Hot Off The Press - Experiential Education in Pharmacy Literature A recent article in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy (AJHP) described a novel IPPE that helped in addressing care gaps for patients. Here is a brief overview of the program and the full article citation: Gamston CE, Stamm PL, McDowell L, et al. Engaging early experiential learners to improve quality
at a VA medical center - a cross-sectional analysis [published online ahead of print, 2023 Oct 18]. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2023;zxad256. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxad256
IPPE students reviewed patient charts in the electronic health record to identify patients eligible for population health initiatives, including: those in need of laboratory work (such as missing HbA1C and renal function testing), medications (such as a recommended statin), immunizations, or prescription drug monitoring program reviews (such as missing PDMP check within the last year). After pre-class training, students were able to make the calls and documentation under supervision of the preceptor. In 8 blocks of the IPPE course (August 2019-May 2021), there were substantial outcomes of these initiatives, including: 520 lab tests ordered by the provider 16 HbA1C referrals to a pharmacist 43 medications ordered that had exhausted all refills 11 statin medications initiated 800 immunizations recommended; 286 accepted 30 naloxone recommendations Total of 1800 patient chart reviews and 1500 healthcare interventions This study helps illustrate the benefits of pharmacy interns as pharmaceutical care extenders, even beyond dispensing and distribution.