Characterization of clinical pharmacist services within an outpatient gastroenterology clinic

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Despite the continued health care burden of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and recognition of pharmacists as integral members of the health care team, the clinical pharmacist role and appropriate billing for services within the gastroenterology setting have not been sufficiently defined. <h3>Objectives</h3> This project aimed to explore the characterization of pharmacist services in an outpatient gastroenterology clinic and the interventions performed. <h3>Methods</h3> This institutional review board–exempt quality improvement project was conducted in the outpatient gastroenterology clinic at Indiana University Health (IUH) over a 5-month period. Patients were included if they were 18 years of age or older, were seen by an IUH gastroenterology physician or advanced practice provider, and received pharmacist services. The primary outcome was the number of pharmacist interventions performed. Pharmacist interventions were captured, including the reason for referral; the method of referral and chronic conditions managed were also recorded. <h3>Results</h3> Over the project timeline, there were 83 interventions captured for 58 unique patients. Approximately 28% of referrals were in-person, another 28% were referred through chart review, and approximately 44% were referred through electronic medical record messaging. The most common conditions managed were Crohn's disease and chronic constipation. There were 15 specialty medications sent to the internal specialty pharmacy but only 2 were approved to fill internally. A total of 57 pharmacist visits were conducted. The most common type was telephonic visits, with 49 visits for 20 unique patients. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The results of this project provide insight into future characterization of clinical pharmacist services within the outpatient GI setting, largely justified by internal capture of specialty medications and building patient relationships.