From the Guidelines
To effectively refer patients from a community pharmacy-based primary care clinic to a community health team, pharmacists should utilize electronic health record systems, secure messaging platforms, or standardized referral forms, as these methods have been shown to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. When implementing this process, it's crucial to establish clear protocols that include patient consent, relevant clinical information, and follow-up procedures 1. This referral system benefits patients by providing comprehensive care coordination, addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing stability, improving medication management, increasing access to specialized services, and ensuring continuity of care.
Some key methods for referral include:
- Electronic health record systems
- Secure messaging platforms
- Standardized referral forms
- Telephone calls
- Fax communications
When discussing these linkages with patients, pharmacists should explain that the community health team can connect them with various city resources, such as housing assistance, food security programs, transportation services, mental health support, and financial aid programs, as recommended by the standards of medical care in diabetes 1. The conversation should emphasize how these connections can address barriers to health, complement their medication therapy, and provide holistic support. Using patient-centered language that focuses on the benefits of these services rather than deficits helps patients understand the value of these referrals. Establishing this seamless referral process creates a more integrated healthcare experience that addresses both clinical and social needs, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life.
It is also important to note that integrated care models, such as the collaborative care model, have shown promise in reducing care use and improving patient outcomes, as seen in the Cherokee Health System example 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study, published in 2020, emphasizes the importance of assessing social context and referring patients to local community resources when available 1.
From the Research
Referral Methods
- Patients from a community pharmacy-based primary care clinic can be referred to a community health team through various methods, including physician referrals and payer referrals, as community health teams serve as community extenders 2.
- Community health workers can also play a crucial role in referring patients to needed resources, acting as a bridge between community members and healthcare providers 3.
Benefits of Referrals
- Referrals to community health teams can benefit patients by linking them to city resources, such as primary care and services that address determinants of health like safe housing 2.
- Community health teams can complement the work of physicians by addressing both physical and behavioral needs of patients, leading to more comprehensive care 2.
- The integration of community pharmacies and primary health care can also enhance the efficiency and efficacy of healthcare systems, allowing for better coordination of care and improved patient outcomes 4.
Integration of Community Pharmacies and Primary Health Care
- Horizontal integration at the micro level, supported by meso and macro levels policy, is suggested for the integration of community pharmacies and primary health care 4.
- Community pharmacists can provide various services, including chronic condition management, medication reconciliation training, and adherence counseling, which can improve the quality of care in primary care clinics 5.
- Care team perspectives on community pharmacy enhanced services highlight the importance of awareness, collaboration, and communication between community pharmacies and primary care practices 6.