Cultivation and implementation of community-engaged pharmacy services in a free clinic to enhance care for the medically underserved

A community-academic partnership between the Maliheh Free Clinic and the University of Utah College of Pharmacy was formed to fulfill a community need for pharmacy services. Three pharmacy services were developed and implemented with the support of students, faculty, and the clinic. Pharmacy services include: 1) clinic chart reviews which involve written recommendations following a comprehensive assessment of the patient's chart examining his or her disease states and the appropriateness of his or her medications; 2) medication reconciliations and discussion of pharmacy-related recommendations with patients during Diabetes Day, an inclusive interdisciplinary patient appointment that addresses important aspects of diabetes care; and 3) an insulin dose adjustment service through a collaborative practice agreement with the clinic to monitor a patient's blood glucose levels and adjust his or her medications accordingly on a weekly basis. A coordinator position to serve as a link between the students, faculty, and clinic was created to maintain sustainability of the project. Furthermore, sustainability is emphasized through the project's association with an annual dinner and charity silent auction hosted by the College ofPharmacy dedicated to discussing the importance of the clinic's mission. The project served as a learning experience in project management and patient care. The community gained greater access to healthcare services.