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Extracts + Graduates The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy Magazine for Alumni and Friends
I N S I D E Faculty Notes
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TAP and UT
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From the Dean
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Student Features
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Alumni Capsules
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Upcoming Events
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Visiting assistant professor Bob Bechtol presents research from PCOR’s MTM studies.
The Next Generation of Patient Care
PCOR at the 2009 APhA meeting,
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TAP hits the mark for student success, Page 3
The Pharmaceutical Care Outcomes Research (PCOR) lab in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy is proving that success with medication therapy management is not just for Asheville, NC. Under the leadership of director Dr. Sharrel Pinto, ‘01, PCOR has helped community pharmacies provide regimented patient care that changes lives and supports the bottom line. Since 2005, PCOR has coordinated patient care in pharmacies across the Midwest through practicebased research networks (PBRNs). Medication therapy management (MTM), a group of services that optimize therapeutic outcomes for individual patients, is PCOR’s specialty. They have worked with FrontPath, the City of Toledo, and Lucas County on research projects that manage treatment for patients with diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. With the support of PCOR, community pharmacists provide pharmaceutical care that allows patients to manage their diseases and improve the quality of their lives.
Patients regularly visit their local pharmacists who make sure they are taking their medications properly and counsel them about diet and exercise. Because of pharmacist interventions, patients’ lab values, including A1c and blood pressure, markedly improved within three months of enrollment in the City of Toledo program. A third of the patients were already nearing their targeted lab values in the first three months. MTM patients reported fewer emergency room visits, less hospitalization, and a better understanding of how to control their disease states. Patients were also much more likely to meet and sustain goals for their blood glucose, blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In addition, they reported lifestyle changes that include decreased smoking and alcohol consumption. Dr. Pinto speculates that these health improvements also prevent numerous eye problems, foot infections and other symptoms that can occur from exacerbated disease states. Besides the physical continued on page 5