“The Impact of Pharmacists Engaged in Collaborative Practice Agreements in the United States”

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the role and impact of pharmacists in collaborative practice agreements (CPAs) in the United States.

Methods

An electronic literature review was conducted on studies addressing pharmacists’ involvement in CPAs. Articles included in the review were peer-reviewed studies conducted on adults and published between 2017 and 2022. Articles investigating children were excluded.

Results

Of the articles identified, 8 studies met the eligibility criteria and were selected for the literature review. All of the studies were published between 2017 and 2022 in English in the United States. CPAs were already in place in 7 of the studies with variances due to different healthcare settings and patient populations. The studies evaluated the effect of pharmacist engagement in CPAs on the attainment of clinical and financial goals, satisfaction with pharmacist involvement, and existing barriers to pharmacist engagement in CPAs. Findings showed that pharmacist engagement in CPAs had a positive impact on the attainment of the desired clinical and financial goals, and providers were satisfied with pharmacist involvement. A common barrier to pharmacist involvement was the lack of reimbursement.

Conclusion

Pharmacists engaged in CPAs have a positive impact on healthcare, and there are opportunities for expansion of pharmacists’ roles in CPAs, particularly in non-traditional settings.