Table 1 Pharmacist-integrated medication treatment for OUD (PrIMO) core components
Core component | Description |
|---|---|
Collaborative communication | Regular collaborative communication among all members of the care team is the cornerstone of this integrated model. Clinicians will communicate needs or questions about medications, and pharmacists will communicate information learned through other touch points of MOUD care (i.e., observations at the pharmacy when a patient picks up medication) |
PrIMO operations team meetings | At least weekly, the clinical care team providing MOUD at the site will meet to discuss operations of the treatment program, specific patient needs, and clinic or workflow needs related to the PrIMO model |
Support and educate providers | The pharmacist will support and educate providers and other site staff on a variety of topics that fall under their realm of expertise. For example, pharmacists may assist in the initiation to MOUD, supporting the provider in selecting the appropriate medication, dosing, and ongoing management |
Support and educate patients | The pharmacist will offer to meet with patients one-on-one to discuss medications, concerns (including insurance coverage and needed prior authorizations), co-management of other health conditions alongside MOUD, and specifics of the medication prescribed |
Screen for and manage comorbid conditions | The PrIMO team will develop or manage an existing health screening order that can include blood tests as well as clinical assessments for risk of many health conditions that patients with OUD often comanage. The pharmacist will work to address these comorbid conditions and their associated treatment, preventative measures for at-risk conditions (including immunizations and vaccinations), and coordinate referrals to specialty providers outside of the clinic. The pharmacist will have a large role in managing health screening and coordinating care across other care team members |
Educate local partners | As integrated MOUD care providers, the PrIMO team at the site will be encouraged to share learning opportunities with other local partners at the clinic and/or within the local community |