Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Kuo, Grace

Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
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. To identify exemplary methods and exemplars for medication reconciliation. This will be accomplished through systematic reviews, focus group discussions, and individual interviews and audits with potential exemplars.
2. To evaluate the feasibility of the exemplary methods for methods for medication reconciliation for primary care patients taking multiple medications. The exemplary methods will be pilot tested in clinics.
3. To disseminate study results and extend the scope of this work.

Results from Aims 1 and 2 will be presented at professional meetings and developed into manuscripts for professional publications. Research findings will be translated into practice through teaching, direct patient care, and policy development.

Career Goals:  Dr. Kuo is a pharmacist specializing in primary care pharmacy. Her career goal is to promote medication safety in primary care and, through research, develop and test innovative models of care. Through policy and education interventions, Dr. Kuo would like to change clinical practices to improve the quality of patient care. She desires to become a successful independent health services researcher, including efficiently translating research discoveries and effectively disseminating research findings to help her colleagues and the next generation of clinicians provide optimal care for patients.

Progress to Date:  Dr. Kuo's grant began recently and, therefore, there is no progress to report yet.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine.
• Current Program Director for the Southern Primary-care Urban Research Network (SPUR-Net, a practice-based research network in Houston).
• Principal investigator on "Effects of Literacy on Medication Safety in the Elderly" study through the National Institute of Aging (NIA).
• Editorial Board Member for the following journals: the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, Biomed Central Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care, and Communication Studies.
• Adjunct faculty, Texas Southern University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
• Literature Award Recipient for Innovation in Pharmacy Practice in Health Systems, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Foundation ("Collaborative drug therapy management services and reimbursement in a family medicine clinic").

AHRQ Research Portfolios: Pharmaceutical Outcomes; Training; Quality and Patient Safety
AHRQ Goals: Safety and Quality

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