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APhA Foundation's Project IMPACT: Test and Treat

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation has recently released a groundbreaking manuscript detailing its innovative initiative, Project IMPACT: Test and Treat. This peer-reviewed work, published in the latest volume of INNOVATIONS in Pharmacy, highlights the strides made in increasing access to testing and treatment services within community pharmacies across the country.

Overview of Project IMPACT

Initiated in response to the growing healthcare needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Project IMPACT involved 15 community pharmacies that set out to provide critical test and treat services for illnesses such as COVID-19, streptococcus (strep), and influenza (flu). The project enabled pharmacists to engage directly with patients, offering diagnostic testing and immediate treatment options based on established protocols defined by state regulations or in collaboration with healthcare providers.

Through the process, pharmacists not only conducted tests but also engaged in meaningful discussions with patients, guiding them through the necessary steps and offering counseling services. The initiative aimed to streamline healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes by making treatment pathways more accessible.

Results Achieved

The results of Project IMPACT have been remarkably positive. Notably, 88% of patients who were prescribed medications by community pharmacists obtained their prescriptions the same day. This rapid access to treatment emphasizes the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas where immediate access to healthcare can be a challenge.

Benjamin Bluml, the executive director of the APhA Foundation, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “This important work shows the exceptional outcomes that occur when pharmacists are involved. We will continue to build upon this momentum to demonstrate the value pharmacists provide to patients when they’re empowered with appropriate compensation and practice authority to serve those in their community.” This statement reinforces the foundational belief that pharmacists are essential health service providers capable of making a substantial difference in patient care.

Financial and Material Support

The success of this initiative owes much to the generous contributions from Abbott Laboratories, which provided both financial and material support. Such collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships between community pharmacies and healthcare organizations in improving patient health outcomes.

Future Implications

The findings from Project IMPACT are expected to contribute to a broader understanding of the healthcare landscape and the indispensable role pharmacists play in it. With ongoing efforts to empower pharmacists, the APhA Foundation envisions a future where community pharmacies are fully integrated into the healthcare system, leading to enhanced patient care and support.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Project IMPACT will serve as benchmarks for how community pharmacies can expand their services and enhance their roles as vital healthcare providers. Looking ahead, the APhA Foundation remains committed to fostering initiatives that further extend the capabilities and reach of pharmacists in communities across the nation.

To explore more about the APhA Foundation’s initiatives and learn how they are transforming pharmacy practice, visit aphafoundation.org.