The MTS Clinic is committed to leadership in innovative pharmacy practice and is studying ways that pharmacists can contribute optimally to support positive patient health outcomes. We are involved in a variety of evaluation activities and research projects described below. 

For more information on any of the projects listed below, please contact Clinic Research Coordinator, Nicole Pittman.

 

Current project

Evaluating Patient Outcomes of Comprehensive Medication Assessments by Pharmacists

Research team
Dr. Debbie Kelly, Ms. Nicole Pittman, Dr. Ross Tsuyuki, Dr. Timothy Chen, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed 

Funding source
Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy Innovation Fund Grant

Description
This study will assess the impact of a holistic comprehensive medication assessment (CMA) intervention on quality of life for patients with complex medications needs (i.e., multiple medical comorbidities, polypharmacy). Participants seen for CMA complete a Medication Related Burden Quality of Life (MRB-QoL) questionnaire at baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks as well as a satisfaction survey at two weeks. 

Status
Complete

 

Past projects

Efficacy and Cost Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Program

Research team
Dr. Leslie Phillips, Dr. Terri Genge, Dr. Joy Maddigan, Ms. Bernie Squires, Dr. Hai Nguyen, Dr. Cathy Balsom, Ms. Bernie Squires, Ms. Gail Myers, Ms. Beulah Jesso

Funding sources
Department of Children Seniors and Social Development, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; NL SUPPORT Allied Health Professional Led Research Grant

Description
An RCT design was developed to evaluate a short and long version of the current smoking cessation program offered through the MTS clinic, comparing both to a control group representing independent quit attempts. The goal of the project is to determine if a more abbreviated program – which is more suitable to be implemented in the community pharmacy setting – is successful and cost effective in helping people quit smoking.

Status
Complete

 

Optimizing Medication Therapy Outcomes for High-Risk Patients Transitioning From Acute to Primary Care

Research team
Dr. Debbie Kelly, Dr. Lisa Bishop, Dr. Cathy Balsom, Dr. Jason Kielly Dr. Hai Nguyen, Dr. Jatin Morkar, Ms. Gerri Thompson, Ms. Nicole Pittman

Funding source
NL SUPPORT Patient Oriented Grant

Description
This project aims to address the gap in care during transitions. It is reported up to one third of emergency room visits and hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge are drug related. To address this, patients recently discharged from hospital are seen by a clinic pharmacist within one week of discharge to optimize care and prevent any drug-related problems.

Status
Complete

 

Impact of a Pharmacist Administered Deprescribing Intervention on Nursing Home Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Research team
Dr. Cathy Balsom, Dr. Debbie Kelly, Ms. Renee King, Ms. Alison Power, Ms. Nicole Pittman, Ms. Judy O'Keefe

Funding source
NL SUPPORT Allied Health Professional Led Research Grant

Description
In collaboration with Lawtons Drugs and Eastern Health this project safely decreased the number of unnecessary or potentially harmful medications taken by residents of a long-term care facility. Following the medication review and implemented deprescribing focused changes residents, their families, physicians and nursing staff we interviewed to capture their perception and opinions on the medication changes in seniors.

Status
Complete, Published Manuscript

 

Student Learning in an Interprofessional Student-Led Smoking Cessation Program

Research team
Dr. Leslie Phillips, Dr. Beverly Fitzgerald, Dr. Cathy Balsom, Dr. Linda Hensman, Dr. Debbie Kelly, Dr. Kellie LeDrew, Dr. Stephanie Chesser, Ms. Danielle Stennett

Funding source
Memorial University Teaching and Learning Framework Fund

Description
This project took a collaborative approach to delivering the existing smoking cessation program through the MTS clinic. Psychiatry residents and pharmacy students co-delivered the program in pairs, allowing them to work on several shared, core professional competencies, particularly communication and collaboration. The smoking cessation program is an ideal model for experiential and interprofessional learning that could easily be adapted to include other health professional students.

Status
Complete