University of Minnesota: Utilizing IPECP for Dentistry and Pharmacy

Member since:  March 2014

Intervention: Optimizing Triple Aim Outcomes Utilizing IPECP for Dentistry and Pharmacy

Partners:

  • University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
  • University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Clinics

Occupations represented: Students and professionals from dental hygiene, dental therapy, dentistry and pharmacy. 

Overview:  This project is focused on interprofessional education and collaborative practice between pharmacists and oral health professionals by adding medication therapy management services to existing general dentistry practice. Pharmacists participate on the dental teams at the School of Dentistry Clinics to evaluate and care for adult patients with chronic conditions. The team performs assessments of the patient including oral health needs and identifies general health and medication issues. Team members also communicate with other primary care providers and refer when indicated. A multidisciplinary care plan is developed, and patients seen by the team are tracked to measure health outcomes. Case conferences are held regularly to discuss relevant issues.

The School of Dentistry Clinics provide important oral health resources to under-represented urban and rural patient populations. The Clinics also provide interprofessional teaching and learning opportunities for faculty and students. Measures for this project include blood pressure, diabetes monitoring, tobacco use history and cessation, vaccinations, and scores on the Oral Health Impact Profile.

Intervention study question:

  • In adult patients who are seeking care in a dental school setting, what is the effect of a Interprofessional collaborative dental/pharmacy practice model on selected primary care outcomes and quality of life compared with a matched cohort of patients?
  • In dental and pharmacy providers and dental student providers, what is the effect of a collaborative dental/pharmacy practice model on interprofessional knowledge gains and conception of their role as a primary care clinicians compared with a matched cohort of dental and pharmacy providers and dental and pharmacy students?
State: 
Minnesota
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