Kroger to Bankroll Pharmacy Research

The Kroger Co. is teaming with the University of Cincinnati to study the grocery chain’s community pharmacy clinical service programs.

Funded by a $600,000 grant from Cincinnati-based Kroger, the three-year research collaboration will involve quarterly data analysis of the grocer’s patient-centered programs, including health screenings, smoking cessation and medication therapy management, The Wall Street Journal reported. The grant also will support a two-year fellowship in community pharmacy research.

The study — focusing on diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — is aimed at determining the impact of clinical pharmacy services on patient care, Wayne Conrad, the university’s chairman of pharmacy practice, told the Journal. The results could lead to expansion of clinical programs to other Kroger pharmacies throughout the country.

Kroger operates 2,470 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.