Expanding access and comprehensive care in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease with pharmacy services

PURPOSE: Recent advances in medication therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including biologics and targeted small molecules, have been demonstrated to significantly improve patient outcomes; however, they have also increased the complexity of care of patients with IBD. The objective of this report is to describe an integrated clinician and specialty pharmacy service model in IBD care to inspire other health systems to adopt similar approaches that could enhance patient care. SUMMARY: Multidisciplinary and integrated models of care for patients with IBD have been shown to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of care. Specifically, pharmacists have demonstrated their ability to provide patient education, prevent interruptions to IBD therapy, improve medication adherence, and improve medication access. Ochsner Health System has developed a system for integrated pharmacy services with the Ochsner specialty pharmacy (OSP) and the Ochsner IBD clinic-based pharmacists. The OSP and IBD clinic-based pharmacists provide comprehensive services to patients with IBD, including medication evaluation for clinical appropriateness, patient education, benefits investigation and financial assistance, and appropriate monitoring of therapy once treatment is started. These services have demonstrated high rates of medication adherence, with the average proportion of days covered at 84.6%, and have expanded patient services within the IBD clinic. CONCLUSION: Integrated pharmacy services enhance patient care by improving therapy access, adherence, and monitoring. With the continued growth of specialty medications, adoption of integrated clinic pharmacy practice models and specialty pharmacies should be prioritized by health systems, clinics, and payers. These approaches cultivate multidisciplinary patient care and address the complex needs of individuals with IBD.