2025 Southeastern Residency Conference

Authors: Michaelyn Moretz, PharmD; Carrington Royals, PharmD; Sara Messier, PA-C; Reagan K. Barfield, PharmD, BCPS; P. Brandon Bookstaver, PharmD, FCCP, FISDA, BCPS; Robert Bailey


Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess whether pharmacist impact in mental health services will provide increased access to services and improved patient outcomes at a medically underserved Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) as compared to clinician interventions. 


Self-Assessment Question: Which of the following areas of behavioral health are pharmacists able to make an impact in? Select all that apply. 
A. Prescribing and monitoring psychiatric pharmacotherapy- Correct
B. Billing for services
C. Diagnosing patients with mental health disorders
D. Optimizing current patient medication regimens - Correct


Background: As the number of mental health clinicians continues to decrease, there is a disproportional demand for adequate provider access. Pharmacist-driven medication therapy adjustments improve access opportunities in this population with the goal of improving quality of life and outcomes for adults with various mental health disorders. Though the use of psychiatric medications is becoming more accepted by the public, there is an indwelling lack of confidence in continued care by providers due to the disease complexity, as well as schedule limitations and the overwhelming need for increased providers in rural areas. Pharmacists are becoming a proposed solution in performing these beneficial services. 


Methods: Established patients of a medically underserved FQHC enrolled in current mental health services eligible for a pharmacotherapy consult within the 6-month study period were included. The primary endpoint for the study was the change in measurable outcomes via mental health screening scores. The secondary endpoints were the potential revenue generation based on pharmacist visits overall and overall impact. Cost-savings and financial benefits were measured by revenue generated over the 6-month study period overall and the conversions of patients to the FQHC pharmacy. Impact was measured by patient satisfaction, disease improvements, adequate lab monitoring, medications reconciled, patient assistance provided through programs, and no-show rates.


Results: In progress


Conclusion: In progress