Individuals with complex health and social needs often have a complicated drug regimens, which can lead to frustration, confusion, and even worse health if not followed correctly. In this webinar, Jim Slater, PharmD, executive director of Pharmacy Services at CareOregon, and Paul Carson, training and development specialist at CareOregon, discussed how pharmacists can play a role in addressing some of the issues that arise from medication complexity. They explored core concepts of: (1) social determinants of health issues; (2) trauma-informed care; (3) motivational interviewing; (4) medication trauma; and (5) ready-for-change strategies, all in the context of pharmacy practice.

This webinar is a product of the Community Management of Medication Complexity Innovation Lab, a national initiative led by the Center for Health Care Strategies made possible by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation that is working to refine and spread promising community-based medication management strategies to improve outcomes for people with complex needs.

Agenda

I. Welcome and Introduction

Speaker: Jim Slater, PharmD, Executive Director of Pharmacy Services, CareOregon

J. Slater welcomed participants and provided background on CareOregon.

II. Trauma-Informed Care and Medication Trauma

Speaker: Jim Slater

J. Slater described CareOregon’s member population and their complex needs, including how actual medical issues are only a fragment of what many individuals deal with on a daily basis. Additionally, he discussed the basics of trauma, the effects it has on disease(s), and how it translates into pharmacy care — what he refers to as “medication trauma.”

III.Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Speakers: Jim Slater and Paul Carson, Training and Development Specialist, CareOregon

J. Slater offered advice for how to address social determinants of health when working with patients, including suggestions for engaging and empowering patients. J. Carson described the tactics being used at CareOregon to engage patients, including the use of the My Easy Drug System (MEDS) chart, a tool the CareOregon team uses with patients to discuss the emotions they have around each medication in their drug regimen.

IV. Motivational Interviewing

Speaker: Paul Carson

P. Carson described what motivational interviewing is, and why it is an ideal tool for connecting with patients, especially individuals who have suffered from some form of trauma.

V. Ready for Change Strategies

Speaker: Paul Carson and Jim Slater

P. Carson discussed how providers could recognize patient readiness for change such as quitting smoking. He also offered a motivational toolkit with tips to get started using motivational interviewing to engage patients. J. Slater described the importance of identifying when patients are ready to partner with the provider to create change.