Aligning the AACP Strategic Engagement Agenda with Key Federal Priorities in Health: Report of the 2016-17 Argus Commission

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. The Argus Commission identified three major federal priorities related to health care, including the precision medicine initiative, the Cancer Moonshot and the opioid abuse epidemic. Current activities at the federal level were summarized and an analysis of activities within the profession, and academic pharmacy specifically, was prepared. The implications for pharmacy education, research and practice are compelling in all three areas. Recommendations, suggestions and two policy statements aim to optimize the attention to these priorities by the academy. Further, aligning the AACP Strategic Engagement agenda with the opportunities and threats acknowledged in the analysis is essential.

Clinical Utilization of Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry – Perspectives of Pharmacists, Genetic Counselors, Implementation Science, Clinicians, and Industry

“…PGx education for pharmacists is increasing rapidly [76]. In 2017, the Argus Commission emphasized the need for PGx specialists to educate in pharmacy schools and beyond in order to keep up with the fast pace of PGx in the clinic [77].…”

Changing student attitudes and perceptions toward opioid use disorder

“…The AACP suggests preparing every student to provide, administer, and educate on the appropriate use of life-saving interventions to patients, including individuals who may encounter patients at risk for an opioid overdose. The AACP also endorses engaging in educational outreach with other health care providers 9. In an effort to satisfy these recommendations, this study went outside the classroom to educate pharmacy and health sciences students about OUD and decrease negative attitudes toward these patients.…”

“…The American Academy of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) recommends that schools of pharmacy direct teaching and research activities toward reducing the public health threat from OUD. 9 The AACP suggests preparing every student to provide, administer, and educate on the appropriate use of life-saving interventions to patients, including individuals who may encounter patients at risk for an opioid overdose. The AACP also endorses engaging in educational outreach with other health care providers.…”

“…The AACP also endorses engaging in educational outreach with other health care providers. 9 In an effort to satisfy these recommendations, this study went outside the classroom to educate pharmacy and health sciences students about OUD and decrease negative attitudes toward these patients.…”

A Classroom Activity to Increase Student Pharmacists Confidence in Dealing with the Opioid Epidemic

“…The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) has urged colleges and schools of pharmacy to commit to actions aimed at reducing the public health threat from opioid abuse by using teaching, research, and patient-centered, team-based care that includes but is not limited to preparing every student to provide, administer, and educate others in the appropriate use of life-saving interventions to patients, including family members and others who do not themselves have an opioid use disorder but who may encounter individuals at risk of opiate overdose. 16 The purpose of this study was to compare students' attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding substance-use disorders; their specific understanding or self-perceived understanding of opioid abuse; their hopefulness for the treatment of opioid abuse; their understanding of and confidence to treat an opioid overdose; and their appreciation of the role of pharmacists in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and opioid overdose before and after participating in a classroom activity.…”