NACDS Foundation Research Grants (Medication Management in Medical Homes and ACOs)

Geographic Scope: United States (three projects: Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa)

Focus Areas:

• Community pharmacist-provided medication management strategies
• Integration of pharmacy services into patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs)
• Integration of pharmacy services into Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
• Medication adherence and therapy management
• Patient health outcomes evaluation
• Coordinated care models

Award Details:

• Three research institutions funded
• Two-year funding period for each project
• Physician-led coordinated care teams with community pharmacy partners

Funded Projects:

1. University of Nebraska Medical Center
   • Focus: Medication management for hypertension and type-2 diabetes
   • Partners: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, Walgreen Co., Nebraska Health Information Initiative
   • Geographic scope: Multiple Nebraska communities
2. North Dakota State University
   • Focus: Advanced medication management strategies in statewide medical home network (MediQHome)
   • Partners: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Thrifty White Pharmacy, Prime Therapeutics, OutcomesMTM
   • Geographic scope: Statewide North Dakota; 150,000+ eligible patients
3. University of Iowa
   • Focus: Medication management in Pioneer ACO
   • Partners: Trinity Pioneer ACO, OutcomesMTM, Iowa Pharmacy Association, 25 community pharmacies
   • Geographic scope: 8 counties in central Iowa; 7,700 Medicare beneficiaries

Background:

• Request for Proposals released in early 2012
• More than 40 proposals received
• Reviewed by independent committee of public health, health policy, academic research and industry experts
• Focus on medication adherence: only 50% of patients take medications as prescribed, costing nation >$290 billion annually
• Potential savings: ACO with 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries could save $1.1 million annually in emergency and hospital costs through improved adherence

Organization:

• Funder: National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation
• Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization
• EIN: 51-0144922
• Address: 1776 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22209