by Kelsey Herbers
Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy (VSP) was recently recognized with a 2019 Best Practices Award from the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP).
The award, which was presented at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in Las Vegas, recognizes pharmacy teams that have successfully implemented innovative systems that demonstrate best practices in the field.
VSP was one of six programs in the country to receive the recognition, which was based on its report titled, “Development and outcomes of a high-touch, integrated specialty pharmacy model at an academic health system.”
Programs were judged on originality, significance to both the health system and to the advancement of pharmacy practice, demonstration of improvements and quality of the report.
“VSP is honored that our program was recognized by ASHP, and we hope that the outcomes demonstrated by our model will encourage other health systems to develop and grow their own specialty pharmacy programs to continually elevate patient care,” said Tara Kelley, PharmD, MMHC, executive director of VSP.
Launched in 2011, VSP offers patients with chronic or rare conditions coordinated care in collaboration with the patient’s specialty clinic.
Pharmacy teams consisting of both pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians assist patients requiring specialty medications throughout their journey, from therapy initiation through delivery to the patient’s home with consistent follow-up.
VSP provides medication and financial counseling, specialty therapy management programs and periodic interventions.
Since its launch, the model has increased both patient and provider satisfaction with specialty pharmacy services, decreased time to medication initiation and increased medication adherence and has ensured financial assistance for patients in need.
