title: The impact of medication synchronization on quality care criteria in an independent community pharmacy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the impact of a comprehensive medication synchronization program in an independent community pharmacy by (1) evaluating changes in Electronic Quality Improvement Platform for Plans and Pharmacies (EQuIPP) scores and (2) examining the change in monthly prescription volume.
  
  
  METHODS
  Independent community pharmacy in Morgantown, WV.
  
  
  METHODS
  Waterfront Family Pharmacy is a single-location independent community pharmacy located in Morgantown, WV. The pharmacy consists of four full-time pharmacists and is the primary practice site for one community pharmacy PGY-1 resident. The pharmacy provides a variety of clinical services, including vaccine administration, medication therapy management, and diabetes education services.
  
  
  METHODS
  In September 2014, Waterfront Family Pharmacy started a comprehensive medication synchronization program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Change in Electronic Quality Improvement Platform for Plans and Pharmacies (EQuIPP) scores and change in monthly prescription volume.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of 6 months there was improvement in all targeted EQuIPP scores. There was a 7% improvement in proportion of days covered (PDC) for cholesterol-reducing agents, a 9.5% improvement in PDC for oral glycemic agents, a 1.2% improvement in PDC for renin-angiotensin system antagonists, and a 1.8% reduction in the use of high-risk medications in the elderly. There was also an average increase in monthly prescription volume of 4.8% over the first 6 months after the implementation of the comprehensive medication synchronization program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implementation of a comprehensive medication synchronization program in an independent community pharmacy may result in benefits including improved EQuIPP scores and increased prescription volume.
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hinson
authors.forename: Gretchen K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Garofoli
authors.forename: Betsy M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Elswick
mesh_terms: D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D054539:Medication Therapy Management / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D058996:Quality Improvement; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D011787:Quality of Health Care