The Authors’ Own Words: Integration of a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist into a Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program to Improve Prescribing Rates of Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Integration of a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist into a Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program to Improve Prescribing Rates of Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy

Erica Dimitropoulos PharmD, Stephanie Bertucci LICSW; & Kara Wong PharmD, BCPP

Substance Abuse Vol. 39, Iss. 2, 2018

“The pharmacist’s role in the management of substance use disorders is not currently well defined. In an effort to explore this further, our study employed a bridge service that utilized pharmacists to improve access to evidence-based alcohol use disorder pharmacotherapy. Using this model, we were able to optimize treatment by offering medications to supplement psychotherapy for patients enrolled in an intensive outpatient program. Our intervention serves as an example for other facilities looking for novel ways to integrate pharmacists into substance use disorder clinics.”