Pharmacists step into specialized care with EPAs
Expanding the Boundaries of Pharmacy Practice
A recent study published in JAPhA Practice Innovations has inspired a bright shift in the healthcare landscape. By effectively implementing Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for pharmacists in dermatology clinics, researchers have opened the door to a new model of interdisciplinary collaboration. This will not only expand pharmacists’ roles but also significantly improve patient care.
At the center of this innovation is a solution to a longstanding challenge: the absence of formal certification pathways for pharmacists in certain specialties, such as dermatology. Unlike other areas that have established Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certifications such as infectious diseases or pediatrics; dermatology has been lacking a structured machinery for pharmacists to be able to practice independently and confidently.
What Are EPAs and Why Do They Matter?
EPAs are workplace-based tasks that professionals are trusted to perform independently once they’ve demonstrated sufficient competence. This was originally used in medical education and now they are being used for pharmacy to align pharmacists’ responsibilities more closely with those of physicians; Mainly in collaborative settings.
In this study, researchers created six dermatology-specific EPAs by bringing together an interdisciplinary team of:
- Dermatologists
- Pharmacists
- Academic experts
What was their goal? To evaluate the baseline competencies and track their progression. Which ultimately leads to determining when pharmacists could be trusted with specific clinical duties.
A Pilot Program with Promising Outcomes
One of the achievements that stood out was the launch of a pharmacist-led “eczema” clinic, which served as both a proof of concept and an operational success. Some of the key highlights included:
- Over 100 direct referrals from dermatologists across three years
- Up to 45% cost reduction in patient consultations
- Significant improvements in appointment availability
- Institutional recognition for effectiveness and scalability
Not only did this clinic ease the weight on dermatologists by taking care of the less complex cases, but it also showcased how pharmacists could become fundamental players in helping manage other chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, hives, and alopecia.
Implications Beyond Dermatology
Although the EPA model was tested in a dermatological setting, the author of the study emphasized its broader applicability across other specialties currently underserved by pharmacists. This could be a game changer for healthcare systems that are struggling with overloaded specialists and limited patient access.
However, the study also highlights some challenges:
- The need for unbiased, consistent assessment standards
- The intensity of the resources to implement EPA frameworks
- The importance of ongoing clinical training and supervision
A Future of Collaborative, Inclusive Care
This study doesn’t just prove the potential of pharmacists in dermatology—it redefines the pharmacists place within the healthcare ecosystem. With their medication knowledge, interpersonal skills, and clinical training, pharmacists are uniquely suited to take on expanded roles in patient care.
By implementing EPAs as a organized path to autonomy and trust within healthcare teams, the pharmacy profession takes a significant step forward. Not only in dermatology but in advancing of healthcare delivery.
As the healthcare system progresses, interdisciplinary collaboration and role flexibility will be key to success in providing high quality care. This pilot program shows us what’s possible when we utilize every member of the care team to operate at the top of their license.
