Practice Advancement

1815 UPDATE

IPA continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) in partnering with the pharmacy profession to advance education and services that improve the health outcomes of patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. As the essential role of the pharmacist continues to be highlighted through the COVID-19 pandemic, public health looks to further include pharmacists in helping patients by implementing new and enhanced evidence-based services in these disease states.

Focus areas of the 1815 project include establishing new Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs. DPP is a year-long lifestyle/behavioral change modification program that is accredited by the CDC. The focus group for this program includes patients who have pre-diabetes or those who do not have an active diabetes diagnosis. In contrast, DSMES programs are longitudinal, emphasizing knowledge of the disease and assisting with acute and chronic management for patients with diabetes. DSMES programs are accredited by either the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ACDES). The focus group of this program encompasses both newly diagnosed patients and those who have been managing diabetes over their lifetime to provide education, emotional support and assist in transitions of care. Financial support from IPA exists for pharmacies interested in becoming a DPP or DSMES site and/or sites interested in increasing participant referrals from their pharmacies to established surrounding DPP or DSMES sites.

In addition to these services, the 1815 project supports the innovation happening in practice settings across Iowa. Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services are one of the ways community pharmacists can help increase medication adherence and promote the safe and effective use of medications. MTM services have been shown to be effective for patients with multiple chronic conditions, such as those with high cardiovascular risk. Financial support from IPA exists for pharmacies currently providing medication synchronization and other MTM services in their pharmacies or clinics.

IPA continues to work synergistically with Bill Doucette, PhD, FAPhA, RPH, Division Head and Professor of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Iowa, to improve chronic care conditions through the implementation of targeted hypertension services. Additionally, IPA looks forward to including CPESN-Iowa pharmacies in these efforts to support the work of pharmacies involved in the Flip the Pharmacy program.

For more information on receiving financial support to develop these programs in your pharmacy, please contact IPA’s Director of Professional Affairs, Emmeline Paintsil, at epaintsil@iarx.org.

HEARTLAND AEA PHARMACY CAREER MODULE PROJECT

In August, IPA began working with Heartland AEA to create an interactive career module for 7-12 graders in Iowa. The module highlights both traditional and non-traditional pharmacist roles, as well as the role of pharmacy technicians. Throughout the module, educational requirements are provided, and both of Iowa's Colleges of Pharmacy are emphasized. Not only does this module give students a glimpse into the world of pharmacy, it also showcases why pharmacy in Iowa is so great! With videos of IPA members, real life job postings, and a "choose your own journey" option, student are sure to be intrigued by all the profession has to offer. The module is expected to launch in the upcoming months.

HEPATITIS C GRANT SYRINGE SURVEY

On October 1, IPA began a partnership with IDPH to carry out grant work surrounding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment related to the infectious disease consequences of drug use. In working towards project goals, IPA began the process of developing a survey surrounding the sale of hypodermic syringes and the distribution of naloxone in Iowa. In addition to partnering with IDPH, IPA has also partnered with Drake University and the University of Iowa to aid in the developmental process. The goal of this survey is to assess pharmacist and pharmacy staff knowledge and comfort levels surrounding the sale of hypodermic syringes and naloxone distribution across the state. The survey is expected to be distributed after the turn of the year.

IDPH VACCINE EQUITY GRANT

In November, IPA was awarded a multi-year subcontract with IDPH for implementing strategies that ensure greater equity and access to the COVID-19 vaccine for populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The project will support COVID-19 vaccination education, outreach and administration. The funds will be used to increase vaccine confidence, engage trusted messengers, and address vaccine hesitancy through collaboration and subcontracting with external partners and stakeholders. For more information on this project and how to collaborate with IPA, please contact IPA’s Director of Professional Affairs, Emmeline Paintsil, at epaintsil@iarx.org.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

IPA continues to seek out additional funds to support pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy owners across the state. This quarter, IPA submitted a grant proposal for a multi-year subcontract with IDPH to address disparities and advance health equity for vulnerable populations. The funding would help create and leverage community partnerships with pharmacies and local public health to reach vulnerable populations, most notably in Iowa’s rural communities. If awarded the funding, IPA seeks to implement strategies to address social determinants of health needs to reduce COVID-19-related health disparities in higher risk populations.

IPA recently submitted a funding proposal to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to request funds for projects to promote medication safety and advance the roles of pharmacy technicians. IPA’s proposal includes reimbursement for pharmacy technicians to obtain advanced certifications in point of care testing and supports the growth of the pharmacy technician workforce through the development of a registered apprenticeship program with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD).