Mike Hennessy Sr

If anything has demonstrated the need and value of expanded access to community-based care, it’s been the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Over the past several weeks, the passage of new legislation has highlighted the pharmacists' value to their communities. At the time of this publication, the US Department of Health & Human Services has authorized all state-licensed pharmacists the ability to 

 once they are available. This is a significant step forward for the profession, as pharmacists will play a critical role in immunization efforts amid the COVID-19 response. However, for a long time, industry headwinds have impeded pharmacists’ ability to practice at the top of their licenses. As pharmacists begin to step into the role of clinicians, legislation should ensure that they are also compensated fairly for doing so.

, you’ll find coverage from ThoughtSpot Live 2020, 

’s annual inde- pendent pharmacy conference and trade show, which includes an update on 

key areas of focus for independent pharmacies

 looking to thrive in today’s challenging environment. As pharmacies continue to pivot their services to adapt, supporting business expansion beyond the traditional dispensing will be crucial to success. Visit 

www.drugtopics.com/conference/thoughtspot

 for more insights, including interviews with leading experts.

Furthermore, on top of the ongoing public health crisis, the presidential election is looming. Our 

 dives into how the outcome of this election might affect health care issues, especially for pharmacy. What happens next in health care depends largely on COVID-19, especially in light of breaking news at press time that the President has been diagnosed with COVID-19. No matter what, advocacy remains crucial to pharmacists overcoming current barriers, such as direct and indirect remuneration fees.

And finally, October is American Pharmacists Month—a dedicated time to recognize pharmacists’ contribution to health care. Take time to celebrate staff members going above and beyond. Karen Berger, PharmD, writes more about 

As always, keep visiting drugtopics.com as we continue to keep you up-to- date with the latest pharmacy news.

Articles

If anything has demonstrated the need and value of expanded access to community-based care, it’s been the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. 



Celebrate and Advocate for the Pharmacy Profession

Just a few months ago, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the United States and rapidly changed lives. As reopening efforts and recovery plans start to take hold, it should be recognized that community pharmacies are ideally positioned to support this national effort.

As social distancing remains encouraged, pharmacies have stepped up to adapt their services in many ways. This includes ensuring that the strain of the global pandemic does not interfere with the care of patients with chronic and complex conditions. Our 

dives into the important role of the pharmacist in helping patients with HIV manage their disease states, especially during a time when in-person counseling is not always plausible and telemedicine takes center stage.

States are slowly easing barriers to pharmacist-provided COVID- 19 testing. In this issue, you’ll find an 

 on the current state of coronavirus testing in the pharmacy, including the maze of federal, state, and supply chain practicalities. As Christopher Daly, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, said, “Pharmacy is going to be a big part of the testing capabilities, especially when the second wave hits. But you can’t just start testing tomorrow.”

In our May issue, we provided an update on the vaccine de- velopment pipeline. In this issue, Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, 

advises how pharmacists can combat the antivaccination movement and promote other recommended vaccines

 by using logic and data to reassure patients. These tips will also surely help pharmacists when an impending COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in the future.

Additionally, in our technology section, we discuss 

how pharmacies can protect themselves from cyberattacks and avoid HIPAA violations

. Investing in the right tools and training for your business’ technology systems is crucial to preventing a potential data breach. 

Education remains key, whether you’re staying up-to-date on the latest products or brushing up on counseling points for your patients. 

® remains committed to providing phar- macists with the most up-to-date industry information. Continue to follow us on drugtopics.com and stay tuned for a new, updated look coming soon.

As reopening efforts and recovery plans start to take hold, it should be recognized that community pharmacies are ideally positioned to support this national effort.

Adapt to a “New Normal” During Uncertain Times

Response efforts to the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have kicked into high gear over the past several weeks. Never before have we seen the health care community come together in such a concerted effort in the search for potential treatments and vaccines. And in the face of COVID-19, pharmacists continue to provide accessible care to patients.

However the pandemic unfolds over the next few months, one thing is certain: COVID-19 will likely have a ripple effect for a long time to come. At 

®, we aim to deliver the most timely and relevant news and information to help you better serve your patients during times of crisis. In 

Just as expected, pharmacies have demonstrated meaningful ways to support their communities in difficult times. Although many people are working from home these days, pharmacies continue to operate as essential businesses to ensure patients get the medications they need. Jenni Zilka, senior vice president at Good Neighbor Pharmacy Field Programs & Services, AmerisourceBergen, writes about some of the ways in which 

community pharmacies are enhancing their communication 

 looks into the cutting-edge innovation happening right now in the industry. Technology will drastically transform pharmacy, with products involving artificial intelligence, automation, and real-time data analytics. This story dives into how up-and-coming digital health products are closing the gaps and connecting the dots in health care like never before.

Check out our Careers section for more insights focused on different aspects of the pharmacy profession. Frieda Wiley, PharmD, discusses 

the pharmacist’s role in managing cardiovascular disease

 in patients. You’ll also learn more about how pharmacy schools are preparing their students for 

In addition, MJH Life Sciences, parent company of 

 for health care professionals to bring you live updates and interviews with leading experts. The program is a great opportunity to dig into cross-specialty feedback for multidisciplinary approaches to treatments and guidelines. Visit mjhlifesciences. com/news-network to tune in.

Thank you for reading and continue to follow us on drugtopics.com for the latest news.

In the face of COVID-19, pharmacists continue to provide accessible care to patients.

Arm Yourself With Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the global COVID-19 pandemic and consequent public health crisis continues on, health care providers on the frontlines of this crisis deserve all of the support needed to continue serving their patients. With increasing pressures on the health care system, expanding the pharmacist’s roles and abilities to provide more services is becoming more important than ever.

With new updates on COVID-19 coming fast, we aim to provide you with the most timely, relevant information possible across both our digital and print platforms. Keep an eye on DrugTopics.com for the latest developments, as we will continue to report on how to navigate these unprecedented times in your pharmacy.

In this issue, we provide helpful tips on how pharmacies can keep their businesses thriving even in these difficult times. A smart business strategy for pharmacies to remain competitive in this market include digital marketing and advertising. In this issue, we dive into how to employ digital strategies into your pharmacy’s marketing approaches. As Steve Hoffart, PharmD, owner of Magnolia Pharmacy in Magnolia, Texas, said, “It’s important to meet your customers where they are.” They will appreciate the convenience and immediacy that you provide.

Our cover story on page 14 brings you 10 key strategies for reducing medication errors. Although there are many systemic problems that make it harder for pharmacists to prevent or catch these errors, there is still much that you can do to improve patient safety.

On page 18, Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh provides pharmacists with an update on new diabetes medications and technologies to help you educate your patients about diabetes treatment, monitoring options, and pipeline drugs.

Finally, this issue also includes coverage from the 2020 Pharmacy Development Services Super Conference, which was held from February 27 to 29 in Orlando, Florida. For independent pharmacy owners, the coverage provides helpful tips on how to diversify your revenue opportunities, from the products you stock to the services you provide, as well as how to use budgets to increase cash flow.

Thank you for reading and continue to follow us on DrugTopics. com for the latest news.

As the global COVID-19 pandemic and consequent public health crisis continues on, health care providers on the frontlines of this crisis deserve all of the support needed to continue serving their patients.