Ideas and innovations: Inclusion of pharmacists in chronic pain management services in a primary care practice

Robin Moorman Li, PharmD; Rachel Hrabchak Franks, PharmD; Steven G. Dimmitt, DO; George R. Wilson, MD

doi:10.5055/jom.2011.0089

Authors

Robin Moorman Li, PharmD
Rachel Hrabchak Franks, PharmD
Steven G. Dimmitt, DO
George R. Wilson, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2011.0089

Keywords:

chronic nonmalignant pain, pharmacist, primary care

Abstract

Nonmalignant chronic pain management involves an ongoing process of complex evaluations including proper patient selection, proper prescribing, and careful monitoring. In the Pain Management Refill Clinic, patients are stabilized on an opioid regimen by either a pain specialist or a primary care physician (PCP). The PCP assumes long-term prescription of the regimen and proper follow-up. The inclusion of pharmacists in the management of patients suffering from chronic pain has allowed the physicians to improve opioid prescribing, documentation, and monitoring in accordance with chronic nonmalignant pain guidelines.

Author Biographies

Robin Moorman Li, PharmD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, Jacksonville Campus, Jacksonville, Florida.

Rachel Hrabchak Franks, PharmD

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Belmont University, School of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee.

Steven G. Dimmitt, DO

Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida, Shands Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida.

George R. Wilson, MD

Professor and Chair, Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Shands Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida.

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