Pharmacy Angle

In this week’s Executive Insights video Jeff Thompson, Chief Clinical Officer at Freeman Health System, shares insights into the evolving role of pharmacy leadership within health systems. Thompson highlights the importance of aligning pharmacy goals with broader C-suite objectives, recognizing pharmacy not only as a significant expense but also a substantial revenue driver. He also addresses current challenges, such as labor shortages and the impact of 340B contract pharmacy restrictions, which are shaping strategies for sustaining healthcare operations. https://lnkd.in/edRj9PGf

Ify Igbunike, Director of Pharmacy Services at University of Maryland Midtown Campus, sat down with Pharmacy Angle to discuss value-based pharmacy practices and narcotic diversion prevention. She shares valuable insights on implementing evidence-based care, the role of behavioral assessments in managing controlled substances, and the complexities of regulatory compliance. Watch the full interview to gain expert knowledge on navigating today's healthcare challenges. https://lnkd.in/eS9ynWHq

Discover how innovative pharmacy design is shaping the future of healthcare, blending technology, ergonomics, and safety for better patient outcomes. This article by Sharone Wang, senior pharmacy consultant, delves into how automation and strategic design improvements are reducing errors, optimizing workflows, and enhancing staff well-being. Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the key trends that will define the pharmacies of tomorrow. https://lnkd.in/efVyhEaR

In this insightful interview, Alex Kardos, Corporate Director of Pharmacy Services at RX Holding Hospital, discusses his role overseeing pharmaceutical operations across 126 sites. He highlights the challenges of navigating regulatory pressures, drug shortages, and staffing issues while emphasizing the growing importance of driving revenue in outpatient settings. Kardos shares how his team balances these demands by leveraging peer insights and vendor partnerships to improve efficiency and compliance. His leadership approach, focused on delegation and innovation, offers valuable lessons for pharmacy professionals looking to optimize operations and revenue. https://lnkd.in/eEv47eNk

Dr. Rabiah Dys, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services and Program Development at CPS, shared insights at ASHP on her role and passion for advancing health equity. She emphasized the importance of improving health literacy by helping patients understand their diagnoses and care plans, starting at hospital admission. Dr. Dys also highlighted the need for better continuity of care between hospital discharge and community pharmacy settings to ensure patients can manage their health effectively. https://lnkd.in/eYcfr357

In her first feature for Pharmacy Angle, Heather Riggins, Pharm.D., DPLA, of Upson Regional Medical Center discusses the vital role pharmacy technicians play in ensuring accurate medication reconciliation, a key component in preventing medication errors and enhancing patient safety. By gathering comprehensive medication histories and collaborating with healthcare teams, technicians help streamline workflows and reduce risks. Hospitals like Upson Regional Medical Center have demonstrated that strategic hiring and robust training programs for pharmacy technicians can significantly improve medication reconciliation outcomes, reducing errors by up to 80%. Read more here, and be sure to share your thoughts with Heather and Pharmacy Angle: https://lnkd.in/eyExYdEq

In Fall 2023, Jennifer Bair, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Prisma Health, sat down with Pharmacy Angle, sharing her journey in pharmacy leadership, which began unexpectedly during her 27-year tenure at the organization. She highlighted the evolution of healthcare, from single hospitals to large systems, and discussed how pharmacies are now focusing not only on reducing costs but also on generating revenue. Jennifer also emphasized the importance of advocacy for the pharmacy profession, especially for pharmacists to be recognized as providers. Her leadership philosophy centers around trust—ensuring trust with her team and colleagues for sustained success. https://lnkd.in/eqmx-sXZ

If you missed last week's edition of Pharmacy Angle Rx, you missed insightful executive interviews with Lani Bertrand and Dawn Rana, articles by industry leaders Fatima Muhammad and Julia West, and highlights from some of the most recent industry news. Follow the link and be sure to sign up to receive our bi-monthly newsletter right to your inbox. https://lnkd.in/en8HpAkb

In her article, "Pharmacy Automation in a World of Emergency Preparedness," Julia West, PharmD, BCPS, MBA, explores the technological advancements in pharmacy operations over the past 50 years, highlighting the shift from manual processes to automation for improved safety and efficiency. She also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness, including considerations for downtime and cybersecurity, as demonstrated by a recent industry-wide outage. She emphasizes the need for controlled software updates to ensure reliable and resilient pharmacy automation systems. https://lnkd.in/envumPKC

Last fall, Lisa Dyer, director of ambulatory services at UW Health SwedishAmerican Northern Illinois, shared with Pharmacy Angle her journey, from managing the outpatient pharmacy to overseeing a wide range of services, including ambulatory care and home infusion pharmacies. She shares her early inspiration from a local pharmacy director, her experience transitioning from retail to hospital pharmacy, and her passion for creating career opportunities through initiatives like the pharmacy apprenticeship program. Highlighting the evolving roles of pharmacists and technicians, she emphasizes the growing opportunities in the field and her excitement for the future of pharmacy services, including potential provider status for pharmacists. https://lnkd.in/eUiF5H-z