A Special Model For Specialty Pharmacy

• By: PASLIER, Jill (Paslier Consulting LLC, United States)
• Co-author(s): Dr Jill Paslier (Paslier Consulting LLC, Blue Bell, United States)
  
• Abstract:

  In some countries, like the United States (US), there is a distinct system for dispensing expensive and complicated medications called specialty medications. These medications help treat different conditions like hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), multiple sclerosis, oncology, autoimmune disorders, and more. Since these medications are costly and complex, some community pharmacies have centralized specialty pharmacy services to improve clinical and operation offerings. These pharmacies provide high-quality clinical therapy management including initial assessments, re-assessments, education, plan of care, and interventions. They can also help patients with financial assistance, remind them when it's time to refill their medication, and offer free supplies and delivery. Specialty pharmacies may also follow accreditation requirements such as maintaining a quality management committee and clinical oversight body to monitor progress towards meeting quality, safety, and clinical objectives.
  
  In this presentation, specialty pharmacy expert and consultant, Dr. Jill Paslier, PharmD, CSP, FISMP, explains what specialty medications are and why they require specialized pharmacy care. She discusses the unique model of specialty pharmacy in the US, which includes clinical, operational, financial, quality, and safety programs. Dr. Paslier also presents a summary of how patients receive care through this specialty pharmacy model and provides a case example to illustrate the patient's journey and experience.
  
  Dr. Paslier shares valuable insights on lessons learned and best practices from various professional organizations, accrediting bodies, and specialty pharmacies in the US. These insights provide practical tips that can help pharmacists worldwide improve their services and offer better care to their patients. Additionally, the presentation showcases the benefits of implementing an enhanced specialty pharmacy model that may be applicable in other countries. By learning from the experiences of others, pharmacists can better navigate the complex landscape of specialty pharmacy and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
  
  In conclusion, this presentation offers actionable recommendations and practical tools for developing specialty pharmacy services in community or outpatient pharmacies. The insights can be applied not only in the US but also worldwide. Pharmacists can use these recommendations and resources to improve and standardize their operational, clinical, and quality programs, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
  
  Purpose/Objectives:
  Discuss business and operational considerations applicable to specialty pharmacy.
  Apply quality and safety strategies to your specialty medication management.
  Develop a clinical assessment process to review and confirm appropriate therapy for patients taking specialty medications.