Danielle L Stutzman, Andreea Temelie, Mary Accomando, Carol A Ott, Matthew Dick, Gregory H Payne
Polypharmacy, gaps in transitions of care, and inconsistent medication monitoring contribute to inappropriate psychotropic prescribing among youth in foster care. Additionally, foster care psychotropic prescribing regulations are complex and insufficient. Acknowledging these concerns, pharmacists have been identified as essential advocates for youth in foster care given their expertise in medication therapy management, medication reconciliation, patient/caregiver education, and interprofessional collaboration. Specifically, inclusion of board-certified psychiatric pharmacists (BCPPs) on the foster care team could allow for the implementation of best practices, including psychotropic stewardship, collaborative telemedicine services, telemedicine teaching initiatives, comprehensive medication management, and procurement of accurate medical and medication histories, amongst others. It is critical that child welfare administrators, health system administrators, and the foster care team consider inclusion of a BCPP to better support prescribing practices of psychotropic medications among youth in foster care.