Mike Hennessy Sr

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.

Articles

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.

Prepare Your Pharmacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At the beginning of 2020, we provided a look into the upcoming trends that will shape how the profession moves forward in the year ahead. But what if we dig even deeper? What new gaps will pharmacists need to fill?

Walk into a pharmacy in 2030 and you may find that the pharmacist’s role has completely transformed. Our 

 for this issue explores what the future will bring as pharmacists move beyond their dispensing duties and continue to step out from behind the counter, exploring the evolution of new roles and specialized niches emerging in the profession.

March is National Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, and this issue provides an 

treatment options, management tips, and what’s in the pipeline. Approximately 1 million individuals are living with MS in the United States. Pharmacists can play an integral role in managing the disease in their patients.

In preparation for allergy season, in this issue Frieda Wiley, PharmD, 

 for patients looking to relieve their allergy-related symptoms, as well as counseling tips and techniques for optimizing these treatments. In addition, pharmacists looking to add diabetes care to their expertise will find advice on how to turn their pharmacy into a place where patients seek out care and counseling for their disease.

Feeling like you could use a change in your profession or you’re just not the right fit for a current job? This issue also features an article on 

 to explore a different path in pharmacy. Pharmacy managers and educators offer expert advice on transitioning into different areas of the field–sharing knowledge that is applicable to both graduating students and established pharmacists.

It’s easy to get caught up in the stresses of the job; sometimes you just need to reflect on what motivated you to join the profession in the first place. Karen Berger, PharmD, asked pharmacists from across the country, and a variety of settings, 

. Their answers are refreshing and motivating.

As Laura Dee, PharmD, clinical pharmacist, said in the article, “pharmacy as a profession is very versatile-–you can do research, or work in a hospital, industry, or retail. You are also learning something new every day-–as our society evolves, so does our profession.”

Thank you for reading and continue to follow us on DrugTopics.com for more.

What new gaps will pharmacists need to fill?

Author | Mike Hennessy Sr

Articles

Adapt to a “New Normal” During Uncertain Times

Arm Yourself With Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prepare Your Pharmacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Preparing for Evolving Pharmacist Roles