APhA issues white paper on Rx synchronization

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation has published a white paper on a prescription synchronization program for improved medication adherence and produced a tool kit for implementation.

The foundation said the Pharmacy’s Appointment Based Model (ABM) that is outlined in the white paper can be implemented in any pharmacy setting. ABMs are designed to improve medication adherence, increase efficiency in the pharmacy, to identify and solve potential problems before patients arrive to pick up their medicines.

“The ABM strengthens the relationship between patients and their pharmacies, which empowers pharmacy staff to assure patients are adherent to the medications they are prescribed,” says Benjamin Bluml, APhA Foundation’s senior vice president for research and innovation. “[The] white paper and tool kit are designed to highlight the benefits of the ABM and provide a plan to systematically integrate the model into the workflow of any interested pharmacy.”

The white paper was developed through a consortium representing 11 community pharmacies or pharmacy networks, three national organizations, and two government agencies.  It presents evidence of the efficacy of the model from pilot implementations across the country and testimonies from pharmacists use the ABM.

The tool kit provides instructions on how pharmacies can integrate the ABM, including how to generate management support, required resources, patient recruitment plans, data monitoring, and technology integration. It also contains templates.