Research
Chronic diseases account for 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year and approximately 75% of the $2.6 trillion the U.S. spends annually on health care. The APhA Foundation believes that pharmacists are a solution to better controlling chronic diseases and has focused substantial research efforts on demonstrating the value of pharmacists in improving health outcomes and lowering overall costs for chronic disease patients. The Foundation has implemented its Project IMPACT process of care model to study its effect on chronic diseases such as Osteoporosis, Depression and Hypertension.
Chronic diseases account for 75% of the $2.6 trillion the U.S. spends annually on health care.
IMPACT stands for Improving America's Communities Together. The IMPACT care model encompasses a collaborative effort between the patient, caregiver, prescriber, and pharmacist to improve chronic disease control.
Improved Health Outcomes
Paarticipants in our research projects are achieving better health outcomes and we have the evidence.
Lowered Health Care Costs
We are making overall health care costs more affordable for both patients and employers.
Achieved Standards of Care
Standards for collecting data that help properly assess conditions are helping improve patient safety.
Explore our current research projects
This research initiative has proven to be highly successful in its efforts to improve the care of individuals with diabetes. Through this initiative, the foundation has been able to make significant strides in enhancing the quality of care provided to those living with this chronic condition.
The objective of Project IMPACT HPV is to encourage adults and adolescents to receive the HPV vaccine as a means to prevent cancer. The project aims to demonstrate the benefits of involving pharmacists in the implementation of innovative care models.
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a quivering or irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia that can be life-threatening. In this project, pharmacists utilize an FDA-cleared EKG to assess Afib and how patient risk factors can be modified or monitored. Pharmacists in this project are also addressing social determinants of health with their patients!
Community pharmacy has made great strides toward becoming a destination for “test and treat” services not only for COVID-19 but also for flu and strep. This project builds upon the leveraging of community pharmacy and the role that pharmacists play in addressing patients’ health conditions by increasing access to test and treat services.
Enhanced Patient Satisfaction
Our patients are feeling happier and healthier.
Increased Medication Adherence
Our patients are learning how to take medications properly and following regimens recommended by their pharmacist.
Improved Risk Identification & Referral
We are finding individuals unaware of their risk and referring them to receive appropriate care.
Explore our past research projects across the years
2021-2024
This multi-phase initiative incorporates a unique care model that focuses on identifying unfulfilled vaccination requirements for adults, improving the overall health of the population by preventing diseases, and gradually reducing healthcare expenses.
2020-2024
The aim of this demonstration project was to create an additional access point in the community at local pharmacies for Afib screening, detection, and referral to physicians for follow-up and initiation of evidence-based therapy when appropriate.
2015-2016
The goal of this research was to evaluate the impact of an innovative practice model on identification of unmet vaccination needs and vaccination rates through a prospective, observational study in 8 community pharmacy practices with adults receiving an influenza vaccine with a documented vaccination forecast review in 2015-2016
2008-2014
Patients enrolled met with the pharmacist or student pharmacist 4 times over a 6 month period, and patients received a home blood pressure monitor that was capable of wirelessly transmitting readings to the pharmacy.
2008-2012
Patients enrolled scheduled an intake interview with participating pharmacists to assess their current mental status, ongoing stressors, past psychiatric history, social and family histories, medical history and completed a validated, self-rated depression scale (PHQ-9).
2006-2013
Pharmacists delivered screening services to patients by appointment, through stand-alone screening days and through outreach to local assisted living facilities and senior centers.
2021-2023
Patients went to the pharmacy for screening events and wellness days where osteoporosis risk stratification and bone mineral density screening took place.
1996-2001
After the initial visit and consultation with the pharmacist, patients were asked to make follow-up visits every month for the first 3 months and quarterly thereafter. During these visits, pharmacists employed the APhA Foundation’s Process of Care to engage in collaborative care with the patient and other members of the health care team
Interested in participating in a project?
We are always looking for qualified participants to be a part of our mission to improve people’s health through pharmacists’ patient care services.
Participants may include:
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Pharmacists
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Patients
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Physicians
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Payers
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Other healthcare providers
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Patient Health Organizations
Contact us at info@aphafoundation.org to join one of our innovative research projects that explores new models of practice for pharmacists and redefines patient care.
Publications
View publications from our innovative research projects here.