Research Projects Page

This study quantified VSP pharmacists’ work performed to facilitate specialty medication education, access, adherence, and persistence for patients who do not use VSP. Across 3 clinics over 5 months, pharmacists performed 1,645 actions for 714 non-VSP patients, equating to 375 hours and $30,429.48 in estimated pharmacist compensation. Lack of visibility in the patient journey and increased workload on providers and health systems is created when payers and manufacturers lockout IHSSPs.

This study evaluated how allergic comorbidities affect dupilumab persistence when prescribed for asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Non-persistence was 19% and 22% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. The median time to non-persistence was 66 days (IQR 25-95). Patients with commercial insurance and those with AERD were more likely to persistent.

The purpose of this study was to assess factors that affect time to human growth hormone (hGH) approval, utilizing an integrated specialty pharmacy model. The outcome measure was time to approval of growth hormone. Patients with Idiopathic Short Stature and those for whom insurance requires additional testing are likely to have longer access times.

This study evaluated the treatment of HCV using DAAs in pediatric patients using an integrated specialty pharmacy model. The model was effective in navigating patients through the treatment cascade of care to SVR. Additional pharmacist contacts were needed for 45% of patients unable to swallow the dosage form at the initial clinic evaluation. Linkage to care following initial clinc evaluation remains a challenge especially in those age 0-5 years.

Given the high efficacy rates of DAA treatment in patients following NAT+ HCT SOT in HCV-recipients, little data is available to guide retreatment selection. This study aims to fill this gap by polling data from multiple treatment sites, assessing the retreatment strategies and SVC rates of said strategies.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a transparent, streamlined process of managing patients with IBD receiving specialty medications that have complex dosing regimens with IV to SubQ routes of administration. This was achieved by implementing an EHR flowsheet for patient management and care coordination between infusion and specialty pharmacy staff.

This study examined the association between patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes for patients prescribed specialty medications from rheumatology or multiple sclerosis clinics in two HSSPs for 3,677 patients over 30 months. Patients reporting tolerability issues or lower perceived effectiveness were more likely to report a missed dose.

The Vanderbilt Health System Specialty Pharmacy Outcomes Research Consortium partnered with ASHP to disseminate a national survey assessing clinical services provided by health-system specialty pharmacies (HSSPs). Results demonstrated that HSSPs are a clinical and educational resource for specialty clinics and have developed robust patient care services that encompass the patient journey from before specialty medication selection through treatment monitoring and optimization.

This study evaluated the impact of delayed insurance approval on outcomes in patients prescribed alternate doses of biologic therapy for the treatment of IBD. Researchers found that longer time to insurance approval of a higher biologic dosing regimen was associated with an increase in C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, in at least 45 days after the decision to escalate dose, suggesting the longer time to approval, the less likely to see an improvement in C-reactive protein.

This study evaluated prescription cannabidiol (CBD) outcomes including patient characteristics, adherence and discontinuation, and clinical outcomes during the first 12 months of therapy. Patients initiating therapy had complex medication use patterns. Adherence was high (PDC 94%), but 23% of patients discontinued in the first 12 months. Many patients (37%) utilized emergency healthcare services after CBD initiation. There was no significant change in concomitant ASM use.