From The Issue: July/August 2021

Cover Story | Chain Market Report

Our annual survey dives into the chain technology priorities.

Chain pharmacy has plenty on its plate right now. In our annual survey, we found leadership is looking to build on the value pharmacy has demonstrated through a successful pandemic response.

This market segment certainly played a strong role in the COVID-19 response as well. Here we take our annual look at the top technology, patient care, and operational challenges and priorities for chains, diving into the details with several to find out what they are doing not just to stay afloat, but to thrive.

Plus… Central Fill: A Solution to Lasting Pandemic Trends

by Mark Longley, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Parata Systems

Changes from the pandemic have been recognized as beneficial, and the expectation is that pharmacies can thrive if they keep meeting the needs of customers in this manner — there can’t be any reverting back to January 2020. The solution is a trend we are seeing across the pharmacy industry — innovate with automation — especially in centralized services.

Pharmacy Forward | A New Pharmacy System Leads to New Initiatives

Health Care Partners of South Carolina switched to Computer-Rx for its enhanced reporting features, and was surprised with the added benefits that came along with the workflow features.

Exclusive Web Content | Success Through Customer Engagement

Three case studies show how pharmacy retailers use the Epicor Eagle point-of-sale system to create customer interactions that are memorable and build engagement. Find out the strategies to reap the rewards of long-term engagement, loyalty, and advocacy toward your business.

Feature | Two Goals for Any Pharmacy

by Bruce Kneeland

Being a good listener, providing clear direction, treating people fairly, and clearly communicating the benefits of your pharmacy to patients, prescribers, and team members are all critical leadership traits. But I’d like to bring up two other leadership traits.

Developing the right culture and making sure your team knows that what they do is important will help you run a better pharmacy.

Feature | Expanding COVID-19 Vaccine Support Services

by Sandra Leal, Pharm.D.

From medication safety to immunizations, technology vendors can alleviate the administrative burdens associated with these services.

Endorsed as critical providers in the national COVID-19 vaccination response, pharmacies can meaningfully impact vaccine uptake and help eradicate the pandemic — with the right support.

Feature | AI Gives Pharmacy the Edge

by Maggie Lockwood

Galva Pharmacy was the first in the United States to use artificial intelligence to accurately translate e-prescriptions, helping avoid medication errors and saving time for each drug dispensed. How an interface between DrFirst and Speed Script has given one pharmacist more time to do what he loves: care for his patients and his community.

Publisher’s Window | The Internet: Friend or Foe?

The internet is something we cannot live without these days. In that sense it is our friend. On the other hand, it is becoming our foe as well. Here i am referring to cybercrime, which is increasingly becoming a real threat to all of us.

Technology Corner | COVID-19: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

Viewpoints | How Should Pharmacies Handle Unbranded Biologics?

Pharmacists often think of the terms “brand” and “generic” as dichotomous and mutually exclusive, so it is not surprising that unbranded biologics, such as insulin and human growth hormone, among others, seem to be causing confusion for pharmacies when it comes to product selection. We will address how unbranded biologics are being displayed in pharmacy management systems and what pharmacists need to do to make sure they are being reimbursed appropriately.

Catalyst Corner | Americans Want Access to Their Healthcare Data

More than 67% of those surveyed want their doctors, hospitals, and other health providers to share advanced care plans, end-of-life preferences, images, and family medical histories. The 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan’s goals, objectives, and strategies highlight how important electronic health information is, including how it is enabled by public health surveillance, telehealth, and remote monitoring. He notes that while gains have been made, much work remains to ensure patients and caregivers have access to “valuable, usable information.”