The dissertation defense is open and will be held virtually.
This event has passed. The written dissertation or abstract is available by clicking the link below.
The PhD in Translational Health Sciences Program is proud to announce the Dissertation Defense of:
PhD Candidate: Kaytlin E. Krutsch, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Characteristics of Prescribing and Determinants of Prescribing Performance in Lactating Women: Secondary Analysis of U.S. Commercial Claims Data
Dissertation Committee Chair: Joseph Bocchino, EdD
June 24 at 9:00AM EDT
Breastfeeding offers unmatched nutritional benefits for infants and health advantages for mothers. However, breastfeeding complicates decisions associated with maternal medication use. Although most medications are considered compatible with breastfeeding, many women are advised by healthcare providers to stop breastfeeding or delay medication treatment to avoid infant risk. As a result, though research on lactation pharmacology has been a priority of the FDA for more than a decade, basic knowledge of which medications are of interest and who cares for the lactating patient is largely unknown, limiting the impact of current research efforts.
Using a novel method to identify lactating women in claims data, this quantitative, cross-sectional study addresses these challenges by offering a detailed analysis of prescriptions to lactating women and examines the factors influencing the translation of expert recommendations into clinical practice. Findings indicate a cautious prescribing approach, with a preference for the few medications with available lactation safety data. The insights gained from this study are poised to shape pharmacology research agendas, promote public health research in lactation, and guide clinical educational content, thereby advancing the field of maternal and infant health.