(#29) Advancing Schizophrenia Treatment: A Modified Delphi Consensus on The Critical Role of Psychiatric Pharmacists in Prescription Digital Therapeutics

Abstract: Background: Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are software-based interventions for managing and treating medical conditions prescribed by healthcare providers and dispensed by pharmacists. Psychiatric pharmacists can facilitate access and utilization of PDTs, potentially improving patient outcomes. Objectives: Develop recommendations on how psychiatric pharmacists can contribute to use of PDTs by people with schizophrenia by: determining pharmacistsí roles as advocates for embedding PDTs for schizophrenia treatment within existing healthcare systems; highlighting how pharmacists can broaden access to and encourage engagement with PDTs for schizophrenia; and identifying assistance pharmacists can provide so they are a point of care for people with schizophrenia using PDTs. Methods: A modified Delphi methodology captured perspectives from US-based pharmacists around current and future roles related to PDTs. An institutional review boardñapproved consensus framework and survey were developed with input from a steering committee (4 experts across psychiatric pharmacy and PDTs). A Delphi panel was convened following survey completion to generate consensus on pharmacistsí roles supporting PDT use by people with schizophrenia. Outcomes: Ten pharmacy experts (average working time: 23.7 years) with mental and/or digital health experience completed the survey (February 2025). Most (n=6) respondents believe patient education and improving engagement with a PDT would be the areas of most impact by pharmacists, with the biggest barrier to adoption currently being coverage/reimbursement (n=8). Summarization of consensus from Delphi panel participants is ongoing, aiming to provide recommendations on psychiatric pharmacistsí contributions to use of PDTs to treat schizophrenia. Funding: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Short Description: Psychiatric pharmacists play a crucial role in access to and utilization of prescription digital therapeutics. A modified Delphi consensus process was undertaken to generate recommendations on psychiatric pharmacistsí contribution to use of prescription digital therapeutics for schizophrenia. Most pharmacists perceived patient education and engagement as the areas of most impact by pharmacists, with the biggest barrier to adoption of prescription digital therapeutics for schizophrenia being coverage and reimbursement. Consensus recommendations are currently being summarized.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.