Strategizing for success in neuropsychiatric pharmacy

Abstract

CPNP members are bonded by a passion for improving the minds and lives of individuals affected by psychiatric and neurologic disorders. When our members are successful, our patients benefit. Realizing this, CPNP is retooling its strategic plan to ensure our laser focus on neuropsychiatric pharmacists and aspiring neuropsychiatric pharmacists (students, residents, other trainees). At a recent strategic planning retreat attended by the Board, we focused on defining CPNP's strengths and identifying the most important trends and resulting opportunities. Based on member needs assessments, satisfaction surveys and polling of the CPNP leadership, CPNP has assessed its core strengths as education, networking, and the collaboration of dedicated volunteers and staff.Founding members will recall that CPNP was born to provide education focused on advancing the knowledge and skills of pharmacists practicing in psychiatry and neurology. CPNP will increase its focus on aiding neuropsychiatric pharmacists in improving their competency. A focus on innovation and advancement in all educational endeavors including recertification, review course and the annual meeting will be our priority. The Mental Health Clinician's editorial board will contribute to knowledge with their focus on themes aimed at assisting our members with their day-to-day drug therapy decision making.High level education and competency are both critical as pharmacists are increasingly recognized as essential members of care teams by national organizations and healthcare journals. In 2012, The CDC published a position paper recommending that clinical pharmacists be involved in the management of chronic disease states. In September of 2013, the American College of Physicians (ACP) authored a position paper entitled, “Principles Supporting Dynamic Clinical Care Teams” explaining how clinical pharmacists are essential members of multidisciplinary care teams in addition to PA's and nurse practitioners. Drs. Kelly Lee, Jerry McKee and Carla Cobb's commentary on how psychiatric pharmacists are improving care in the medical home was published in the Primary Care Companion for CNS disorders. I recommend that you add these papers to your libraries and share them with colleagues.CPNP realizes the significance and opportunity that healthcare reform represents to the success of the neuropsychiatric pharmacist. CPNP's aim is to make sure mental health is fully represented as legislators and health care decision makers chart the future including the hope for national provider status. Just last month, California was the latest state to achieve provider status. National pharmacy organizations (APhA, ASHP, ACCP, NACDS, CPNP) continue to work on a potential “federal ask” related to provider status. CPNP is well-represented by Dr. Ray Love who actively participates in the provider status coalition and as a guest to the joint commission on pharmacy practice (JCPP). CPNP's legislative consultant, Carey Potter, recently met with Senator Patrick Kennedy who has started the Kennedy Forum to make sure that he is aware of CPNP and the role of the neuropsychiatric pharmacist as he strives for mental health parity in healthcare. Member Carla Cobb had a face-to face meeting with Senator Baucus who chairs the healthcare finance committee. She was able to discuss how CMM by psychiatric pharmacists can improve outcomes for patients.In January of 2014, a follow-up retreat is planned to capitalize on the momentum gained at the recent retreat, to welcome new officers and to coordinate strategic planning with CPNP's foundation. Incoming CPNP Foundation President, and Dean Emeritus, Dr. Barbara Wells took part in the Arizona retreat and will lead the Foundation's strategic planning process to extend CPNP's reach beyond our parent organization.We will be reporting more as we complete these many thought-provoking strategic activities. In the meantime, make sure your voice is heard as CPNP plans its future success by voting for board officers and responding to opportunities for involvement with CPNP.