First pharmacist-focused session coming to AHA Scientific Sessions 2011

Over the past 3 decades, pharmacists have become integrated members of multidisciplinary teams. To recognize the value of the role of pharmacists in improving patient outcomes and safety in cardiac care, the American Heart Association (AHA) will offer pharmacists a session devoted specifically to them at this year’s AHA Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla.

AHA, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Cardiology Practice and Research Network (Cardiology PRN), and members of the AHA Clinical Pharmacology Committee will collaborate to focus this session on the approximately 400 pharmacists who attend AHA annually.

The session will offer information on the specialized roles of pharmacists in the cardiovascular setting, demonstrate the impact of pharmacist interventions on healthcare, describe successful clinical programs, and provide insight into how the pharmacist can most effectively manage conditions such as hyperlipidemia, heart failure, hypertension, and anticoagulation to improve patient outcomes and safety.

The session, titled “Improving clinical outcomes and patient safety through interventions by clinical pharmacists,” will take place on Sunday from 5:30 to 6:45. It will be co-moderated by Sheryl L. Chow, PharmD, BCPS, and Robert L. Page, II, PharmD, MSPH, BCPS, FCCP, FAHA.

The program outline includes:

• Cardiac risk reduction: Moving beyond statins
• Heart failure: More than titrating doses
• Hypertension: Getting blood pressure to goal
• Anticoagulation: Preventing bleeding while preventing stroke
• Q&A discussion

For more information and to register, go to the Scientific Sessions on the American Heart Association Web site: http://my.americanheart.org/professional/Sessions/ScientificSessions/Scientific-Sessions_UCM_316900_SubHomePage.jsp.