Impact of a pharmacist-driven COPD clinic on outcomes related to COPD in a federally qualified health center.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects many patients across the United States. Morbidity related to COPD can lead to increased financial strain to health care system. The United States is also shifting toward value-based payments, which rely on satisfying quality measures. Pharmacists are equipped with knowledge in adjusting medications based on symptom burden and guideline recommendations in COPD and are equipped with the proper knowledge to address quality measures. OBJECTIVE: This project aimed to determine the impact of a clinical pharmacy service centered around inhaler education and optimization on COPD morbidity and Uniform Data System (UDS) quality measure satisfaction in a federally qualified health center. METHODS: This quality improvement project consisted of patient referrals by and reports from a population health software for the pharmacy service from November 2022 to March 2023. The outcomes in this study included symptom change measured by follow-up modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale in addition to changes in compliance with UDS quality measures. At follow-up, patients were administered another mMRC to evaluate treatment effect and determine quality measure satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirteen patient visits were conducted. Most patients were female (84.6%) with an exacerbation in the previous year (46.1%). All patients received an adjustment in their pharmacotherapy along with inhaler education. The average baseline mMRC score decreased from 2.1 to 0.6, indicating a decrease in overall COPD symptoms. Five quality measures of 13 were satisfied during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The COPD clinical pharmacy service led to an increase in guideline-driven pharmacotherapy regimens for patients with COPD while having an overall decrease in morbidity. Quality measures were also addressed and satisfied after the appointment. Continuation of this quality improvement service will ensure proper assessment of COPD along with addressing UDS quality measures.

Pharmacy Education, Make Way for GenZ.

Although our classrooms are filled with students spanning multiple generations, students entering pharmacy school are largely members of Generation Z (GenZ). To optimize pharmacy education in and outside of the classroom, we must appreciate the distinctions making GenZ unique. GenZ students want to change the world! Although much of this population is currently emerging in classrooms and careers, preliminary observations indicate they are loyal, hard-working, self-sufficient, willing to earn hierarchical advancement, and may change jobs less frequently compared with predecessors. They emerge as one of the most socially responsible generations, passionate about diversity and inclusion.1 They are more likely to choose a career path, workplace, or educational institution for reasons of social responsibility, rather than salary, compared with previous generations. They are also creative, innovative, and willing to try new things without fear of failure, including entrepreneurialism. They are financially astute and careful to make choices ensuring solid return on investment.1 Not surprisingly, most are engaged daily with multiple social media platforms. They care about their digital and social impact and focus on individuality with a desire for customization. GenZ members are uniquely equipped to adapt to today's rapidly changing health care needs. This commentary describes attributes, needs, and perspectives of the GenZ student that must be understood by today's pharmacy educators to assist with tailoring educational strategies. Information presented is summarized from a review of primary and periodical literature, including both research and anecdotal perspectives. We hope that this will be a starting point for further discussion within the academy.