Embedding pharmacists enhance primary care
Embedding pharmacists in primary care teams boosts access, mitigates physician shortages, and improves outcomes, according to the authors of a Health Affairs Forefront piece. About 69% of visits involve medication, and PCPs spend approximately 37% of their time on activities related to chronic care management, which often includes managing complex medication regimens. Embedded pharmacists save physicians an estimated 640 hours annually while streamlining workflows. They optimize therapies, improve safety, and support high-risk patients (Health Affairs Forefront)
Americans worried about drug access and affordability
Rising medication process and prices and the closures of drugstores and clinics worry consumers. According to Wolters Kluwer Health’s survey, 60% of Americans are concerned about getting medications close to home; only 16% prefer online pharmacies. Although 52% of respondents report that the cost of their prescriptions has increased in the past few years, this represents a decline compared to 2023. Another survey finding: With the complexity of managing multiple medications, consumers are open to tech solutions like QR codes and smart pill organizers. (Benefits Pro)
Practice Transformation
Webinar focuses on state efforts to strengthen primary care
The Association of Health Care Journalists hosted a webinar titled “No one can see you now,” focusing on state efforts to improve primary care. Among the take-aways: Research shows regular primary care visits lead to better health outcomes, fewer hospital visits and $67 billion in potential savings. Despite this, primary care receives only 5% of U.S. healthcare spending. Primary care physicians are among the lowest paid, contributing to a shortage as many retire or leave due to burnout. The webinar highlighted the need for advocacy, leadership, and public awareness to advance primary care policies. (Medical Economics)
Demystify deprescribing
Presenting deprescribing options for polypharmacy patients can be challenging, but there are ways to engage patients and demystify the process, Jennifer Pruskowski, PharmD, told colleagues at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Meeting. She stressed the importance of patient and provider buy-in, tailored conversations and trust-building. Kristin Meyer, PharmD, stressed the I importance of focusing patient impact, such as adverse effects, rather than just lists of dangerous medications. She also noted that pharmacists are the experts in medication regimens and should not be afraid to own that expertise in interdisciplinary meetings. (Pharmacy Practice News)
Evidence & Innovation
Learn more about Trump’s health care picks
Trumps health care team includes vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS and TV host Mehmet Oz for CMS. Managed Healthcare Executive and KFF News’ “What the Health” podcast discuss the men and their positions. The podcast also considers something not making the headlines: Many members of key health committees in the House and Senate. Meanwhile, the Washington Post looks at Dr. Dave Weldon, the CDC critic tapped to head the agency. (Managed Healthcare Executive; KFF Health News; Washington Post)
Policy Solutions
CDC: Low COVID, flu vaccine rates, high hesitancy
Only 17.9% of US adults have received a COVID-19 vaccine, and 34.7% have received an influenza vaccine during the 2024-25 respiratory disease season, according to the CDC. Hesitancy remains high: Just 41% of adults are open to a COVID shot, and 40% to an RSV vaccine. Only 35% were open to a flu shot. A Pew Research Center survey, released shortly before the CDC report, found 60% of Americans will “probably not” get an updated COVID vaccine this year, with fewer than 25% likely to get a COVID-19 booster and 15% having already received one. (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; The Hill)
Leapfrog reports hospital safety improvements
Fewer hospital-associated infections, better hand hygiene and improved medication safety helped many hospitals to improve their safety grades from The Leapfrog Group. Medication safety advances include wider use of Computerized Physician Order Entry. Hospitals “are making notable gains in patient safety, saving countless lives,” Leapfrog President and CEO Leah Binder said in a prepared statement. “Next, we need hospitals to accelerate this progress—because no one should have to die from a preventable error in a hospital.” (The Leapfrog Group)
