Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Kuo, Grace

Institution: Baylor University (2005-2007); University of California, San Diego
Grant Title: Safe Use of Medications in Primary Care Practices   
Grant Number:  K08 HS014552
Duration: 5 years (2005-2010)
Total Award: $522,000

Project Description: This research project has three specific aims:

1. Identify exemplary methods and exemplars for medication reconciliation.
2. Evaluate the feasibility of the exemplary methods for methods for medication reconciliation for primary care patients taking multiple medications.
3. Disseminate study results and extend the scope of this work.

Career Goals: Dr. Kuo is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California, San Diego. Her career goal is to promote medication safety in primary care and through research, develop and test innovative models of care to develop policy and educational interventions in order to change clinical practice towards improving the quality of patient care.  In addition to becoming a successful health services researcher, the grantee would like to become an efficient translator of research discoveries and an effective disseminator of researcher findings.

Progress to Date: Dr. Kuo transferred her K08 from Baylor to UC, San Diego.  She has completed Aim #1 to identify methods for medication reconciliation and continues to conduct literature reviews.  She has developed focus group discussion materials and completed 12 focus groups.  The grantee is conducting a workflow study to map the process of medication reconciliation and to identify the best practices in ambulatory care clinics.

Future Plans: The grantee will complete interviews and chart reviews.  She will also pilot test the feasibility of exemplary methods in four primary care clinics.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Pharmacist Consultant, Conn's Current Therapy; W.B. Saunders Company.
• President and Consultant Pharmacist, Med Info Service, Inc.
• Director, San Diego Pharmacist Resource and Research Network.
• Planning Committee Member, National Ambulatory Primary Care Research and Education Conference on Patient Safety.
• Liaison, Federation of Practice-Based Research Networks.

K-Generated Publications: None thus far.

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