By Kristi Lopez

A new pharmacotherapy program at the Kentucky Clinic is helping these patients by closely monitoring their drug intake and making adjustments needed to better control their disease. The program was implemented by UK College of Pharmacy faculty members Bryan Yeager, Pharm.D., and Aimee Gelhot, Pharm.D. Both assistant professors, Yeager also has an appointment in family practice, while Gelhot has a joint appointment in internal medicine.

In the program, the pharmacists work collaboratively with physicians in their departments to aid patients who have long-term chronic illnesses and that, for various reasons, aren’t responding well to their current medication, Yeager said.

"The physicians refer patients to us so we can closely monitor their medications and make adjustments and changes as needed to improve their condition," he said.

Along with their physician, patients have appointments with the pharmacist on a frequent basis to track changes in their health.

One typical outcome from the pharmacotherapy clinic is the asthma patient who needs less quick-relief medication and has improved lung function by finding the best individual drug therapy, Yeager said.

"We also have seen improved patient satisfaction," Gelhot said. "Patients now have someone else working closely with them to help manage their medications along with their physician."

Currently, Gelhot and Yeager each see about 15 patients a week and have a total of 100 patients enrolled in the program.

"For several years pharmacists have been actively involved in inpatient care by closely working with physicians," Yeager said. "But now we also are seeing a trend toward more collaborations in outpatient settings, such as the Kentucky Clinic, as a way to be more pro-active and preventive in treating patients’ illnesses."