UB, Niagara Hospice Partner on Leading-Edge Pharmacy Care

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Niagara Hospice and the University at Buffalo's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences have formed a partnership, believed to be only the second of its kind in the United States, that will place both institutions at the forefront of research and instruction in hospice and palliative care.

Under the agreement, Niagara Hospice will provide a residency to a pharmacist who also will be a clinical instructor at UB, and perform research and supervise UB pharmacy students during clinical rotations at its facility on Sunset Drive in the Town of Lockport.

"Niagara Hospice and UB are participating in a progressive program that attempts to meet hospice needs on the horizon, before they occur," said Robert Wahler, Pharm.D., UB clinical assistant professor of pharmacy. Niagara Hospice will cover the costs of the residency program, while UB will assist with the research.

"We're hoping this becomes a model that will be replicated nationally. The inclusion of a resident pharmacist in the patient's care plan will be a tremendous resource to both the clinical caregivers and the patient. This clinical exposure to hospice and palliative care will afford the resident invaluable experience in pain management and end-of-life health care services," added John Lomeo, CEO of Niagara Hospice.

Wahler and Lomeo point out that the role of the pharmacist has become increasingly more important in hospice and palliative care. Wahler believes that there are many hospice facilities that need a pharmaceutical expert to manage the therapeutic use, distribution and costs of medication. According to Wahler, many hospices nationwide have hired clinical pharmacists.

Patients will not be the only beneficiaries in this partnership, as UB pharmacy students will work in the clinical environment with the resident pharmacist and hospice caregivers. The yearlong program is scheduled to begin in July.

Since 1987, Niagara Hospice has served more than 4,200 persons in Niagara County with hospice care, which is a concept of care dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals and their families facing an end-of-life illness, while preserving dignity and quality of life.