MD, Nandi J. Reddy, MD, Randall A. Oyer, MD, Ursina R. Teitelbaum, MD

Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Pharmacy, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, Information Services Applications, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Center for Applied Genomics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA

Pharmacists at the Forefront of Precision Medicine: Implementing Preemptive Pharmacogenomic (PGx) Testing to Reduce Serious Treatment-Related Adverse Events (TRAEs) in Patients with Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers

Fluoropyrimidines (FPs) and irinotecan, standard treatments for GI cancers, are impacted by PGx variants in DPYD and UGT1A1, respectively. Variant carriers experience a higher incidence of severe TRAEs; however, pretreatment testing is not widely performed in clinical care. The FDA has updated the drug labels for FPs (both 5-FU and capecitabine) to highlight the increased risk and for clinicians to consider DPYD testing prior to treatment.

Objectives: To implement a pharmacist led precision medicine initiative for performing pretreatment DPYD/UGT1A1 testing in our health system.

Methods: During the pre-implementation phase, we established a PGx assay with rapid turnaround time, integrated discrete PGx results in the electronic health record (EHR), and delivered provider education. We conducted a pragmatic study at three oncology clinics (NCT04736472), where patients initiating treatment with an FP or irinotecan were consented to testing and received preemptive genotype-guided chemotherapy dose modifications. The primary endpoint was feasibility defined as the proportion of results available prior to cycle 1. Secondary endpoints were fidelity (genotype concordant dose modifications) and severe TRAE (requiring emergency room visit or hospitalization) over the first 6 cycles.

Medicaid medical billing), and workflow integration before being matched with participating pharmacies. Community pharmacies expressing interest receive guidance on Medicaid provider enrollment and other revenue-generating services. The students are employed through St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP) to streamline personnel management.

Results/Outcomes: A pilot internship was conducted in a Missouri pharmacy from June 19 to August 15, 2024. During this period, one student exclusively provided clinical services, including MTMs for Missouri Medicaid and patient outreach under the Vaccine Gap Program. Preliminary data indicate that the student’s clinical work generated a net return of $90.20 per hour for the pharmacy, demonstrating the program’s potential financial viability.

Significance/Implications/Relevance: This internship program has the potential to reshape pharmacy practice by increasing student exposure to clinical services, improving patient care outcomes, and creating sustainable revenue models for community pharmacies. By integrating trained students into the workforce, pharmacies can expand their services efficiently, while students gain confidence and competency in delivering direct patient care. The initiative strengthens the connection between pharmacy education and professional practice, positioning pharmacists as essential health care providers in community settings. People who seek buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) are unable to access it due to geographic, societal, financial, and policy barriers. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) formulations are administered in a limited number of emergency departments, carceral, and outpatient care settings. Community pharmacies are low-barrier locations for starting and maintaining people on buprenorphine. Collaborative addiction care models have shown that pharmacists, providers, and patients benefit from convenient locations.

Sharon Youmans, PharmD, MPH, Kathy Giacomini, PhD, BSPharm

University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy

A Door to the Future: A Pharm Tech to PharmD Pathway Program

Pharmacists play pivotal roles as medication specialists in managing chronic diseases and helping to reduce and eliminate health disparities. The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy is committed to producing pharmacists for the state of California and the nation. The central valley in California has large pharmacy deserts and underserved communities in need of pharmacists. There are many pharmacy technicians in these communities, and they represent an excellent group of potential candidates for pharmacy school.

This page intentionally left blank.