Shields "Care Corner" Blog

A Patient's Advocate

James has been regularly filling his specialty medication at his hospital specialty pharmacy, but has struggled with adherence issues in the past due to his medical and mental health conditions. James and his Pharmacy Liaison have worked closely together throughout his treatment, so the Liaison suggested that he introduce the pharmacy’s blister pack system into his routine as a way to improve his medication adherence. The Liaison explained the process and how they would eventually migrate to having all of James’ medications packaged so that he could take his morning and nightly medications more easily. James loved this idea, but since he recently had a psychiatric episode, his psychiatrist has been altering his medication regimen regularly to find a treatment that works for him and was not able to put that specific medication into the blister packs just yet.

 

James and his Liaison have developed a very close relationship and catch up every few weeks to review his health and personal life during phone calls that last upwards of 45 minutes to an hour. This month though, James felt different. Due to the changes his psychiatrist prescribed, he finally feels like he is on to something and is feeling a lot better. James’ Liaison was glad to hear this and worked hand in hand with his psychiatrist to get his new medication into the blister packing so that James’ medication regimen could be as simple as possible. When the Liaison called James to give him the update, he was surprised and amazed that his Liaison would go out of his way to make sure he was fully taken care of. James was very grateful and on the verge of tears, and his Liaison responded, “I just want what’s best for you.”

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Integrated Clinic/Pharmacy Care: 3-5x more patient care interactions leads to higher patient satisfaction rates and fewer lapses in care.
  • Reducing re-admission rates: Proactive refill calls to patients by trained Pharmacy Liaisons has proven to reduce re-admission rates among high risk patient populations.

Watch this video to learn more about the obstacles specialty pharmacy patients face and how Shields Health Solutions has worked with health systems across the country to integrate pharmacy and clinical care for patients.

Subscribe To The Care Corner Blog Here!