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Pharmacists First In Patient Trust Survey

admin2016-07-13T11:57:03-04:00Categories: Article|Tags: Pharmacy_Value|

Pharmacists are the most trusted group in the healthcare industry, according to a new survey by advertising and marketing firm Meyocks.

Sixty percent of respondents reported trusting their pharmacists, with only 14% arguing they don’t trust them. The marks represented the highest trust rate and lowest distrust rate among all groups in the survey. “In general, Americans trust the people who directly provide healthcare more than others in the system,” said Doug Jeske, Meyocks president.

Fruth Pharmacy Sees “West Virginia Strong” First-Hand

admin2016-07-13T11:45:45-04:00Categories: Photo|Tags: Community, Preparedness|

Fruth Pharmacy team members, from left to right: Barbara Taylor, OTC category manager; Lynne Fruth, president; Amy Nelson, gift category manager; Tim Weber, vice president of pharmacy.

With a third semi of supplies ready to roll to the victims of West Virginia’s devastating flooding of three weeks ago, Fruth Pharmacy accepted an invitation from NACDS.org to describe the scene in West Virginia – and the efforts of the company’s customers, employees and business partners to play a role in the relief effort. The hope is that the ongoing and significant needs of West Virginians will be understood in the aftermath of a “thousand-year flood.”

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NACDS, University of Pittsburgh Announce National Tour for Test2Learn Community-Based Pharmacogenomics Certificate Program

admin2016-07-07T11:32:25-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Medications, Pharmacy_Value|

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, today announced plans for a national tour this fall to advance the Test2LearnTM Community-Based Pharmacogenomics Certificate Program.

Pharmacogenomics is considered a new frontier in patient care, with great promise for patient outcomes and public health.

NACDS and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy adapted Test2LearnTM from an innovative University platform that enables students to learn by using real genetic data in highly-interactive exercises. The certificate program will include online home study and in-person live components, including an optional activity for learners to undergo personal genomic testing. At each stop on the national tour, pharmacist participants will engage in the in-person aspect of the program, as well as receive the instruction necessary to administer the training to others.

“NACDS is excited to announce the availability of University of Pittsburgh content through the NACDS educational platform, Learner Community, for the benefit of practicing pharmacists, students, and schools and colleges of pharmacy,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “Pharmacogenomics is considered a new frontier in patient care, with great promise for patient outcomes and public health, and the ‘train-the-trainer’ focus of the fall 2016 national tour will expand the knowledge of it exponentially.”

Philip Empey, PharmD, PhD, BCPS, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, noted, “Participants who have learned using this model tell us it makes a meaningful impact in their education. Our published outcome data shows students are highly-engaged and achieved better learning outcomes. We are excited about offering this innovative certificate.”

Pharmacogenomics is a subset of the overarching concept of personalized medicine, which refers to ensuring that each patient receives the right medication and the right dose. Pharmacogenomics seeks to achieve that by predicting a response to a drug based on the individual’s genetic makeup.

Test2LearnTM teaches the principles of pharmacogenomics as well as its practical implications in disease states such as cardiology, oncology, neurology and infectious diseases, among others. It trains pharmacists to decipher genetic tests, translate that information, and make appropriate recommendations for [ READ MORE ]

NACDS, NCPA Maintain Push for Pharmacy Choice in TRICARE Increased copays could result in an increase of more than $1 billion in federal spending for medical services, including Medicare

admin2016-07-01T11:10:05-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: TRICARE|

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) remain vigilant in communicating with Congress on not increasing TRICARE pharmacy copayments. In a letter this week to the chairmen and ranking members of the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, NACDS and NCPA reiterated concerns about the impact copay increases could have on TRICARE beneficiaries.

As House and Senate negotiators work to resolve differences in their chambers’ versions of the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), NACDS and NCPA said in their letter that when the Congressional Budget Office reviewed the Senate version of the FY2016 NDAA, it found that “copay increases would result in an increase of over $1 billion in federal spending for medical services, particularly in Medicare.” In addition, the letter stated that the proposed copay increases in the Senate version of the FY2017 NDAA “would double, and in some cases nearly triple, the amount of money a TRICARE beneficiary would be required to pay out-of-pocket to get their prescriptions filled.”

NACDS and NCPA urged the conferees to protect TRICARE beneficiary access to prescription medications by adopting the House position, which does not include an increase in pharmacy copayments.

NACDS and NCPA noted in the letter that TRICARE patients are already worried about gaining access to the services they need, and cited a report from the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission that emphasized how important it is for TRICARE beneficiaries to have choice and access to care, and recommended policies that would engender access to those essential parts of the military healthcare system.

In the letter, NACDS and NCPA pointed out that copay increases put greater burdens on TRICARE patients and “unfairly penalize TRICARE beneficiaries who prefer to use local pharmacies.” The increases also carry unintended consequences, which occur when patients do not adhere to their medication regimen. A lack of medication adherence can have negative effects on healthcare outcomes and cause an increase in more expensive medical options, such as emergency room visits and trips to the doctor’s office.

NACDS and NCPA underscored the critical need to ensure patients have uninterrupted choice and [ READ MORE ]

HHS Moves to Accelerate Zika Vaccine Development

admin2016-07-01T10:56:31-04:00Categories: Article|Tags: NACDS_Foundation|

The Department of Health and Human Services reported Monday it would accelerate development of a Zika vaccine, following a House decision last week to provide $1.1 billion in funding to combat the Zika virus.

The NACDS Foundation is actively engaged with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Foundation, the March of Dimes and other stakeholders in efforts to protect at-risk populations in Puerto Rico.

The Center for Innovation in Advanced Development Manufacturing (CIADM) will conduct a variety of studies to move quickly through early stages of vaccine development and submit a new drug request to FDA to begin clinical studies. To further speed development time, the CIADM will use vaccine technology similar to that used in vaccines being developed to protect against similar viruses, such as Dengue.

“The threat posed by Zika presents an urgent need for vaccines and diagnostics,” said Dr. Richard Hatchett, acting director of HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

As part of efforts to raise awareness about the Zika virus and prevention measures, the NACDS Foundation is actively engaged with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Foundation, the March of Dimes and other stakeholders in efforts to protect at-risk populations in Puerto Rico. The Foundation has also launched an education campaign tailored toward families in Puerto Rico, and additional outreach efforts, including radio broadcasts, digital messaging and online information.

Get Ready for NACDS Total Store Expo with Retailer Resources

admin2016-07-01T10:50:43-04:00Categories: Video|Tags: Conferences, Total_Store_Expo|

NACDS Total Store Expo is right around the corner–August 6-9!–so be sure and watch this video to find out what you need to know to make the event a complete success.

NACDS RxIMPACT Pharmacy Tour: “The Best Type of Legislative Visit”

admin2016-06-28T10:45:03-04:00Categories: Article|Tags: RxIMPACT|

As NACDS RxIMPACT continues to maximize the value of in-district congressional activities, a report from the pharmacy manager, Brandon Martin, PharmD, of Genoa, a QoL Healthcare Company, in Ladue, Mo., called a recent pharmacy tour with a field representative for Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO), “the best type of legislative visit.”

Thanks for allowing me this opportunity to help advance our profession.

Martin took Wagner’s field representative, Jordan Fears, on a tour of the pharmacy, showing him the array of services the location offers, including precribers, counselors, therapists and the pharmacy. Martin said Fears was engaged and receptive. Martin also briefed him on medication therapy management benefits for patients and NACDS-backed provider status legislation, H.R. 592.

Martin said, “Mr. Fears arrived ready to learn as much as he could about the practice of pharmacy. The visit lasted a little over an hour and it ended with him taking my card and letting me know that he would take me up on being a resource for information on legislation.” He added, “Thanks for allowing me this opportunity to help advance our profession.”

NACDS Foundation Supports Increased HIV Testing Awareness Study ongoing amid observance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27

admin2016-06-27T10:41:40-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Community, NACDS_Foundation|

Arlington, Va. – As public health authorities seek to raise awareness about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing, a study funded by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation is evaluating a model which may provide patients with increased access to HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and link patients to a specialized physician or health department as needed for further care.

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are providing technical assistance for the Foundation’s study, and other key public health agencies also are partnering on the study. This initiative reflects the priority that the CDC is placing on raising awareness about improving access and awareness regarding HIV testing, as evidenced by the agency’s annual awareness campaign, National HIV Testing Day on June 27.

The NACDS Foundation study, led by principal investigators at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, currently is underway in 50 stores with pharmacies, and a total of 75 locations are planned in the greater Detroit, Mich.; West Virginia/Ohio; and Atlanta, Ga., metropolitan areas. The study is designed to evaluate the impact of expanding access to community testing for both HIV and the Hepatitis C virus.

“This study exemplifies key goals of the NACDS Foundation because it combines an identified public health need to improve access to testing and care with awareness and prevention priorities that require collaboration and public engagement,” said NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger. “Evidence-based research on HIV and Hepatitis C expands upon the NACDS Foundation’s ongoing study of point-of-care testing for flu and strep throat.”

Nearly 45,000 people are diagnosed with HIV every year and approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are currently living with HIV. However, one in eight people don’t know they have it. The need for testing and increased awareness is critical, as more than 90 percent of HIV infections in the U.S. could be prevented by testing and diagnosing people with HIV and making sure they receive early, ongoing treatment. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV as part of routine healthcare.

Patients who seek care in participating stores are counseled by [ READ MORE ]

NACDS Total Store Expo Announces New “Vision 2027” Participants

admin2016-06-24T10:31:19-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Conferences, Retail, Total_Store_Expo|

Arlington, Va. – Nine additional companies have confirmed their engagement in the forward-thinking Vision 2027 attraction in the Exhibit Hall at the 2016 National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo – which will be held August 6-9 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The NACDS Total Store Expo presents a remarkable transaction of ideas and Vision 2027 will be a tremendous part of that forward thinking at this year’s event.

Vision 2027 will provide insights into the future of retailing and trading-partner collaboration, with a unique blend of technology, interactivity, and even celebrity. The total number of companies participating in Vision 2027 currently stands at 13, with additional announcements anticipated.

“Vision 2027 will be a must-see destination for retailers and suppliers in the NACDS Total Store Expo Exhibit Hall,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “The NACDS Total Store Expo presents a remarkable transaction of ideas and Vision 2027 will be a tremendous part of that forward thinking at this year’s event.”

The new participating Vision 2027 companies announced today include:

Digital Foodie – On-demand food- and general retail through the Digital Foodie solution consists of a white label, digital solution for home and mobile shopping, recipes, order management, picking, click-and-collect and optimized deliveries – integrated with a master data management (MDM) and product information management (PIM) system for rich internal and external content management. The solution orchestrates content-capture and enrichment across B2B2C for physical and digital content and networks; powers personalized digital search by enabling robust narratives, attributes and images for millions of SKUs; and matches brand offers to shopping lists with brand direct platform (BDP) for coupons, sweepstakes, recipes, and more.

Eventable – Eventable enables brands and retailers to engage with their customers via the digital calendar. By integrating events directly into customers’ daily schedules, brands can drive sales and boost engagement. Eventable’s marketing platform provides the analytics and targeting tools necessary to understand and communicate with a brand’s customers. Eventable works with clients ranging from e-commerce sites to Fortune 500 companies, and has been featured at AD THINK, ad:tech New York, the Intel Global Challenge, and more.

Everfave [ READ MORE ]

Join Pharmacy’s Team: Become an NACDS RxIMPACT Key Contact

admin2016-06-23T10:28:37-04:00Categories: Article|Tags: RxIMPACT|

NACDS represents members—by advocating on behalf of the pharmacy community with a resonant, unified voice about the value of pharmacy.

Your engagement is truly essential, especially in an election year.

In order to reach as many members of Congress effectively, it is essential to build and foster relationships with select members of Congress so key pharmacy legislative priorities are on their radar and they understand their importance.

What can you do? Become a part of the growing NACDS RxIMPACT Key Contact program, which exists under a broader NACDS RxIMPACT umbrella and empowers NACDS member company representatives to build relationships with members of Congress to advance pharmacy legislative issues over the long term.

The public policy arena is only getting more competitive. More advocates, representing a wide range of issues, are engaging with Congress to make their views heard. Becoming an NACDS RxIMPACT Key Contact is the first stop on the train of grassroots advocacy and reaching your member of Congress on various pharmacy issues. It’s also a great way great way to get more involved beyond attending NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, and to build on any relationships you began during the trip to Washington.

Your engagement is truly essential, especially in an election year. Members of Congress that you sign up to engage with, or that you already have a relationship with, are going to be spending a lot of time back in their home districts this summer, which presents many excellent opportunities to connect with members on their home turf for town hall meetings, meet-and-greets, in-district office hours, ribbon cuttings, and pharmacy tours. These kinds of in-district events present great opportunities to join your fellow constituents and directly interact with lawmakers about pharmacy concerns. It’s also a way to stay in touch with in-district staff members, who are key allies in gaining access to legislators at home, and an often overlooked resource next to their more visible Capitol Hill staff counterparts.

Also upcoming are the Republican and Democratic Conventions in July. This is definitely a good time to get involved!

Join the NACDS RxIMPACT Key Contact Program today and distinguish yourself as a pharmacy advocate. [ READ MORE ]

National Association of Chain Drug StoresPharmacies. The face of neighborhood healthcare.

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