Pharmacists’ Expanded Roles Dramatically Improve Patient Outcomes, New Study Reveals

A Recent study highlights teh growing importance of integrating Pharmacists into primary care teams, demonstrating a meaningful positive impact on patient health and clinician well-being. The research underscores that accomplished team-based care relies on strong relationships and a clear understanding of roles, rather than simply adding personnel.

The Impact of pharmacist Intervention

The study showcases instances where pharmacists have directly improved patient safety and outcomes. One compelling exmaple involved a patient with type 2 diabetes and impaired vision who experienced frequent hypoglycemic events while home alone. A Pharmacist dedicated 30 minutes to explaining insulin pharmacokinetics and proper dosing strategies,leading to a remarkable 50% reduction in hypoglycemic episodes by the patient’s next visit.

Thes findings address a critical gap in discussions surrounding interprofessional practise, often overlooking the valuable perspective of Pharmacists. The data offers practical guidance for healthcare organizations aiming to strengthen their team-based care models.

Beyond Task delegation: Building Collaborative Relationships

The research emphasizes that effective integration goes beyond simply assigning tasks. Meaningful collaboration and a shared culture are essential for Pharmacists to fully contribute their expertise. Role clarity doesn’t arise from job descriptions alone, but through ongoing interaction and teamwork.

Pharmacists can notably alleviate the burden on physicians and other healthcare providers by taking ownership of medication management responsibilities.This includes tasks like medication reconciliation, dosage adjustments, and patient education, which can free up clinicians to focus on more complex medical issues.

Addressing Systemic Barriers to Expanded Roles

Despite the clear benefits, several structural obstacles hinder the full utilization of Pharmacists’ skills. Unclear expectations regarding their role within the team and limited reimbursement for clinical pharmacy services are significant challenges. Addressing these barriers is crucial for sustaining and expanding these impactful roles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Pharmacists is projected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations, adding about 11,600 jobs. However, maximizing that contribution requires adapting reimbursement models and clearly defining Pharmacist responsibilities.

Here’s a summary of key findings:

How does photovoice provide insight into the impact of embedded pharmacists on patient outcomes and primary care teams?

Photovoice Reveals How Embedded Pharmacists Transform Primary Care Teams and Patient Outcomes

The integration of pharmacists directly within primary care teams – an approach known as embedded pharmacy – is gaining momentum as a powerful strategy to improve healthcare delivery. But how do we truly understand the impact from the patient’s perspective? Increasingly, researchers are turning to photovoice, a participatory action research method, to illuminate these transformations.

Understanding photovoice in Healthcare

photovoice empowers patients to document their lived experiences through photography, followed by reflective discussion. Participants are asked to photograph aspects of their healthcare journey, then share their images and narratives, revealing insights often missed by customary data collection methods. This qualitative approach is particularly valuable when assessing the impact of interventions like embedded pharmacist services. It moves beyond simply measuring clinical outcomes to understanding how care feels to those receiving it.

The Role of the Embedded Pharmacist: A Multifaceted Approach

Embedded pharmacists aren’t simply dispensing medications. Their role is far more extensive,focusing on optimizing medication management and enhancing overall patient care. Key responsibilities include:

* medication Reconciliation: Ensuring accurate medication lists, reducing discrepancies, and preventing adverse drug events. This is particularly crucial for patients with complex chronic conditions.

* Chronic Disease Management: Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure through medication therapy management (MTM).

* Patient Education & Counseling: Providing clear, understandable details about medications, side effects, and adherence strategies.

* Addressing medication Non-Adherence: Identifying barriers to adherence and developing tailored solutions.

* Collaborative Prescribing: In some jurisdictions, pharmacists with additional training can engage in collaborative prescribing arrangements, further expanding access to care.

* reducing Polypharmacy: Reviewing medication regimens to identify potentially inappropriate or needless medications, especially in older adults.

Photovoice findings: Patient Perspectives on Embedded Pharmacists

Several photovoice studies have begun to reveal compelling themes regarding patient experiences with embedded pharmacists. Common narratives emerging from these studies include:

* Increased Access to Care: Patients frequently photograph waiting rooms, highlighting the convenience of having a pharmacist readily available within their primary care clinic. This reduces the need for separate pharmacy visits and streamlines care.

* Improved Understanding of Medications: Images often depict medication packaging alongside handwritten notes, demonstrating patients’ newfound ability to identify and understand their medications. Patients report feeling more confident in managing their health.

* Enhanced interaction & Trust: Photos showing interactions with the pharmacist often convey a sense of trust and open communication. Patients describe feeling comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns.

* Empowerment & Self-management: Images of patients actively managing their medications – using pill organizers, tracking blood sugar levels – illustrate a sense of empowerment and increased self-management skills.

* Reduced Anxiety & Fear: patients have used photos to represent their anxieties surrounding medication side effects. The subsequent discussions reveal how the pharmacist’s counseling alleviated these fears.

Impact on Primary care Teams

The benefits of embedded pharmacists extend beyond individual patients, positively impacting the entire primary care team.

* Reduced Physician Workload: pharmacists can handle medication-related tasks, freeing up physicians to focus on diagnosis and treatment of other conditions.

* Improved Team Collaboration: Embedded pharmacists foster a collaborative environment, contributing their expertise to team-based care planning.

* Enhanced Quality of Care: By optimizing medication management,pharmacists contribute to improved clinical outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

* Increased Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and reduced medication errors lead to greater efficiency within the clinic.

Case Study: Rural British Columbia

A photovoice study conducted in rural British Columbia demonstrated the meaningful impact of an embedded pharmacist in a remote primary care clinic.Patients, many of whom faced transportation barriers to accessing pharmacy services, photographed images depicting their relief at having convenient access to medication counseling and management.The study highlighted the pharmacist’s role in addressing medication shortages and providing culturally sensitive care to Indigenous patients.This resulted in demonstrably improved adherence rates for chronic conditions like diabetes.

Practical Tips for Implementing Embedded Pharmacy Programs

Successfully integrating pharmacists into primary care requires careful planning and execution:

1. Secure Buy-In: Gain support from physicians, nurses, and clinic administrators. Highlight the benefits for both patients and the care team.
2. Define Scope of Practice: Clearly delineate the pharmacist’s role and responsibilities.
3. Establish Communication Protocols: Develop clear communication channels between the pharmacist and other members of the care team.
4. Provide Adequate Training: Ensure the pharmacist has the necessary training in primary care, chronic disease management, and collaborative practice.
5. Utilize Technology: Implement electronic health record (EHR) integration to facilitate seamless information sharing.
6. Regularly Evaluate Outcomes: Track key metrics, such as medication adherence, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction, to assess the program’s effectiveness.

The Future of Embedded Pharmacy & Photovoice

As healthcare systems strive to deliver patient-centered care, the role of the embedded pharmacist will continue to expand. Photovoice offers a powerful tool for understanding the nuances of this evolving role and ensuring that interventions are truly responsive to patient needs. Further research utilizing photovoice, alongside traditional quantitative methods, will be crucial to building a robust evidence base for embedded pharmacy and maximizing it’s potential to transform primary care.

Health

Melatonin & Heart Health: Risks & What Experts Say

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health December 30, 2025

written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

The Melatonin Paradox: Why Long-Term Use Could Pose a Hidden Heart Risk

Nearly 60 million Americans use melatonin annually, seeking relief from insomnia, jet lag, and even anxiety. But a growing body of research suggests this widely perceived “harmless” sleep aid isn’t as benign as we thought, particularly when it comes to long-term cardiovascular health. A recent observational study presented at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions revealed adults using melatonin for at least a year had a staggering 90% increased risk of developing heart failure within five years – a finding that’s prompting experts to reassess our reliance on this popular supplement.

The Shifting Science of Sleep and the Heart

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland, regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Its synthetic counterpart has exploded in popularity, fueled by its over-the-counter availability and perceived natural safety. However, the reality is far more complex. Melatonin isn’t simply a sleep switch; it’s a signaling molecule that interacts with receptors throughout the body, including those in the cardiovascular system. This interaction can influence blood vessel tone, heart rate, and autonomic nervous system function.

“Melatonin acts as a signaling molecule with direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system,” explains cardiologist Shaline Rao of NYU Langone Hospital, as reported by National Geographic. The response to melatonin varies significantly based on dosage, timing, formulation, existing medications, and individual health status. While some studies suggest modest benefits for blood pressure and diabetes-related hypertension, the potential downsides are becoming increasingly clear.

Antioxidant Promise, Cardiovascular Caution

Early research hinted at melatonin’s potential as a cardiovascular protector, citing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies showed reduced cardiac damage after heart attacks and decreased oxidative stress. However, Clyde Yancy, former president of the American Heart Association, cautions that “although antioxidant mechanisms are promising, there is still a lack of robust clinical support to support the widespread use of melatonin as a cardiovascular protective measure.” The leap from lab results to real-world benefits remains a significant hurdle.

The 90% Risk: Unpacking the Observational Study

The alarming 90% increased risk of heart failure observed in long-term melatonin users isn’t proof of causation, but the magnitude of the association is undeniably concerning. Researchers emphasize that observational studies can’t definitively establish cause-and-effect, but they can highlight potential risks that warrant further investigation. This finding, coupled with reports of melatonin interacting with medications like calcium channel blockers (potentially reducing their effectiveness), is prompting a more cautious approach.

Key Takeaway: Long-term melatonin use, particularly in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors, may significantly increase the likelihood of developing heart failure.

The Purity Problem & Future Research Needs

One of the biggest challenges in assessing melatonin’s safety is the lack of regulation surrounding its production. Over-the-counter melatonin supplements often contain varying concentrations of the hormone – sometimes significantly different from what’s listed on the label. A 2023 study by ConsumerLab.com found that over 22% of melatonin supplements tested did not contain the amount of melatonin stated on the label, with some containing significantly more or less. This inconsistency makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its effects.

“Elucidating long-term cardiovascular safety will require larger-scale trials, with long follow-up and clear differentiation between pharmaceutical and over-the-counter melatonin,” explains Doris Chan, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital. Future research must focus on standardized formulations, precise dosages, and diverse patient populations to truly understand the risks and benefits.

The Rise of Personalized Sleep Solutions

As we learn more about the complex interplay between melatonin, sleep, and cardiovascular health, a “one-size-fits-all” approach to sleep aids is becoming increasingly obsolete. The future of sleep management likely lies in personalized solutions tailored to individual needs and risk factors. This could involve genetic testing to identify individuals more susceptible to melatonin’s adverse effects, or the development of targeted therapies that address the root causes of sleep disturbances without disrupting cardiovascular function.

Pro Tip: If you’re considering melatonin, discuss it with your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Navigating the Melatonin Landscape: What You Can Do Now

Despite the growing concerns, melatonin isn’t necessarily off-limits. Experts agree it can be useful under specific circumstances, such as for shift workers, frequent travelers experiencing jet lag, or individuals with diagnosed sleep-wake delay disorder. However, a cautious approach is crucial.

Here are some recommendations:

• Lowest Dose: Opt for the lowest effective dose.
• Short-Term Use: Avoid prolonged use.
• Timing: Take melatonin 30-90 minutes before bedtime.
• Verified Products: Choose products verified by independent laboratories (like USP or NSF).
• Monitor Your Health: If you have heart disease or take cardiovascular medications, consult your doctor before using melatonin.

Ultimately, prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits – regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest – remains the cornerstone of cardiovascular care. Don’t rely on a quick fix; focus on building sustainable sleep hygiene practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is melatonin completely unsafe for my heart?

A: Not necessarily. The risks appear to be higher with long-term use and in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Short-term use under medical supervision may be appropriate in certain cases.

Q: What are some alternatives to melatonin for improving sleep?

A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing your sleep environment are all effective alternatives. See our guide on Improving Sleep Hygiene for more details.

Q: Should I stop taking melatonin immediately if I’ve been using it long-term?

A: Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication or supplement regimen. They can assess your individual risk factors and provide personalized guidance.

Q: How can I ensure the melatonin supplement I’m taking is high-quality?

A: Look for products that have been independently verified by organizations like USP or NSF. These certifications indicate that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.

What are your thoughts on the future of sleep aids? Will we see a shift towards more personalized approaches, or will melatonin continue to dominate the market? Share your perspective in the comments below!

December 30, 2025 0 comments

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Sport

Teva Launches ‘The Other TD’ Campaign to Highlight Tardive Dyskinesia with Terrell Davis’s Support

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor November 4, 2025

written by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

November 4, 2025

Parsippany, New Jersey – November 3, 2025 – Pharmaceutical company Teva has initiated a public health campaign, ‘The Other TD,’ to spotlight tardive dyskinesia (TD), a frequently enough-overlooked neurological disorder. The initiative enlists Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis to help educate the public and encourage those possibly affected to seek medical advice.

Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia

Table of Contents

• 1. Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia
• 2. The impact Beyond Physical Symptoms
• 3. Addressing Disparities in Diagnosis
• 4. Key Statistics on Tardive Dyskinesia
• 5. The Future of Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment
• 6. Frequently Asked Questions about tardive Dyskinesia
• 7. What are the common symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (TD) as described in the text?
• 8. Teva Launches ‘The other TD’ Campaign to Highlight Tardive Dyskinesia with Terrell Davis’s support
• 9. Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
• 10. The ‘Other TD’ Campaign: Raising Awareness
• 11. Terrell Davis’s Story: A Powerful advocate
• 12. Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Tardive Dyskinesia
• 13. The role of VMAT2 Inhibitors in TD Management
• 14. Preventative Measures and Risk Factors
• 15. Resources for Patients and Healthcare Professionals

Tardive dyskinesia is a chronic condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, primarily affecting the face, torso, and limbs. It’s frequently a side effect of long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications, which are commonly prescribed for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Approximately 25% of individuals taking these medications may develop TD, according to recent studies.

Despite its prevalence-affecting an estimated 785,000 Americans-a significant underdiagnosis exists. Current data indicates onyl around 15% of those with TD receive a formal diagnosis, and a mere 5% receive treatment. This disparity is especially pronounced among younger populations, men, and racial and ethnic minorities.

The impact Beyond Physical Symptoms

The effects of TD extend far beyond the physical manifestations. Research reveals that three out of four individuals with TD report significant functional, emotional, and social impairments. These symptoms can drastically interfere with daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and walking, profoundly impacting quality of life.

“As someone who has personally navigated mental health challenges, I recognize the importance of open conversation and support,” stated Terrell Davis. “I am proud to collaborate with Teva to use my platform to raise awareness and empower individuals to seek help if they suspect they might be affected by TD.”

Addressing Disparities in Diagnosis

Studies highlight a troubling gap in diagnosis rates among specific demographic groups. Black Americans, as an example, may experience TD movements for an average of seven years before receiving a diagnosis, indicating a systemic issue in access to care and awareness. The ‘the Other TD’ campaign aims to address these inequalities by increasing education and outreach to underserved communities.

Key Statistics on Tardive Dyskinesia