Chase Reece, BSHP '24

Today I began reviewing background literature regarding collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM). CDTM provides a framework for a collaborative agreement between a pharmacist and a physician, which enables the pharmacist to provide higher levels of patient care. More specifically, it allows pharmacists to administer medications, adjust dosages, order laboratory tests, and assess patients based upon a defined protocol and under the supervision of a physician. In rural areas with high demand for primary care services but few physicians, research shows that CDTM is a potentially groundbreaking avenue for increasing access to preventative services and chronic disease management. However, there are potential barriers to implementation such as regulations, lack of established billing practices for CDTM, and the need for additional postgraduate training for pharmacists. Additionally, more data is needed regarding patient, physician, and pharmacist attitudes and beliefs around CDTM.