Pharmacy Focus Pharmacy Times

On this month's episode Laura Gillespie, PharmD, regional antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist in the Mishawaka and Plymouth Medical Centers at the Saint Joseph Health System, discussed her paper “Impact of Pharmacist-Led Initiatives on Health Care–Associated Clostridioides difficile Rates” published in the March issue of Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems. Gillespie discusses why the impact of pharmacist-led initiatives on health care–associated Clostridioides difficile (C diff) rates can be important for patient outcomes and combating C diff rates.
About The Article
1. This study shows a dramatic decrease (80% and 81%) in hospital and community-onset C. Diff rates following the implementation of pharmacist-led initiatives like antibiotic prescribing guidelines and allergy education.
2. The article highlights the connection between unnecessary antibiotic use and increased C. Diff infections, emphasizing the importance of proper antibiotic stewardship.
3. This study demonstrates the positive impact pharmacists can have on patient safety by reducing hospital-acquired infections through careful monitoring and optimization of antibiotic use.

In this episode, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Pauline K. Long, PharmD, DCES, pharmacist and co-owner of MedsPLUS Consulting in Birmingham, Alabama. They discuss Dr. Pauline's journey into entrepreneurship, her motivations for opening her own pharmacy, the impact of her consulting business on patient outcomes, and innovative approaches to community health and wellness services, including vaccination clinics and employee wellness programs.

Key Takeaways: 





Dr. Pauline Long's journey into entrepreneurship highlights the opportunities for pharmacists to make a significant impact beyond traditional roles. By starting her own pharmacy and consulting business, she demonstrates how pharmacists can innovate and address unmet needs within their communities.
Dr. Pauline's approach emphasizes the importance of community-centered care and culturally competent services. Through strategic partnerships with health care providers and community organizations, she works to improve patient outcomes and address health disparities, particularly in marginalized communities.
Utilizing local resources, grants, and community support is essential for implementing innovative health initiatives. Dr. Pauline’s experience demonstrates the value of networking, seeking mentorship, and accessing resources such as the Small Business Administration to support pharmacy entrepreneurs in navigating obstacles and maximizing impact.Dr. Pauline K. Long can be found on LinkedIn.





To learn more about MedsPLUS Consulting, LLC, check out their website, call 205-650-4636, or reach out to Dr. Pauline via email at drpauline@medsplusconsulting.com. Check out MedsPLUS on their social media channels:




Facebook: @Medsplus Consulting


Instagram: @medsplus_consulting


TikTok: @medsplus


LinkedIn: MedsPLUS Consulting

This episode of Pharmacy Focus: Policy Edition focuses on the DRUG Act and PBM reform efforts with Greg Baker, RPh, CEO of AffirmedRx. The DRUG Act aims to address unfair PBM practices like revenue-based compensation models that incentivize higher drug prices. Baker provides an overview of the key provisions in the legislation and their significance, and the implications of D-linking PBM compensation from drug list prices are also explored. Baker emphasizes the need for transparency in the PBM industry and advocates for fair pharmacist compensation.

This episode of Pharmacy Focus features an interview with Cristin Hackel, MSN, medical director at Nurx Women's Health by Thirty Madison, about OTC contraception and the pharmacist's role in reproductive health. The discussion covers currently available OTC options, like condoms and emergency contraceptive pills, as well as recent developments like the approval of the Opill. She explains the differences in efficacy between OTC and prescription methods and how OTC options can increase accessibility but require self-screening. Further, Hackel addresses the potential public health benefits of improved access to contraception and the impact on reproductive rights. She also discusses strategies for pharmacists to promote education and awareness of contraception options within their communities, such as stocking these OTC products and being knowledgeable to advise patients.

Ron Lanton, esq, partner at Lanton Law, discusses California's Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act (AB 1286), which was signed into law in late 2023. He provides an overview of the key provisions of the new law, including authorizing pharmacists to make staffing decisions to ensure safety, requiring reporting of medication errors and unsafe conditions, and implementing enforcement measures if chains do not comply with the staffing and safety regulations. He also anticipates that this law will help improve patient safety by empowering pharmacy staff to speak up about unsafe environments and preventing fatigue or distractions that could lead to medication errors. It is seen as an important first step at the state level to address issues reported at understaffed chain pharmacies.

The podcast discusses how City of Hope Chicago fully integrates oncology pharmacists into care teams by positioning them in clinics, improving communication and collaboration to minimize delays for patients and enhance care delivery.