DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26798 ISSN: 8755-6863

A decade of change: The evolution of pharmacy services at U.S. cystic fibrosis centers

Paige M. Grube, Elizabeth B. Autry, Lauren N. Kormelink, David C. Young, Jeffery T. Zobell, Zubin N. Bhakta, Aric D. Schadler, Robert J. Kuhn
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
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Abstract

Introduction

People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) require a multidisciplinary care team due to disease complexity. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) notes that pharmacists are recommended, while other organizations consider pharmacists required. In 2016, the CFF initiated a grant program for CFF‐accredited care centers and affiliate programs (CFF‐ACCAP) to implement outpatient pharmacy services. The primary objective of this study was to compare surveys regarding pharmacy involvement in CFF‐ACCAP pre‐ and post‐grant implementation.

Methods

This was an IRB‐approved, survey‐based study. The surveys were distributed via the CF pharmacist‐pharmacy technician and center director e‐mail exchanges.

Results

There are currently 244 CFF‐ACCAP and 158 pharmacists. Forty‐two pharmacists completed the 2013 survey and 77 completed the 2023 survey. Practice site shifted from primarily the inpatient (58.5%) to outpatient settings (67.5%; p < .001). Most positions were created in the past 7 years (81%) with 50% currently or previously funded by the CFF grant program. CFF center director response decreased from 2013 to 2023 (106 vs. 48) but centers with a dedicated CF pharmacist increased from 2013 to 2023 (66%–86%; p = .014). In the 2023 survey, we received responses from 17 pharmacy technicians, who were newly included. Most of these technicians (64%) reported working in outpatient clinics.

Conclusions

Since 2013, pharmacy presence has grown at CFF‐ACCAP, partly due to the CFF grant program. Despite pharmacists not being required members of the multidisciplinary care team, their presence is notable in 65% of CFF‐ACCAP centers, where they contribute significantly to improving the care provided for pwCF.

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