How a Pharmacy Researcher Bridges the Evidence Gaps to Improve Pediatric Patient Outcomes

Titilola M. Afolabi, PharmD, FCCP, BCPPS, BCNSP, associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy in Memphis, describes her role on multidisciplinary research teams and 2 studies she considers her most meaningful contributions to research.

This interview was lightly edited for clarity.

Pharmacy Times: What brought you to research as a pharmacist, and how has research shaped your work in the field?

Titilola M. Afolabi, PharmD, FCCP, BCPPS, BCNSP: During my early clinical training as a student, resident, and pediatric pharmacotherapy research fellow, I recognized the significant gaps in quality, evidence-based data for pediatric care. Determining the scientific rationale for using specific drugs in a pediatric population...required deep dives into small clinical case publications, retrospective studies, or anecdotal data. As a vulnerable population, pediatric patients are historically underrepresented in clinical trials, leaving clinicians with limited guidance. This shaped my approach to patient care, fostering a critical mindset and a drive to contribute to available literature, and [transform] care through research.

Pharmacy Times: Traditionally, what is your role within the research team, and how often are you involved in pharmacist-led research?

Afolabi: I am grateful for the diverse roles I have held within research teams, which contributed to my growth as a researcher. In multidisciplinary teams, I work with other health care professionals, serving as a resource for dosing, adverse effect (AE) profiles, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations for pediatric patients. Having a pediatric-trained pharmacist on board is essential, particularly when studying medications with limited pediatric data. My ability to evaluate scientific literature and apply extrapolated data from adult studies to pediatric populations while closely monitoring our patients is valuable in ensuring safe, effective treatment.

Pharmacy Times: When getting involved with a research team, are you most frequently connected through your institution, or have associations or other groups provided opportunities for research collaboration?

Afolabi: I am fortunate to be part of an institution with a strong legacy in pediatric pharmacy research and one that provides resources for success. Leadership and supportive colleagues from institutions and both pharmacy-centric and interprofessional organizations have played crucial roles in connecting me with the right mentors and research partners.

My pathway to research collaboration started with asking the right questions and finding others who have a strong interest in bridging gaps in care. As I advanced in my career and refined my expertise, opportunities for collaboration driven by relationships made through professional organizations and clinical networks expanded to national and international levels.

Pharmacy Times: What are some of your greatest accomplishments as a pharmacy researcher?

Afolabi: For me, it is all about the kids: making sure they receive the right medication, the right dose, for the right duration, and the best possible outcome and minimal AEs. Staying engaged in research, continuously developing my research skills and abilities, networking and collaborating with a diverse group of individuals, and driving progress in pediatric pharmacotherapy are aspects of my work that truly inspire me.

One research project that embodies these objectives involved analyzing pediatric-specific data from an insurance database to determine the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy for children with uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Collaborating with an expert in claims database research and a colleague specializing in adult infectious disease, together we were able to identify critical insights that inform appropriate antibiotic treatment duration in this pediatric population. The study, “Association of Antibiotic Treatment Duration With Recurrence of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Pediatric Patients,” shows the impact of interdisciplinary research to advancing medication safety and efficacy through data-driven research.

Pharmacy Times: What is a recent publication showcasing your research that you are proud of?

Afolabi: Each [project I participated in] represents a meaningful collaboration with learners, trainees, colleagues, health care workers, and advocates who are committed to advancing pediatric care. One recent publication that reflects my dedication to interdisciplinary research and addressing the needs of pediatric patients—including those with rare diseases—is “Leigh Syndrome Global Patient Registry: Uniting Patients and Researchers Worldwide,” which shows the power of collaboration in driving impactful research and improving outcomes for patients with rare diseases.