VieCure’s Post

The primary mission of the pharmacy profession is to have a positive impact on the provision of public health service by ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. There are various facets to this mission, including the preparation and distribution of medications, as well as contact with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Practice of pharmacy According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the practice of pharmacy involves the: Interpretation, evaluation and implementation of medical orders Dispensing of prescription drugs Participation in the selection of drugs and medical devices Administration of medication Review of drug regimens Research about drugs and related topics Provision of patient counseling Compounding and labeling of drugs and devices Appropriate storage of drugs and medical devices Maintenance of medical records Optimal medication therapy requires a system to promote the desired clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes. Pharmacists play a key role in the provision of effective health care by managing the medication therapy for patients to ensure medications are used in an appropriate manner to achieve health goals more effectively and with minimization of costs. Contemporary pharmacy practice Pharmacy practice is evolving to reflect the modern needs of patients and the health care system. Traditionally, the role of the pharmacist focused on the distribution of medications and counseling of patients on the appropriate use and administration of medications. However, this is changing to a more clinical role in the provision of patient-centered health care, including medication management, disease prevention and the overall improvement of public health. Challenges in the pharmacy practice profession A substantial challenge in the pharmacy practice profession is the rational use of medicine. Patients should receive the appropriate medications at the required dosages at the most affordable cost for them and the public health system. However, this is not the real outcome in most cases for patients in the current system, as there are common issues of incorrectly prescribed medications and patient non-adherence. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for pharmacy practice. A recent report from the World Health Organization has reported up to 90% resistance to some traditional first-line antibiotics (e.g. ampicillin) and up to 70% resistance to other common antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin). Various measures should be taken to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance to promote, with an emphasis of the appropriate use of medications. This should involve collaboration with several other professions, including other health professional and regulatory authorities. The profession of pharmacy should become more focused on patient-centered care through the provision of medications and advice about the appropriate use of medicines.

Key Areas Where Pharmacists Make an Impact The pharmacists play a vital role as drug information specialists and accessible healthcare providers. Pharmacists have a unique opportunity to educate patients and healthcare professionals on the benefits of generic over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, initiate conversations with patients, addressing concerns and promoting informed decision-making and leverage social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to increase awareness about safe use of medicines. The theme of this year is underscored by the increasing recognition of pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team, capable of contributing significantly to various aspects of patient management and health promotion. Awareness on Generic Medicines One of the key contributions of pharmacists is ensuring access to affordable, high-quality generic medicines. Generic medicines are bioequivalent to their branded counterparts, meaning they provide the same therapeutic benefits but at a significantly lower cost. They provide affordable access to essential medications for patients worldwide and their cost reduction is significant, as generic medicines can be priced 20% to 90% lower than their branded equivalents, making them a vital component in healthcare systems aiming to reduce pharmaceutical expenditures. In India, government has taken the initiative by introducing the concept of ‘Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana’ which led to the revolutionary change in enhancing the use of generic medicines. The Pharmacy Council of India took the initiative to enroll the pharmacists under the scheme of ‘Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)’ for opening of ‘Jan Aushadhikendras’ across India. Clinical Pharmacist and Patient Counselling Pharmacists, being drug information specialists and easily accessible healthcare providers, have a special opportunity to inform patients and other healthcare professionals about the advantages of transitioning to generic over the counter and prescription medications in community pharmacy settings. They can initiate the important conversations with patients and address any concerns they may have through social media, which is an effective way for them to educate the public. Rise Above Addiction Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare b y assessing the effectiveness of medication therapy, evaluating daily lifestyle habits, and monitoring treatment outcomes. With their expertise and organizational skills, pharmacists are well-equipped to lead and participate in substance abuse prevention and education initiatives, patient care services, employee health programs, community health activities. Their unique blend of clinical knowledge and leadership abilities enables pharmacists to make a significant impact in promoting healthy lifestyles, optimizing medication use, and improving overall well-being.

https://lnkd.in/epe4ty2c Enhancing Clinical Pharmacist Integration in Primary Care: A Call for Broader Focus on Patient Outcomes and Deprescribing. #ClinicalPharmacy #PatientOutcomes #Deprescribing #PrimaryCare #Pharmacology

Better Prevention Strategies Rely on the Monitoring of Outpatient Adverse Drug Events: Currently, limited data show the effect of adverse drug events in the outpatient setting. #finance #pharmacy #lifesciences

Enhancing Patient Care: New Drug Information Leaflet Implementation @ Malabar Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in 18/09/2024 As clinical pharmacists, we play a vital role in patient education, and I’m excited to share the implementation of comprehensive drug information leaflets(both in english and malayalam )These resources are designed to empower patients and ensure safe medication use. These leaflets are likely to have a significant impact on patient care in several ways: 1.     Enhanced Understanding: Providing clear, accessible information helps patients better understand their medications, leading to improved adherence. 2.     Informed Decision-Making: Patients equipped with knowledge about their medications can make more informed choices regarding their health. 3.     Increased Safety: By highlighting potential side effects and drug interactions, we can help patients avoid adverse events, enhancing overall safety. 4.     Empowerment: Patients who feel informed and empowered are more likely to engage in their treatment plans and communicate openly with their healthcare providers. 5.     Consistency in Information: Standardized leaflets ensure that all patients receive the same critical information, promoting equity in care. 6.     Reduced Anxiety: Knowing what to expect from their medications can alleviate patients' fears and anxieties about side effects or interactions. Overall, the implementation of these drug information leaflets is a step towards fostering a collaborative and informed relationship between patients and healthcare providers. With my team Dr.Aksa Merin Jose Dr.Ajisha K.V Dr.Megha Chandran

Health Economics (Early View): Levin et al. find hospital vertical integration shifts treatments away from physician offices and toward hospital outpatient departments. Spending on Part B drugs increases but physician treatment intensity decreases. Impact of hospital-physician vertical integration on physician-administered drug spending and utilization Jonathan S. Levin, Xiaoxi Zhao, Christopher Whaley https://lnkd.in/etb_458u Abstract We estimate the effects of hospital-physician vertical integration on spending and utilization of physician-administered drugs for hematology-oncology, ophthalmology, and rheumatology. Using a 100% sample of Medicare fee-for-service medical claims from 2013 to 2017, we find that vertical integration shifts treatments away from physician offices and toward hospital outpatient departments. These shifts are accompanied by increases in physician-administered drug administration spending per procedure for all three specialties. Spending on Part B drugs also increases for hematologist-oncologists. At the same time, physician treatment intensity, as measured by the number of beneficiaries who receive drug infusions/injections and the number of drug infusions, decreases across all three specialties. These results suggest that the incentives of the Medicare reimbursement system, particularly site-of-care payment differentials and outpatient drug reimbursement rates, interact with vertical integration to lead to higher overall spending. Policies and merger guidelines should attempt to restrain spending increases attributed to vertical integration.

#hiring *MSL Field Director, Immunology - Rheumatology (Northeast)*, Charlotte, *United States*, fulltime #jobs #jobseekers #careers #Charlottejobs #NorthCarolinajobs #ExecutivePositions *Apply*: https://lnkd.in/gYFyz_VA Job Description Purpose: The Field Director, MSL (FD) plans, directs, coordinates and supports the activities of the Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) within a designated geographic region to achieve scientific and business objectives within a therapeutic area of U.S. Medical Affairs. This includes, but is not limited to, coaching and mentoring for a designated number of medical level professionals (MSLs) in a therapeutic region. The FD reports to a therapeutic Field Medical Lead and works cross-functionally within U.S. Medical Affairs to identify, develop, implement, and monitor MSL strategies and tactics. Duties include strategic planning, financial management, personnel management, performance management process, regional awareness and expertise, data analysis, generation of metrics, material management, professional development, training, support, and execution of organizational goals and objectives. Responsibilities: People Leadership and Development: Recruitment and retention of key talent for AbbVie. Builds an organization reflecting a diverse and inclusive workforce through identification of team capability gaps and independent strengths. Establishes a productive work environment by creating trust and respect within the group and establishes self as a business partner. Consistently model "One-AbbVie" and AbbVie Ways of Working Leadership behaviors. People Leadership and Development: Provide coaching, mentoring and guidance that is consistent and timely to MSLs regarding their individual performance and progress, including annual performance reviews, growth and succession planning, and real time field reports based upon regular field travel combined with data analysis. Addresses performance issues decisively and appropriately in accordance with AbbVie's guidelines and Performance Excellence process. People Leadership and Development: Ultimate responsibility for scientific knowledge of self/team and oversight of MSL territory plans. Maintains clinical knowledge of designated therapeutic area and broad market knowledge of the region, including current treatment strategies, current and pending competitors, new therapeutic developments, payor dynamics, and other market issues/trends as it pertains to specific medical business interests. Regional Execution of Field-Medical Strategy: Maintain deep understanding of therapeutic strategy and interpretation of analytics to inform and maximize MSL Core Capabilities. Accountable for the direction and execution of MSL's regional goals/objectives and territory plans. Evaluate appropriate tools and analytics to ensure optimal trial performance through investigator engagement and excellen

Specialty pharmacists play a vital role in patient care, conducting initial assessments before starting a new specialty medication and performing regular re-assessments to ensure appropriate medication use. If all is well, the pharmacist documents the intervention and schedules the next follow-up. However, if a drug therapy problem or an opportunity for improvement is identified, the pharmacist intervenes. Interventions typically fall into one of these categories: 1️⃣ Indication: Spotting inappropriate or incorrect medication indications, or cases with no valid indication. 2️⃣ Efficacy: Identifying ineffective medications or opportunities for more potent therapies. 3️⃣ Safety: Recognizing adverse drug reactions or safety concerns. 4️⃣ Adherence: Addressing patient non-adherence to the treatment plan. 5️⃣ Other: Uncovering additional problems during the drug utilization review. Here’s an example of an intervention I made as a specialty pharmacist: During a rheumatoid arthritis reassessment, a patient mentioned that Humira was no longer effective and revealed she has hidradenitis suppurativa, not rheumatoid arthritis, with increasing breakouts. She hadn’t missed any doses and experienced no side effects. Her prescription was for Humira 40 mg every other week, but the appropriate dose for hidradenitis suppurativa is 40 mg every week. The patient confirmed she had been on the correct dose initially but was switched to every other week dosing a few months ago. I informed her of the correct dosage and contacted her doctor, who agreed and sent a new prescription for weekly dosing. This intervention highlights the importance of confirming the medication indication during initial and reassessments to ensure the patient is on the correct medication at the proper dose. I categorized this intervention under “indication” and “efficacy” as the dose was inappropriate for the indication and ineffective due to being too low. Interested in learning more about the impact of specialty pharmacists? Let’s connect! 🚀 #specialtypharmacy #pharmacyinterventions #MTM #URAC #ACHC

Perfect Storm of Clinical Lab and Pathology Practice Regulatory Changes to Be Featured in Discussions at 29th Annual Executive War College Forces in play will directly impact the operations and financial stability of many of the nation’s clinical laboratories With significant regulatory changes expected in the next 18 to 24 months, experts are predicting a “Perfect Storm” for managers of clinical laboratories and pathology practices. Currently looming are changes to critical regulations in two regulatory areas that will affect hospitals and medical laboratories. One regulatory change is unfolding with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the other regulatory effort centers around efforts to update the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). The major FDA changes involve the soon-to-be-published Final Rule on Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs), which is currently causing its own individual storm within healthcare and will likely lead to lawsuits, according to the FDA Law Blog. In a similar fashion—and being managed under the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—are the changes to CLIA rules that are expected to be... Read the Dark Daily article at https://hubs.ly/Q02rjhjn0 For more information about Executive War College and to register visit https://hubs.ly/Q02rjvzs0

Pharmacists Make Positive Impact Through Clinical Interventions: Providing evidence-based literature and resolving medication-related problems are strategies for improving acceptance of clinical recommendations #finance #pharmacy #lifesciences