JAPhA Practice Innovations最新文献

{"title":"Clinical impact of GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 agonist access barriers in primary care","authors":"Alexandra Cochran,&nbsp;Laura Schalliol,&nbsp;Holly Lowe,&nbsp;Savannah Owen,&nbsp;Gabriella V. Rosellini","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2025.100081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2025.100081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Access to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 receptor agonists is frequently limited by medication shortages, insurance restrictions, and financial barriers. These medications are critical tools for glycemic control and weight management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is limited research on the clinical consequences of access barriers for these therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of such barriers on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), weight, and body mass index (BMI) and examine how medication regimens are adjusted in response.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort analysis was performed in a primary care setting. Adults with T2DM who were prescribed liraglutide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, or tirzepatide between January 1, 2022, and July 31, 2024, were included. Patients were categorized based on exposure or no exposure to an access barrier. Access barriers were defined via a retrospective chart review.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c. Patients with access barriers experienced a smaller reduction in HbA1c than those without (−0.42% vs. −0.75%, <em>P</em> = 0.2128). Secondary outcomes included changes in weight (−1.91 kg vs. −2.13 kg, <em>P</em> = 0.7022) and BMI (−0.7 vs. −0.75, <em>P</em> = 0.812). Common interventions that were performed by the clinic staff included providing medication samples and initiating alternative therapies such as insulin or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during the delay period.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although the study was underpowered to detect statistically significant differences, patients with documented access barriers had smaller reductions in HbA1c, weight, and BMI than those with uninterrupted therapy. These findings highlight the need for proactive strategies. Pharmacists can support patients by initiating alternative medications, providing medication samples if available, and developing clinic-wide protocols to manage shortages. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of interrupted GLP-1/GIP therapy owing to access barriers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100081"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of community pharmacy outreach events to promote screening for human immunodeficiency virus","authors":"Destanie Truman,&nbsp;Robert Nichols,&nbsp;Stevie Veach,&nbsp;Enas M. Yehya,&nbsp;Matthew Witry","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100107","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100107","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a prominent public health concern, with approximately 1.2 million individuals in the U.S. living with HIV and 13% unaware of their status. Community pharmacists are positioned to engage in HIV screening and education.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The study aimed to (1) assess perceptions of HIV risk, HIV related knowledge, and public attitudes toward community pharmacist-provided HIV testing and (2) evaluate pharmacists offering HIV testing at community events.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey was administered to adults attending 3 community events where pharmacists were present to provide HIV education and testing. Participants completed an anonymous 16-item electronic survey via a quick-response code covering demographics, perceived risks, attitudes toward community pharmacist–provided HIV testing, and HIV knowledge. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to analyze data. Impact was evaluated through the number of attendees and the number of HIV tests administered.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 260 individuals who interacted with pharmacists, 58 completed the survey (response rate 22.3%). Most respondents were women (70.9%), aged 25-31 years, and white (76.4%). Perceived HIV risk was low, with 60% reporting that they were extremely unlikely to acquire HIV. The mean HIV knowledge score was 3.4 of 5, and 70% correctly identified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing recommendations. Attitudes toward pharmacist-provided HIV testing were generally positive, particularly when testing was offered at no cost. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that younger age was significantly associated with more favorable attitudes toward pharmacy-based HIV testing (<em>P</em> = 0.044). During the study period, 13 HIV tests were administered at community events.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Attendees of community outreach events were positive toward community pharmacists providing HIV education and testing. Community-based pharmacy outreach represents a promising approach to expand HIV testing access and normalize discussions around HIV prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the impact of certified pharmacy technicians on behavioral health care management","authors":"Alyssa A. Longenecker,&nbsp;Jennifer Buxton,&nbsp;Sarah Logue,&nbsp;Ashley Sloop,&nbsp;Evelyn Ocana,&nbsp;Macary Weck Marciniak,&nbsp;Laura A. Rhodes","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>More than 50 million Americans experience a behavioral health illness. Adherence to prescribed medication is important for those with mental illness. Pharmacists are widely used health care providers, especially in rural areas with a limited number of mental health professionals. Owing to pharmacists’ increased duties, certified pharmacy technicians (CPhTs) can assume broader roles in patient care. Cape Fear Clinic serves rural counties wherein most patients experience a mental health illness. A CPhT intervention was implemented to assess the impact of ongoing care management after the initiation of a behavioral health medication.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The primary objective was to assess changes in Short Form Health Survey 12 (SF-12) scores after participation in a CPhT-led care management program. The secondary objectives were to assess behavioral health medication proportion of days covered (PDC) and suicidal/homicidal ideation at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients aged 18 years and older receiving a first-time prescription for a behavioral health medication or dose change were included. CPhTs contacted patients telephonically at enrollment and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after enrollment. Data collected at each touchpoint included SF-12 score, suicidal or homicidal ideation, and PDC. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 34 patients were enrolled; 9 patients (24%) completed the 12-week program. The average change in the SF-12 mental component score was +12.7 (baseline, 38.8; final, 51.5) and the SF-12 physical component score was −1.3 (baseline, 47.1; final, 45.8). Average PDC values were 71% (n = 1), 83% (n = 1), 87% (n = 1), and 100% (n = 6). Suicidal or homicidal ideation was positively reported in 7% of appointments (n = 6 of 86); 100% of positive findings (n = 6 of 6) were reported to the care team. There were 0 positive suicidal or homicidal ideation reports (0%) at program completion.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This CPhT-led care management service contributed to improved mental health, measured through SF-12 scores, and decreased positive suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of vitamin K on coagulopathy in patients with cirrhosis: An observational study","authors":"Parker Kaleo,&nbsp;Joshua Akinsanya,&nbsp;Tiffany Lyons,&nbsp;Drew A. Wells","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100099","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100099","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cirrhosis impairs the liver’s ability to synthesize vitamin K–dependent coagulation factors, contributing to coagulopathy. Elevated international normalized ratio (INR) in these patients often prompts intravenous (I.V.) vitamin K administration, despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of I.V. vitamin K administration on INR and identify factors that may predict response in patients with severe cirrhosis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This single-center, retrospective, institutional review board–approved study included adult hospitalized patients with cirrhosis who received I.V. vitamin K. The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate the change in INR. Secondary analysis included the rate of bleeding events, in-hospital venous thromboembolism (VTE), and in-hospital mortality. Subgroup analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 134 patients, the median INR change from day 0 to day 3 was 0 [−0.4 to 0.2]. Bleeding events occurred in 19% of patients, in-hospital VTE in 3%, and mortality in 16%. Subgroup analysis showed a numerically greater INR reduction in patients with a baseline INR of greater than 2, but no differences based on Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores or cirrhosis etiology. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age older than 60 years and a decrease in INR of 0.5 from day 0 to 1 significantly predicted the overall change in INR.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our research provides additional data to the existing literature, showcasing a lack of impact of I.V. vitamin K on INR in patients with cirrhosis. Notably, our study adds insight into the lack of benefit even in patients with more severe cirrhosis. Standardization of clinical practice recommendations to guide I.V. vitamin K use across the spectrum of cirrhosis is needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100099"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating pharmacist-directed care for eligible patients of a large community-based pharmacy chain: An analysis of dietitian referral adoption rates","authors":"Avery Salcedo,&nbsp;Jamie Remines,&nbsp;Pramit Nadpara,&nbsp;Jean-Venable R. Goode","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>A large community-based pharmacy chain offers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) via secure dietitian telehealth virtual calls to eligible patients under a contracted benefit plan. This service supports chronic disease management, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, through remote, personalized nutrition care. However, despite evidence of clinical benefit, patient engagement with MNT services through telehealth remains low. Pharmacists are well positioned to identify eligible patients, refer them to MNT services, and conduct outreach to promote attendance.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-directed care, including pharmacist-led identification of eligible patients, referral to MNT, and follow-up telephone calls, on dietitian referral adoption rates and patient engagement.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this prospective quality improvement study, 388 adult beneficiaries enrolled in a contracted benefit plan were identified as eligible for MNT through the Diabetes and Heart Health Welcome programs. Pharmacists conducted follow-up calls to educate patients and encourage MNT scheduling. Descriptive and univariate analyses were used to summarize outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Pharmacists conducted outreach telephone calls to all 388 eligible patients (100%). The most frequent call outcome was voicemail (205 of 388, 52.8%). Only 25 patients scheduled an MNT appointment (25 of 388, 6.4%), and 6 ultimately attended (6 of 388, 1.5%). Among those who declined or expressed disinterest (70 of 388, 18.0%), 10 (10 of 70, 14.3%) reported no interest in nutritional counseling, and 6 (6 of 70, 8.6%) were already receiving care from another dietitian. Cost concerns were the most frequently cited barrier (33 of 388, 8.5%). Most calls (261 of 388, 67.3%) lasted less than 1 minute.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Phone-based pharmacist outreach alone yielded limited patient engagement in MNT. Although pharmacist-directed referral and follow-up are feasible, they were insufficient to meaningfully increase appointment scheduling or attendance. Future efforts should incorporate multimodal outreach strategies, clearer cost and benefit communication, and personalized engagement methods to better address patient barriers and improve adoption of dietitian services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating patient willingness for influenza testing and treatment: A comparison between community-based pharmacy setting and alternative health care settings","authors":"Raney Ward,&nbsp;Sharon S. Gatewood,&nbsp;Tana N. Kaefer,&nbsp;Pramit Nadpara,&nbsp;Jean-Venable R. Goode","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100094","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100094","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In Virginia, pharmacists are authorized to test and treat for influenza, group A streptococcus, coronavirus disease 2019, and urinary tract infections per statewide protocols.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to assess patients’ willingness to receive influenza test and treat services in a community-based pharmacy setting versus other health care settings, evaluate patients’ willingness to pay, identify barriers preventing use, and understand which patient demographic is best to target for marketing strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A 6-month prospective convenience sample-based study was conducted using a 49-question needs assessment survey, distributed via quick response code or text link at an independent pharmacy and 3 off-site influenza vaccine clinics. The survey assessed patient perceptions of health care settings, health care access, payment preferences, and demographics. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were reported, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess differences in patients’ likelihood of using community-based pharmacy test and treat services compared with alternative health care settings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>More than 300 surveys were offered, and 25 surveys were completed. Most patients were female (76%), were Caucasian (88%), were aged 31-50 years (40%), held a graduate degree (48%), and were employed full time (56%). A statistically significant difference was observed in patients’ willingness to receive influenza test and treat services at community-based pharmacies compared with at hospitals, specialist offices, nurse practitioner–led clinics, or free clinics. Convenience was the most cited reason for choosing both pharmacies and other health care settings, followed by cost, trust, and wait times; perceived quality and urgency also influenced care decisions. A lack of awareness was the most noted barrier, followed by distance, limited weekend hours, and preference for primary providers; 96% of patients were willing to use insurance and preferred out-of-pocket costs from $0 to $25. Those most likely to use pharmacist-led test services were aged 31-50 years, retired or full-time employed, Caucasian, and female and held graduate degrees.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>There is strong patient willingness to use test and treat services in community-based pharmacies; however, a lack of awareness needs to be addressed to increase patient engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100094"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of SGLT2 inhibitor effects on glycemic management in hospitalized non-critically ill patients","authors":"E.J. Marineau,&nbsp;Dennis Dubovetsky","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Professional society guidelines provide discordant recommendations regarding the inpatient use of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for glycemic management in non-critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although the American Diabetes Association supports continuation or initiation of SGLT2i in select hospitalized patients with heart failure, the Endocrine Society recommends against routine inpatient use.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study evaluated real-world safety and glycemic outcomes associated with SGLT2i use in non-critically ill hospitalized patients with T2DM.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This single-center, observational, retrospective cohort study included adults with established T2DM admitted to a large tertiary care hospital between August 1 and December 7, 2024. Patients receiving an SGLT2i in combination with insulin therapy were compared with patients receiving insulin therapy alone. The primary outcome was median inpatient point-of-care blood glucose. Secondary outcomes included percentage of glucose readings within the target range (100–180 mg/dL), total daily insulin, 90-day all-cause readmissions, length of stay, inpatient mortality, acute kidney injury, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 150 patients were included (75 per group). Median inpatient blood glucose was lower in the SGLT2i group compared with insulin alone (165 vs. 180 mg/dL; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). There was no difference in the percentage of glucose readings within target range. Patients receiving SGLT2i required a slightly lower median total daily insulin dose (15 vs. 16 units; <em>P</em> = 0.006) and had fewer 90-day all-cause readmissions (28% vs. 48%; <em>P</em> = 0.005). Rates of hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, ketoacidosis, length of stay, and inpatient mortality were similar between groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In this real-world cohort of non-critically ill hospitalized patients with T2DM, SGLT2i use in combination with insulin was associated with comparable glycemic control and no increase in adverse safety outcomes. These findings support cautious continuation of SGLT2i during hospitalization in appropriately selected patients and underscore the need for prospective studies to better define inpatient use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expanding impact: Resident research advancing the future of pharmacy practice","authors":"Darin C. Ramsey PharmD, BCPS, BCACP","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100118","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100118","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced roles for pharmacy technicians in North Carolina outpatient community-based pharmacies: A survey of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians","authors":"Andria Zuhlke,&nbsp;Laura Russell,&nbsp;Macary Weck Marciniak,&nbsp;Traci Shell,&nbsp;Laura A. Rhodes","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pharmacy technicians have traditionally assisted pharmacists with administrative medication dispensing tasks, but many are now being trained to serve in advanced roles supporting clinical services. However, the specific advanced tasks they perform and the benefits or barriers associated with these roles remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To identify the roles and training methods offered by outpatient community-based pharmacies to pharmacy technicians and to identify perceived benefits and barriers for pharmacy technicians serving in advanced roles.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional, online survey was distributed to outpatient community-based pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in North Carolina whose sites employed at least one pharmacy technician. A 19-item investigator-developed survey explored technician roles, practice site-encouraged or supported training, and perceived benefits and barriers to pharmacy technicians in advanced roles. The survey was open for 30 days. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 42,800 surveys distributed, 2663 were returned, and 1257 were included (pharmacists: n = 459; pharmacy technicians: n = 798). Commonly reported tasks performed were refill reminders (n = 1237, 98%), data entry (n = 1213, 96%), inventory management (n = 1203, 96%), and patient intake (n = 975, 78%). Encouraged or supported trainings at the practice site were continuing education (n = 1080, 86%), vaccine administration certificate training programs (n = 986, 78%), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training (n = 874, 70%). Reported benefits were increased workflow efficiency (n = 645, 51%), increased personal or career satisfaction (n = 599, 48%), and increased workplace engagement (n = 555, 44%). Reported barriers were hiring shortages or high turnover (n = 591, 47%), lack of interest, engagement, or capacity (n = 574, 46%), and lack of incentive (n = 561, 45%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>North Carolina pharmacy technicians support pharmacists in tasks beyond medication dispensing, aided by practice site-supported training or education aligned with regulatory requirements. Findings suggest the need for solutions to address hiring shortages, a lack of interest, engagement, or capacity, and to incentivize those fulfilling advanced roles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing food-is-medicine: A pilot of pharmacist-facilitated dietitian scheduling","authors":"Jackie Tan,&nbsp;Kimberly Johnson,&nbsp;Amy Bailey,&nbsp;Kellie J. Goodlet","doi":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.japhpi.2026.100096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>“Food-is-medicine” (FIM) is an emerging health care model that integrates nutrition into chronic disease management. The accessibility of community pharmacists makes them well positioned to identify and refer eligible patients to dietitian services, yet these collaborations and associated patient perceptions remain underexplored in current practice.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to explore the feasibility of community pharmacist-facilitated dietitian appointments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A large pharmacy chain piloted an initiative allowing pharmacists in 1 regional division to directly schedule patients for virtual appointments with their nutrition team. A pharmacist contacted English-speaking adult patients with diabetes or hypertension by telephone between December 2024 and April 2025 and offered to schedule them with a dietitian. Patients who accepted direct scheduling were invited to complete a voluntary survey on their experience.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The pharmacist reached 172 of 336 eligible patients (51.2%) across 110 pharmacy sites. After speaking with the pharmacist, 26 patients (15.1%) expressed interest in dietitian services and 8 (4.7%) were directly scheduled. Reasons for declining an appointment included not having insurance information readily available, requesting contact at a later time, or scheduling conflicts. Among patients who were directly scheduled, 50% attended their appointment. The most common reason for nonattendance was scheduling conflicts. Survey responses indicated overall favorable impressions of both the scheduling process and the dietitian service, including observed minor health improvements such as weight loss. Respondents recognized both pharmacists and dietitians as playing an important role in supporting the management of their chronic conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results of this pilot study support the hypothesis that community pharmacists can facilitate access to nutrition-focused care and highlight an actionable opportunity to integrate community pharmacists into FIM initiatives. Future research should focus on optimizing referral workflows and addressing patient barriers to increase engagement with dietitian services and develop sustainable and scalable models for broader implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100737,"journal":{"name":"JAPhA Practice Innovations","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100096"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148661385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}