Abstract

Introduction

A 2019 survey identified significant variability of practice characteristics among outpatient psychiatric pharmacists (OPPs). No published model establishes which attributes constitute best practice for OPPs. By developing a consensus for best practice model attributes, OPPs can work toward consistent, effective patient care. This project aimed to develop attribute statements for a best practice model for OPPs providing direct patient care.

Methods

Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists and American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) members were questioned using a 5-phase (P1-P5) survey and summit approach. The phases were: P1, broad ideation survey; P2, 10-person summit to develop draft statements; P3, survey of the draft statements for acceptance; P4, summit to resolve review feedback; and P5, survey of AAPP membership to confirm the finalized statements.

Results

P1 survey results generated a list of 143 possible attributes that informed the P2 summit, which were refined to 28 statements. P3 survey results confirmed at least 70% agreement with each statement. The P4 summit evaluated all P3 survey results and made significant modifications to 4 statements. Informal feedback was sought with other stakeholders, and supporting narratives and references were developed to provide clarity regarding the intent of each statement. Finalized statements and supporting narratives were confirmed in the P5 survey.

Discussion

The 28 attribute statements were developed over 18 months by gathering input and consensus through multiple modalities, including 3 surveys, 2 summit meetings, and numerous informal feedback requests. The agreement on the attribute statements was consistently high across all phases. The final attribute statements are presented elsewhere in this issue.

Abstract

Introduction

The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) used multiple modalities to develop and refine 28 attribute statements to describe a best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacists. Before addressing implementation, assessment, and field testing, it was necessary to finalize and confirm the statements and their supporting narratives among stakeholders. The objective of this project was to confirm the attribute statements and supporting justifications for a best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacists providing direct patient care.

Methods

The 4 phases that resulted in the 28 attribute statements and supporting narratives have been described and published elsewhere. As part of phase 5, the confirmation survey was distributed to pharmacists and resident members of AAPP in November 2021 for 3 weeks.

Results

The survey respondents (n = 74; 6.1%) were licensed pharmacists for an average of 15.6 years (SD = 12.0) and had been practicing as psychiatric pharmacists for an average of 11.3 years (SD = 10.4). Slightly more than half (54.2%) of the respondents reported practicing in the outpatient setting and three-fourths (74.3%) were Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists. For each of the 28 statements, more than 90% of respondents either agreed or agreed with minimal reservations.

Discussion

Given the high degree of agreement on the proposed practice model statements, they will be used as the basis for the outpatient psychiatric pharmacist best practice model. Next steps in developing this model include establishing implementation guidance, determining appropriate metrics for evaluation of these statements in practice, and establishing appropriate field-testing methods.

Abstract

Psychiatric pharmacy continues to grow and look to the future with a focus on helping individuals recover from mental health and substance use disorders. The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) considers Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) the gold standard credential that all psychiatric pharmacists should attain to demonstrate specialized knowledge and expertise in psychiatry. BCPPs are part of collaborative interprofessional teams and practice in hospitals, clinics, and diverse health systems. Two out of 3 BCPPs practicing in clinics have prescriptive authority. BCPPs improve access, safety, medication adherence, and therapeutic outcomes. Every person with a mental health and substance use disorder should have access to a BCPP providing comprehensive medication management (CMM) and psychotropic stewardship aimed at improving population health. BCPPs are in demand owing to their expertise. AAPP envisions growth and expansion of the BCPP role in many areas including coordinating psychiatric transitions of care and telehealth services, managing long-acting injectable medication clinics, providing pharmacogenomic consultation, conducting clozapine and lithium monitoring, managing medications for substance use disorders, leading medication groups, CNS drug development, research, and provider education. To prepare the workforce, colleges and schools of pharmacy should hire BCPPs for optimal curriculum development, and each student pharmacist should have an opportunity to develop a therapeutic alliance with a person recovering from psychiatric illness. Postgraduate year (PGY) 1 residencies should offer learning experiences in psychiatric pharmacy to prepare residents to enter an expanded number of PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residencies, ultimately earning their BCPP and being well positioned to improve mental health care.

Research Trainee Award Finalists

Practical Approaches to Antidepressant-Associated QTc Prolongation: A Review of Cases

Brittany Weger, PharmD Candidate; Ali Goforth, PharmD Candidate; Alexandra Cunha, PharmD Candidate; Shaina Schwartz, PharmD, BCPP; Julie Cooper, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP

High Point University, High Point, NC

Type: Original Research. Background: Individuals with depression are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which may be further complicated by antidepressant-associated QTc prolongation and Torsades de Pointe (TdP). Currently, there is no consensus guidance on QTc calculation, risk assessment, or post-incident management for such cases. Objectives: This review investigates documented cases of antidepressant-associated

2021 MHC Awards and Recognition

MHC Editors' Choice Award

Best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacy practice, part 1: Development of initial attribute statements

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacy practice, part 2: Confirmation of the attribute statements

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Positioning psychiatric pharmacists to improve mental health care

Abstract

Ambitious AAPP vision necessitates bold actions

CPNP 2022 Annual Meeting Poster Abstracts

Research Trainee Award Finalists

Practical Approaches to Antidepressant-Associated QTc Prolongation: A Review of Cases

Intranasal naloxone to treat suspected synthetic cannabinoid overdose: A case report and literature review

Xanomeline/trospium-induced polyuria: A patient case report

Comparison of droperidol and haloperidol for acute agitation in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study

Loxapine for the treatment of psychosis in Lewy body dementia: A case report

Dual long-acting injectable antipsychotic use in treatment-resistant schizophrenia with extensive hospitalization history: A case report

CPNP Announcements

The annual state of CPNP report

CPNP Announcements

CPNP Announcements

Editorial: Elevating to new heights in neuropsychiatric pharmacy at the 2013 CPNP Annual Meeting