Press Release
ASHP Foundation and ASHP Innovation Center Announce Optimizing Technology Solutions Grant Recipients
The ASHP Foundation, in collaboration with the ASHP Innovation Center, recently awarded funding to two researchers for the inaugural Optimizing Technology Solutions Innovation Grant Program. Kari Olson, Pharm.D., Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Kaiser Permanente, Denver, and Kamakshi Rao, Pharm.D., BCOP, FASHP, Assistant Director of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina Medical Center, will receive support for projects to stimulate and demonstrate the impact of optimizing health information technology that enhances medication safety.
The researchers’ projects focus on improving patient outcomes by connecting virtual monitoring seamlessly into electronic medical records for patients with uncontrolled hypertension and developing risk prediction models to prioritize the care of complex patients such as those with cancer or cystic fibrosis.
Launched in 2019, this new partnership between the ASHP Foundation and ASHP Innovation Center evaluates the vital roles that hospital and health-system pharmacy practitioners play in emerging science and the further digitalization of healthcare delivery.
“The innovation grant program reflects our commitment to supporting ASHP’s efforts to empower pharmacists to further their leadership in digitally transforming medication management and optimizing patient outcomes,” said ASHP Foundation CEO Steven A. Rubloff. “We hope that the results of these studies help pharmacists continue to advance pharmacy practice and improve patient care in all settings.”
“The ASHP Innovation Center is pleased to be partnering with the ASHP Foundation on this important effort and congratulates Drs. Olson and Rao for receiving funding for their research projects. As hospital and health-system pharmacists continue to lead in the development, implementation, and effective use of new and emerging technologies to optimize medication use and improve patient outcomes, there will be more and more opportunities for pharmacists to develop additional creative solutions to today’s healthcare challenges,” said ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, Pharm.D., Sc.D. (Hon.), FASHP. “The ASHP Innovation Center seeks to encourage the innovative use of technology and drive meaningful advancements in pharmacy practice that will improve the lives of our patients.”
The 2020 Optimizing Innovative Solutions Grant Research Projects are:
Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Led, Smart-Phone Enabled, Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Leveraged Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Program
Kari Olson, Pharm.D.
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Pharmacy Outcomes Research
Kaiser Permanente
Denver, Colorado
Development of a Predictive Model to Guide Pharmacist Prioritization in the Care of Medically Complex Patient Populations
Kamakshi Rao, Pharm.D., BCOP, FASHP
Assistant Director of Pharmacy
University of North Carolina Medical Center
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The Optimizing Technology Solutions Innovation Grant Program is funded by Omnicell.
About the ASHP Foundation
The ASHP Foundation was established in 1968 by ASHP as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. As the philanthropic arm of ASHP, the Foundation shares ASHP's vision that medication use will be optimal, safe, and effective for all people all of the time. Our mission is to support ASHP by advancing the professional practice of pharmacists and the pharmacy workforce by funding research and education that improves health outcomes through optimal, safe, and effective medication use.
About the ASHP Innovation Center
The ASHP Innovation Center was created by ASHP to further elevate the vital roles that hospital and health-system pharmacy practitioners play in new and emerging science, and to prepare the workforce for the digital future of pharmacy practice. The ASHP Innovation Center's mission is to drive innovation and digital transformation related to the safe and effective use of medicines through high-impact partnerships, education, advocacy, research, and entrepreneurship. The Center builds upon ASHP's internationally-recognized reputation as an innovator, leader, and pioneer of numerous advances in pharmacy practice and healthcare, which have made health-system pharmacists the medication therapy specialists.
Contact Information
Steven A. Rubloff, Chief Executive Officer
ASHP Foundation
301-664-8650
[email protected]
Shelby M. Giles
Communications Specialist
ASHP Foundation
301-664-8871
[email protected]