Implementation of a Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Workflow in a Multidisciplinary Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Clinic

Background:

Duke University Health System’s multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology division added a clinical pharmacist and pharmacy technician to the multidisciplinary team in July 2016. Clinic roles for a pharmacist in a multiple sclerosis clinic previously identified include completing medication reviews, assisting with insurance barriers, and providing education to patients and caregivers. Implementation of both a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician represents a unique opportunity to optimize clinic workflow.

Objectives:

To develop and implement an effective, patient-centered workflow for a clinical pharmacist and pharmacy technician in a multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology clinic.

Methods:

A clinical pharmacist and pharmacy technician workflow was developed, which focused on patients who recently initiated multiple sclerosis medications.  Pharmacist and pharmacy technician utilization rates over a 6-month period were assessed. Pharmacist utilization rates include telephone and clinic visit encounters and pharmacy technician utilization rates include number of prior authorizations completed.

Results:

Results are pending and will be presented at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers conference.

Conclusions:

Implementation of a pharmacist and pharmacy technician in a multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology clinic has improves patient access to care, medication education, and patient follow-up. Future directions include determining pharmacist impact on outcomes such as adherence and lab monitoring from pharmacist-lead visits. In addition, prior authorization turnaround time and acceptance rates will be assessed.