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The rise of value-based care has led to a greater discussion on the importance of pharmacists in the health system. Recently, a new review by an accountable care organization (ACO) known as Partners for Kids (PFK) has detailed how the inclusion of pharmacists in the development and execution of various quality improvements within the organization has positively affected outcomes for patients while also lowering overall costs. It also highlights how pharmacists are critical for the delivery of high-value health care, including medication training, resources, and guidance, which can improve quality of care at lower costs.
According to the review, more than half of ACOs currently employ or contract pharmacists to support their mission to provide an improved patient care experience, better population health, and reduced per capita healthcare costs. Pharmacists in these organizations, including the two in PFK, focus on improving medication adherence, optimizing drug selection while reducing inappropriate utilization, minimizing variations in prescribing patterns, and improving patient satisfaction.