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Nephrology practice and research network opinion paper: Pharmacists' perspectives on the Advancing American Kidney Health initiative
Author(s) -
Meaney Calvin J.,
Manley Harold J.,
Pai Amy Barton,
Battistella Marisa,
Hudson Joanna Q.,
Peter Wendy L.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of the american college of clinical pharmacy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2574-9870
DOI - 10.1002/jac5.1309
Subject(s) - medicine , nephrology , pharmacy , pharmacy practice , medication therapy management , health care , kidney disease , clinical pharmacy , disease management , family medicine , stakeholder , intensive care medicine , nursing , pharmacist , disease , public relations , political science , parkinson's disease , law
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for clinically significant medication therapy problems (MTPs) due primarily to the complex pharmacotherapy prescribed by numerous providers, and the significant changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of many medications due to their kidney disease. While MTPs are well recognized, pharmacists are not routinely involved in the health care teams that provide care for patients with CKD. The Advancing American Kidney Health initiative was announced in July 2019 and is poised to shift models of care in nephrology toward value‐based payment. This represents an opportunity for pharmacists to integrate into teams to improve quality of care and outcomes for patients with CKD. Pharmacists should engage in medication reconciliation, transitions of care, and medication‐focused kidney disease education programs within a comprehensive medication management (CMM) framework to optimize pharmacotherapy outcomes. To implement these services, pharmacists need to utilize certified pharmacy technicians, telehealth, interprofessional skills, and other tools in innovative ways. Current models of successful practice from Canada can serve as a template for United States‐based nephrology pharmacy practice. In this opinion paper, we characterize the current state of nephrology practice and identify significant opportunities for advancement. We propose metrics to evaluate pharmacy services and a framework for key stakeholder engagement which will be critical to advance the profession of pharmacy within nephrology. The Advancing American Kidney Health initiative offers a distinct opportunity to demonstrate the value of CMM provided by pharmacists in the nephrology arena to optimize patient care.