tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-240146582024-03-13T13:02:30.274-05:00Telepharmacy BlogA blog for medical professionals interested in the evolving field of remote pharmacy practice.John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.comBlogger268125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-88205971077307819362011-05-27T19:48:00.005-05:002011-05-27T20:00:04.758-05:00Rural Missouri Hospital Awarded USDA Healthcare Grant, Funds TelepharmacyNews-Leader.com out of Springfield, Missouri writes in their <a href="http://www.news-leader.com/article/20110523/LIFE04/105230304/Daily-Planner">Daily Planner</a> section about a new USDA grant awarded to Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar:<br /><blockquote>Citizens Memorial Healthcare was awarded a $457,500 grant last month from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund educational projects and expand health care services in rural Missouri.<br /><br />CMH received the grant for a program to manage medications. Rural residents can connect to a pharmacist in the evening and from remote locations with what's called a telepharmacy. The program computerizes managing prescriptions and improves the time it takes to review medication orders. The award was received by Susan Sanders, telehealth coordinator for CMH.</blockquote>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-39316342231131421012011-05-27T19:23:00.010-05:002011-05-27T19:48:12.206-05:00Vermont Telepharmacy Pilot Program Keeps Outpatient Pharmacy Services Alive in Rural VermontKeith McGilvery of <a href="http://www.wcax.com/story/14680329/dispensing-drugs-via-video">WCAX News writes</a> about a state-board approved rural outpatient telepharmacy program that has been running in Plainfield, Vermont for 2.5 years. Even though there's no pharmacist in town, one from Colchester remotely councils patients via a live video link, with a vending machine dispensing drugs to a technician.<div><br /><div>The program is expanding Hardwick soon, and "telepharmacies are also up for discussion in Danville, Barton, Concord."</div></div><div><br /></div><div>"HealthWatch" Video:<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.wcax.com/global/video/videoplayer.js?rnd=260173;hostDomain=www.wcax.com;playerWidth=440;playerHeight=247;isShowIcon=true;clipId=5868378;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=Health;advertisingZone=;enableAds=false;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay"></script><br /></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-73248902793296134312011-05-18T15:44:00.003-05:002011-05-18T15:50:26.492-05:00Idaho Pharmacy Regulations Revamp Provides for Remote Supervision of Technicians, More Changes LaterThe <a href="http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:F6rLNhPrBKwJ:www.idahostatesman.com/2011/05/11/v-print/1644010/new-rules-of-the-gamecompiled.html">Idaho Statesman</a> offers this about Idaho's huge pharmacy regulations overhaul:<div><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>REWRITING THE RULE BOOK The board is nearing the end of a three-year effort to rewrite the rules governing pharmacies and other places that dispense medications, such as hospitals and nursing homes. The agency wants to dump the 102 pages of rules created over the years to eliminate antiquated language and extend regulation to some areas that haven’t had it before.<p>PROPOSED MAJOR CHANGES Two areas the board hopes to regulate more closely are telepharmacies and machines that dispense medications. </p><p>Telepharmacies permit pharmacy technicians to fill prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist, usually some distance away. In some cases, the technician may be in a small hospital that has a pharmacist for only a short period each day. Idaho has a couple of pilot programs now in telepharmacy. As the programs expand, the state will look at regulations. The machines dispense medications either to pharmacists filling prescriptions or to customers who come into a pharmacy to pick up prescribed medications. Pharmacists can put filled prescriptions into the machines that customers can access with a personal code, ending the need to stand in a long line.</p><p>THE PROCESS The board hopes to go to the Legislature in January to repeal the existing rules. </p><p>HOW YOU CAN BE HEARD A meeting is planned at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy office, 1100 Shoreline Lane, Suite 300, Boise. Comments may also be directed to Mark Johnston, executive director, at mark.johnston@bop.idaho.gov. </p><p>TO LEARN MORE Go to the Board of Pharmacy’s website at <a href="http://bop.accessidaho.org">http://bop.accessidaho.org</a>.</p></blockquote><p></p></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-83085943215753125802011-04-08T13:57:00.004-05:002011-04-08T14:03:33.463-05:00Missouri USDA Funds Rural Hospital District's Telepharmacy ProgramLast month, the Rural Development division of the <a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/STELPRD4008996.html">Missouri USDA announced</a> funding for telecommunications, distance learning and telemedicine projects in the state. Among those was:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><blockquote>Citizens Memorial Hospital District, in the southwest Missouri community of Bolivar, received $457,500 for implementing a telemedicine program that centralizes the management of medications. The tele-pharmacy allows rural residents to connect to a pharmacist during evening hours and from remote locations and computerizes the management of prescriptions which greatly improves the timely review of medication orders plus generally improves the efficiencies in all aspects of a pharmacy operation.</blockquote></span></div><div>Several other telehealth grants were awarded but they didn't specifically mention whether their projects included anything pharmacy specific.</div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-88908692473297911402011-04-01T14:23:00.000-05:002011-04-01T14:23:00.352-05:00ASCP 2011 Spring Conference Provides a Telepharmacy "Education Session"The <a href="http://www.ascpspringconference.com/index.php?option=com_sessions&Itemid=28">American Society of Consultant Pharmacists' Spring Conference & Exhibition</a> is running from May 17th through 19th, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Among their education sessions is an entire lecture about remote pharmacy called "Telepharmacy - A Future Alternative," held from 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM on Tuesday, May 17:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><blockquote>This session describes the operation of a telepharmacy medication dispensing system that provides medication dispensing services among a network of six community health clinics. After attending this session, participants will have a clear picture of how telepharmacy technology can be applied to dispensing of medications and may be able to apply some of the knowledge and practice experiences learned in this session into their dispensing practices. At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the operational components of a telepharmacy system; 2. Identify the regulations and protocols that enable a telepharmacy to operate; 3. Describe the advantages and challenges of using a telepharmacy for dispensing services in an ambulatory/community setting; 4. Review potential telepharmacy error sources and suggest methods to reduce dispensing errors; 5. Discuss telepharmacy service patient satisfaction and service outcomes. Universal Activity Number: 0203-0000-11-009-L04-P; 1.25 contact hours</blockquote></span></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-68563757473965698962011-03-18T17:46:00.000-05:002011-03-18T17:46:00.689-05:00Minnesota SBP Grants More After-Hours ROE variancesAfter a host of after-hours order entry variances from the Minnesota State Board of Pharmacy <a href="http://telepharmacy.blogspot.com/2010/01/minnesota-board-of-pharmacy-grants.html">recently</a>, more hospitals requested and recieved variances in their <a href="http://www.pharmacy.state.mn.us/agendas/mar11.pdf">March 9th, 2011 meeting</a>:<div><div></div><blockquote><div>Mayo Health System hospital pharmacies – remote after hours order entry – </div><div>Variance Committee recommends approval </div><div>o Fairmont Medical Center 200992-002 </div><div>o Lake City Medical Center 261637-001 </div><div>o Springfield Medical Center 200325-001 </div><div>o St James Medical Center 200891-001 </div><div>o Waseca Medical Center 200753-1 </div><div>o Immanuel St Joseph Hospital 200743-001</div></blockquote><div></div></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-5403405758952798962011-03-17T06:11:00.000-05:002011-03-17T06:11:00.136-05:00European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2011 Vienna Congress Lecture Will Touch on TelepharmacyThe <a href="http://www.eahp.eu/Congresses/2011-Congress-Vienna-Austria">16th Congress of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists</a> is taking place starting at the end of this month, March 30th through April 1st, 2011 in Vienna, Austria. At least one of the lectures, "<a href="http://www.eahp.eu/Congresses/Programme/Teaching-Goals-Learning-Objectives/Seminar-2-A-need-for-hospital-pharmacist-specialisation">A need for hospital pharmacist specialization?</a>" will touch on "Providing telepharmacy services to rural and remote areas."John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-39443539288117895882011-03-16T21:36:00.002-05:002011-03-16T21:43:00.470-05:00Ontario Hospitals Request Bids for Remote Medication Order ReviewThe <a href="http://www.nwhealthcare.ca/">Wellington Health Care Alliance</a> in Ontario, Canada has p<a href="http://www.merx.com/English/Supplier_menu.asp?WCE=Show&TAB=3&PORTAL=MERX&State=7&id=PR215151&HID=&src=nm&searchtype=&hcode=dp3X%2fcqi4K89pWAc5rCYzA%3d%3d">osted a request for proposal</a> for a 1 year contract for a Canadian firm to do order review and entry for three sites for 1 year:<div></div><blockquote><div>Notice Description:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "><b>Telepharmacy Coverage for Wellington Health Care Alliance</b><br /><br />Wellington Health Care Alliance is a relationship between North Wellington Health Care and Groves Memorial Community Hospital. We operate three sites:<br /><br />Louise Marshall Hospital, Mount Forest<br />Palmerston District Hospital, Palmerston<br />Groves Memorial Community Hospital, Fergus<br /><br />Term of Contract will be 1 year from May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012<br /><br />Service Requested<br />• To provide telepharmacy coverage for 2 corporations and 3 hospitals that includes medication order review and pharmaceutical advice to staff and physicians </span></div></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "></span></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-55574445455395985452011-03-16T20:53:00.002-05:002011-03-16T21:00:02.348-05:00VA to "Soon" Roll Out Telepharmacy Services in Butler, PennsylvaniaIn an <a href="http://www.butler.va.gov/features/Telederm_Team_Nominated.asp">article about their tele-dermatology program</a>, VA Butler makes a quick mention that they "will soon expand to include Tele-Smoking Cessation and Tele-Pharmacy." No real information as to whether they'd be providing the service or receiving the service seems to be available.John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-36004443357950921612011-03-16T08:26:00.000-05:002011-03-16T20:33:12.128-05:00Colorado State Board Approves Telepharmacy, Remote Dispensing in Rural HospitalThe <a href="http://www.lamarledger.com/lamar-news/ci_17504246">article from the Lamar Ledger</a> from the beginning of the month says it all:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; "></span><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; ">The Prowers Medical Center Board of Directors approved obtaining USDA grant funding to place a tele-pharmacy service at the Holly Medical Clinic. The tele-pharmacy will allow people who receive treatment at the Holly Medical Clinic to get medicine from the tele-pharmacy. Described as similar to an ATM, the machine will be located in the Clinic and will allow those who receive treatment at the Clinic to get their medications in Holly, rather than driving 30 miles to Lamar to refill or obtain new authorized prescriptions. The machine will require identification and will be a benefit to those who live a long distance from Lamar, Prowers Medical Center CEO Jim Fairchild said. It is not the hospital's goal to take business away from pharmacies, he added. In</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; ">stalling the tele-pharmacy machine will simply benefit those patients who can't make the trip to Lamar, Fairchild said.</span></blockquote></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-2223533448172607692011-02-14T08:28:00.002-06:002011-02-14T08:28:00.115-06:00DrugTopics has Suggestions for State Boards, Praises Remote Chemo PrepThe newest issue (Feb 15th) of DrugTopics has two articles about telepharmacy. The <a href="http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=707263">first</a> is by Ned Milenkovich, PharmD, JD. He has some suggestions for the state boards who haven't written telepharmacy rules yet: Get with it, and do look to other states. Excerpt from Page 2:<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><blockquote style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; ">Many state pharmacy laws and regulations are devoid of language regulating this area. Telepharmacy is still a novelty, and there is a lag in implementation of new laws after professional and technological innovations are deployed.</span></p><span class="article-articlebody" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Moreover, in the few states where telepharmacy laws exist, there is a lack of uniformity among the various states' measures. Implementation of comprehensive and uniform state laws and regulations would provide a more certain medium for telepharmacy for the marketplace and patient population.</span><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></p><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="article-articlebody" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">With regard to state laws and regulations in the telepharmacy arena, establishing requirements that any technology used must be able to electronically link drug product at the remote site back to the original packaging from the drug manufacturer would ensure patient safety and offer a <i>de minimus</i> chance of medication dispensing error. By electronically sending the drug product's bar-code information from the remote site back for comparison with the manufacturer's bar code, the electronic indicia of the drug can be confirmed without human intervention.</span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="article-articlebody" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Similarly, laws and regulations should require that captured images of the drug product and prescription that are labeled and dispensed at the remote site must be retrievable and reviewable by the pharmacy and pharmacist at all times.</span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="article-articlebody" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Finally, telepharmacy laws and regulations should provide for proper counseling by means of video technology that enables pharmacist and patient to interact directly.</span></p></blockquote><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; ">The second article is by Fred Gebhart, called "<a href="http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=707276">Technicians key to telepharmacy success in North Dakota</a>" and it praises technicians' roles in telepharmacy. The article's section that might be new to my readership also comes on the second page:</span></p><blockquote style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="article-articlebody" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Techs prepare chemotherapy and other IV medications in a typical sterile facility; the supervising is pharmacist linked electronically.</span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="article-articlebody" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"Even if the pharmacist is sitting in the next room, telepharmacy can give you a higher level of oversight than you have with a traditional sterile-prep situation," he said. "Telepharmacy gives you clear, visual records of drugs, bar codes, syringes — every step of the preparation process."</span></p></blockquote></span></div></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-85784063459259669552011-02-11T13:07:00.002-06:002011-02-11T19:18:04.174-06:00Rural Washington Hospitals Awarded Telemedicine Grant, Will Upgrade Telepharmacy EquipmentThe US Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Services, Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program recently awarded $487,000 to the North Central Washington Health Collaborative (NCWHC), which includes Lake Chelan Community Hospital, as well as other rural public hospitals in Leavenworth, Brewster, Omak, Quincy and Goldendale. From the <a href="http://www.kozi.com/NewsStory.aspx?NewsID=3312">Kozi Community Radio station article</a>:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; "><blockquote>The hospital, along with its partners, will receive $487,000 to upgrade and expand their telemedicine network to improve access and bring new healthcare services to the rural communities they serve.<p>As the coordinating facility in the North Central Washington Health Collaborative (NCWHC), LCCH's award will fund a new ultrasound machine, additional computerized radiology equipment and telepharmacy equipment for the hospital's childbirth and surgical center departments.</p></blockquote><p></p></span></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-42661051130281087512011-02-10T16:43:00.002-06:002011-02-10T16:47:52.870-06:00TrinityHealth Outfits North Dakota Hospital with Telepharmacy EquipmentTrinity Health's Foundation just released their "Report to the Community" for the fiscal year 2010, which ended June 30th. They received "nearly $700,000 in gifts" and dispersed this among their hospitals. A North Dakota hospital received part of it. From <a href="http://www.trinityhealth.org/baby/assets/pdf/spotter/index.php?section=about-trinity-health&page=foundation_communityreport">the release</a>:<div><h3 style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(85, 140, 122); margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></h3><blockquote><h3 style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(85, 140, 122); margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Kenmare Community Hospital</h3><p style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; ">Exercise equipment for patients</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; ">Telepharmacy equipment to better serve the community</p></blockquote><p style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; ">Unfortunately there are no more details.</span></p></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-90164715568027510732011-02-10T16:20:00.003-06:002011-02-10T16:28:13.285-06:00VA Soliciting Bids for After-Hours Telepharmacy Service at Maine HospitalThe Federal Business Opportunities website has an <a href="https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=8728b25619f56c94926917d136cc0735&tab=core&_cview=0">offer</a> from the Department of Veterans Affairs to remotely staff the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine. Details as follows:<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; "><blockquote>The Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, ME requires after hours telepharmacy services for inpatients. This entails the vendor providing drug knowledge resources and pharmacist medication order review and entry services. This will include review of authorized physician medication ordered during "after hours" time periods that are scanned, sent, transmitted to or accessed by vendor. Pharmacists will enter via remote access, orders into VAMC medication order entry system. This contract is needed to relieve the present system of after hour's pharmacy orders. This work is presently being performed by VAMC TOGUS staff pharmacists on call and on overtime.<br /><br />Solicitation Information: This telepharmacy contract will include a base year with 4 option periods at an estimated amount between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. The solicitation documents will be posted at the Federal Business Opportunities website (http://www.fbo.gov) on or about February 15, 2011.</blockquote></span></div><div>So far there have been <a href="https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=8728b25619f56c94926917d136cc0735&tab=ivl&tabmode=list&subtab=list&subtabmode=list">nine bids</a> by providers from around the country, mostly from the Northeastern states.</div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-70401360518086577482011-02-10T15:58:00.003-06:002011-02-10T16:17:01.237-06:00PharmaTrust Receives More Canadian Government FundingThe Industrial Research Assistance Program, under Canada's National Research Council (NRC-IRAP) is contributing an addition $300,000 to PharmaTrust to "support the software and engineering development activities required to deliver a working prototype of MedHome™. From the <a href="http://www.pharmatrust.com/sections/media/news.asp?ItemID=227&rcid=64&pcid=63&cid=64">press release</a>:<div><blockquote></blockquote><div><blockquote>The funding will enable the further development of MedHome™, a personal medication management system that addresses the critical issue of medication compliance, helping patients safely and effectively manage their own medications.</blockquote></div></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-85900854279529496372011-02-10T15:25:00.005-06:002011-02-10T15:45:20.294-06:00Rural Idaho Hospitals Look to Telepharmacy to Offer Better Healthcare Services<div><a href="http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/medically-challenged/Content?oid=2022224">George Prentice of the Boise Weekly details</a> the use of two machines in Idaho's rural Adams County Health Center named Beatrice and Norman that dispense drugs approved remotely by a pharmacist in Ontario, Oregon. Live video via Skype allows for remote patient consultations should the patient want it. From the article:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcE5UCq2GqGwnwVq1V_M5jbH8ZPT6R0VbpZcVCH93Myp7aaB6J9yk7vEYpdlft3w0QUv4y4tmzZ9U7jkZmkKrG2yNbQYJNY9LBDSGS4-c9bV2grR0TFK2Cjndm-4nquTtLUye/s1600/BeatriceNorman.jpg"></a><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcE5UCq2GqGwnwVq1V_M5jbH8ZPT6R0VbpZcVCH93Myp7aaB6J9yk7vEYpdlft3w0QUv4y4tmzZ9U7jkZmkKrG2yNbQYJNY9LBDSGS4-c9bV2grR0TFK2Cjndm-4nquTtLUye/s1600/BeatriceNorman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcE5UCq2GqGwnwVq1V_M5jbH8ZPT6R0VbpZcVCH93Myp7aaB6J9yk7vEYpdlft3w0QUv4y4tmzZ9U7jkZmkKrG2yNbQYJNY9LBDSGS4-c9bV2grR0TFK2Cjndm-4nquTtLUye/s400/BeatriceNorman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572175738559689474" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><p style="margin-top: 1.12em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.12em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">You can't believe how thrilled our providers are," said Langston-Groves. "We had this installed here after obtaining a special order from Gov. Otter."</p><p style="margin-top: 1.12em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.12em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">The success in Council has led Langston-Groves to consider duplicating their effort to nearby Valley County where, by all accounts, the need is as great.</p><p style="margin-top: 1.12em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.12em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">...</p><p style="margin-top: 1.12em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.12em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></p><p style="margin-top: 1.12em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.12em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">But administration at McCall Memorial, which just three months ago joined the St. Luke's network of hospitals, isn't so sure they want to see a low-cost clinic near their turf. Two weeks ago, hospital administrators told the McCall <i>Star News</i> that "adding more medical providers could damage our long-term financial viability." But officials back-pedaled a bit when BW asked about the proposal.</p><p style="margin-top: 1.12em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.12em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">"We're going to do a formal assessment to determine the need," said Lee Rhodes, CEO of St. Luke's McCall.</p><p style="margin-top: 1.12em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.12em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">"I really hope the hospital doesn't try to shut this effort down," said Backus. "With these hard times and people struggling as much as they are, I don't know why folks aren't jumping at this. There's no way that a low-cost clinic in Donnelly is going to be, in any way, competition toward a large medical facility in McCall."</p><p></p></span><div></div></blockquote><div>Considering that McCall is less than 13 miles away from Donnelly, I don't think it's a big logical leap to worry about considering what the McCall Memorial "administrators" said. Hopefully they will put peoples needs before their own profits...</div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-70857472111895445152011-02-10T14:59:00.005-06:002011-02-10T15:13:08.214-06:00Kansas Sets New Telepharmacy Regulations<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; "><p style="font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; ">Out of the <a href="http://www.kssos.org/pubs/register/2011/Vol_30_No_01_January_6_2011_p_1-16.pdf">January Kansas Register</a> comes the announcement that Kansas has drafted new regulations for Telepharmacies:</span></p></span><div><div></div><blockquote><div>K.A.R. 68-17-1 through 68-17-9 is a set of new regulations to address telepharmacy branch pharmacies. The following is a summary of the new regulations:</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-1. Definitions.</b> This regulation defines terms used in the telepharmacy branch pharmacy regulations.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-2. Status of telepharmacy branch pharmacy.</b> This regulation addresses the status of the telepharmacy branch pharmacy and limits the number of such branch pharmacies a retail pharmacy may have.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-3. Requirements for approval of location.</b> This regulation establishes the requirement that each location of a telepharmacy branch pharmacy must be approved by the Pharmacy Board and establishes criteria for approval.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-4. Application for approval of a telepharmacy branch pharmacy.</b> This regulation establishes the requirement of an application for a registration of a proposed telepharmacy branch pharmacy and establishes the required content of the application.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-5. Equipment requirements.</b> This regulation establishes requirements for equipment in a telepharmacy branch pharmacy and its use.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-6. Minimum operating requirements. </b>This regulation establishes operating requirements that must be met when a telepharmacy branch pharmacy is open for operations and dispensing drugs.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-7. Minimum security requirements.</b> This regulation establishes minimum security requirements for the physical location of the telepharmacy branch pharmacy.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-8. Renewal registration.</b> This regulation establishes the requirement that the registration of a telepharmacy branch pharmacy be renewed with the renewal application of the parent pharmacy by application to the Pharmacy Board.</div><div><b>K.A.R. 68-17-9. Fees.</b> This regulation establishes the fees for the registration and renewal of a registration for a telepharmacy branch pharmacy.</div></blockquote></div>This <a href="http://www.khi.org/news/2011/jan/17/two-initiatives-could-help-shortage-rural-pharmaci/">article from the Kansas Health Institute</a> details problems that gave rise to the new regulations, the reasoning behind the rules, the model they followed in drafting them, and when they're likely to be encoded:<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; "><p style="font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: normal; "></p></span><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; "><p style="font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: normal; ">“We should definitely have those approved in March,” she said.</p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: normal; ">The regulations initially met resistance from retail pharmacists worried that telepharmacy operations would hurt their business.</p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.6; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: normal; ">“A lot of of people were concerned it was going to impact their brick-and-mortar pharmacy,” she said. “We’re trying to make sure we're not doing that. They don't want a Walgreens or somebody in Kansas City setting up a location in their town that doesn't have to be manned by a pharmacist.</p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; ">"There was some fear we were going to come up with something like that," she said. "But that wouldn't have been acceptable to anybody. We'd rather you go to a real pharmacist in a real pharmacy, but if you're someplace where there’s not a real pharmacist, we want to make sure there's another option.”</span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; "></span></div>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-24951846173319650362011-01-06T16:17:00.003-06:002011-01-06T16:38:16.482-06:002011 North Dakota Rural Health Information Techology Grants Help Expand Telepharmacy Services to Rural HospitalBlue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota put out a <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/1/prweb8042429.htm">press release about the recipients of their Rural Health Grant Program Awards for 2011</a>. Of the $375,000 awarded and seven recipients selected, one was a rural hospital that provides remote pharmacy services. The grant allows them to expand the program further:<br /><blockquote>Ye Olde Medicine Center of Park River plans to use the funds to expand the Park River telepharmacy services to Drayton, N. D. Drayton recently lost pharmacy services due to the retirement of their pharmacist. This is a cost-effective and efficient way to ensure continuing pharmacy services to the community and to support the local medical providers.</blockquote>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-6943616678287364712011-01-06T15:28:00.005-06:002011-01-06T16:16:57.727-06:002009: Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ontario Receives Pharmacy Services via Telepharmacy<img style="float: center; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4pq8Rwn15UdvHR4dXmCHMSFgW4u7xBCaVJH_Yw9cvvKvPTrhyphenhyphenVzaKnQRoKvdGyL5ob5Fyo0_ipAubznJfQ42LSPzJXcA-jKeEiI8FBGYnda4u9C5-97WYos1S0uTK-vXdC1V/s400/cjhp-62-423-af1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559199558346208818" border="0" /><br /><br />I just came across an <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2830020/">entry in the Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy</a> that highlights Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ontario receiving pharmacy services remotely Mon-Fri from an undisclosed pharmacy. The rest of the work is "tech-check-tech".John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-53127418461831686092010-12-29T16:09:00.004-06:002010-12-29T16:19:40.441-06:00Details on South Dakota's LDRH Telepharmacy SystemAccording to the Lawrence County Journal out of South Dakota, Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital <a href="http://www.blackhillsweeklygroup.com/articles/2010/12/21/news/lawrence_county/doc4bf445cf153a7761269394.txt">recently had an open house</a> that shed some light on the details of their telepharmacy program. A pharmacist supervises remote technicians working at LDRH from another hospital 16 miles away:<br /><blockquote>A pharmacy tech, such as Marilyn Schwaner, can dispense medications without the physical presence of a pharmacist. LDRH is tied visually through an uplink to the Spearfish Regional Hospital pharmacy. Pharmacists there can oversee a draw of medications and can communicate with voice commands. “It’s a wonderful invention,” Schwaner said.<br /><br />Smith said that in the past, there were limited hours for a pharmacist to be on site in Deadwood to distribute patient medications. Technicians such as Schwaner had a small window of time to have prescriptions ready and if something was prescribed outside of the special hours, Schwaner would have to send out for the meds to another Regional facility.<br /><br />Now, Schwaner can dispense medications throughout the day, as needed. “It has increased our hours of access and reduced costs,” Smith said.<br /></blockquote>This specific implementation of telepharmacy <a href="http://telepharmacy.blogspot.com/2010/12/south-dakota-hospitals-contract-for.html">was approved by the South Dakota Pharmacy Board in October</a>.John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-23407763267803094722010-12-21T16:59:00.011-06:002010-12-21T17:48:41.767-06:00Two Telepharmacy Services Operating in Minnesota Highlighted, Adrian Update (Audio & Video)Dan Gunderson of Minnesota Public Radio has a great article with multimedia about the two telepharmacy services currently operating in Minnesota with multimedia and some great info. Click <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/12/14/telepharmacy/">here</a> to read the article or listen using the flash player below:<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/www_publicradio/tools/media_player/js/swfobject.js"></script><div id="minnesota_news_features_2010_12_14_telepharmacy_20101214_64s_player"></div><script type="text/javascript">/*<![CDATA[*/var so = new SWFObject("http://minnesota.publicradio.org/www_publicradio/tools/media_player/s_player.swf", "minnesota_news_features_2010_12_14_telepharmacy_20101214_64s_player", "319", "83", "8", "#ffffff");so.addParam("quality", "high");so.addParam("menu", "false");so.addParam("wmode", "transparent");so.addVariable("name", "minnesota/news/features/2010/12/14/telepharmacy_20101214_64");so.write("minnesota_news_features_2010_12_14_telepharmacy_20101214_64s_player");/*]]>*/</script><br /><br />Interesting points:<br /><blockquote><p> The Catholic Health Initiative ePharmacy went on line in March of 2009. It now serves 16 hospitals in North Dakota and Minnesota. </p> <p> Minnesota law doesn't allow telepharmacies, so each one requires an annual waiver by the state board of pharmacy. Minnesota now has nine approved telepharmacies. The board is considering possible changes in the law.<br />...<br />There were questions when the telepharmacy project started. Skeptics wondered if pharmacists would make more mistakes filling prescriptions over a video link. Rathke says North Dakota State University recently completed a four-year study which found no difference in the error rate.<br />...<br /></p> <p> Thrifty White currently has four telepharmacy sites in North Dakota and four in Minnesota.<br />Weippert said he expects continued growth in telepharmacy in the six Midwestern states Thrifty White covers. </p></blockquote>Catholic Health Initiative's ePharmacy program services hospital pharmacies while Thrifty White services outpatient pharmacies.<br /><br />Minnesota 2020 also <a href="http://www.mn2020.org/issues-that-matter/health-care/video-telepharmacy-in-rural-mn">updates us with a video</a> they produced on the telepharmacy in Adrian, MN that Sterling Pharmacy remotely supervises:<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/_J-S1IlhG6s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/_J-S1IlhG6s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-12398903958862580582010-12-21T15:35:00.007-06:002010-12-21T17:54:14.281-06:00Hong Kong Outpatient Remote Pharmacist Conferencing Coming to Retail Stores<a style="" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc2b9bvhGDgjwPirkpZ14wW4rKJiXTqAf9LmerzQZBH3MvOZtdRL03meFRNAsTsz9NayUmDusyBlFNeeqn5BYPHZPvmi9yEIjXjIglthb2IQhuH8S0pcE5Jkbd0U4s_DYGiqd/s1600/mannings-telepharmacy-consult.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc2b9bvhGDgjwPirkpZ14wW4rKJiXTqAf9LmerzQZBH3MvOZtdRL03meFRNAsTsz9NayUmDusyBlFNeeqn5BYPHZPvmi9yEIjXjIglthb2IQhuH8S0pcE5Jkbd0U4s_DYGiqd/s320/mannings-telepharmacy-consult.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553265158440809794" border="0" /></a>A large store chain in Hong Kong called <a href="http://www.jardines.com/assets/files/NewsAndEvents/thistle/10_vol3.pdf">Mannings is getting a remote pharmacist video consultation device</a> for outpatients to consult with a pharmacist at different Mannings stores:<br /><blockquote style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jardine Matheson Group Managing Director Anthony Nightingale visited three Mannings stores including the recently opened flagship store at the Hang Lung Centre in Causeway Bay, as part of his annual tour of the Group's Hong Kong operations.<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">During the visit, the Mannings senior team showed Mr Nightingale new initiatives implemented at store level and demonstrated the innovative and first-to-market 'Tele-pharmacy'.<br /><br />'Tele-Pharmacy' provides shoppers with pharmaceutical advice through a teleconference system link to a pharmacist stationed at another Mannings outlet. This is designed to address the needs of the increasing number of health conscious consumers.</span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-88046632021863688912010-12-20T15:08:00.000-06:002010-12-21T15:35:22.979-06:00Montana Hospital Extends Pharmacy Service to Neighboring TownBozeman Deaconess's hospital in Bozeman, Montana <a href="http://www.bozemandeaconess.org/article.php?id=379">has announced</a> they are providing pharmacy services remotely to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in Big Sky, Montana, about 50 miles away:<br /><blockquote>A licensed pharmacist at the central Bozeman Deaconess Pharmacy site in Bozeman supervises a registered pharmacy technician at the remote Big Sky telepharmacy site through video conferencing technology. The pharmacist communicates face-to-face in real time with both the technician and the patient through real-time audio, video, and desktop computer links. </blockquote>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-358426778731742072010-12-18T14:38:00.000-06:002010-12-21T15:34:49.252-06:00South Dakota Hospitals Contract for Telepharmacy ServicesThe <a href="http://www.state.sd.us/news/showDoc.aspx?i=12807">South Dakota Department of Health awarded 20 grants to rural hospitals</a> for various projects last week. Among the Medication Error Reduction projects was:<br /><blockquote><span id="lblContents" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>DeSmet </strong>– Avera DeSmet Memorial Hospital $15,000) – mobile point-of-care computer system for the tele-pharmacy program.</span></span></blockquote>I couldn't find anything about what exactly their telepharmacy program entailed so I searched the <a href="http://www.doh.sd.gov/Boards/pharmacy/Board.aspx">South Dakota Pharmacy Board meetings website</a>. I still didn't find anything specific about their program, but interestingly I did find a slew of other approval requests for after-hours pharmacy services for rural hospitals:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">December, 2010 Meeting</span>:<br /><ul><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">After Hours Remote Order Entry: Gettysburg Memorial Hospital/St Mary’s Healthcare, Pierre.</p> </li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">October, 2010 Meeting</span>:<br /><ul style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Applications have been submitted and the following sites have been approved for after hours order entry: Pioneer Memorial Hospital, Viborg; Sanford Hospital, Webster; Sanford Vermillion Medical Center; Custer Regional Hospital; Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital, Lead; Rapid City Regional Hospital Psychiatric/Recovery; Rapid City Regional Hospice House; Same Day Surgery Center, Rapid City; Sturgis Regional Hospital Pharmacy; Spearfish Regional Hospital Pharmacy; Spearfish Regional Surgery Center.</p> </li></ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">A motion was made by Liebe, and seconded by Nielsen to adopt “Guidelines for Approval of Variance to Weekly Pharmacist Inspection to Remote Telepharmacy Sites” and “Remote Telepharmacy Site Visit Report” as proposed by Huether. Yes votes by Liebe and Nielsen, with Marla Hayes abstaining. Motion carried.</p> </li></ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0pt;"><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Nielsen made a motion to approve the variance request submitted by James Stephens for twice monthly pharmacist visits to two telepharmacy sites in Eagle Butte and Faith. Motion seconded by Liebe. Yes votes by Liebe and Nielsen, with Marla Hayes abstaining. Motion carried.<br /></p> </li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">June, 2010 Meeting</span>:<br /><ul style="margin-top: 0pt;"><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"></p><blockquote></blockquote>Doug Smith, Sanford Health, described plans and requested approval for Sanford Health to contract with Cardinal Health pharmacy services for after hours remote order entry in rural hospitals. Jerri Ann Haak, Sanford Mid-Dakota Medical Center provided additional comments on patient care benefits of this service. Patient medication safety will be enhanced by providing timely pharmacist review of all medication orders. Motion by Nielsen to approve this service. Seconded by Liebe. Motion carried. Huether stated that the Cardinal Health pharmacy and eight pharmacists are licensed by our board. <p></p> </li></ul> <ul><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Applications have been submitted and the following sites have been approved for after hours order entry: Sanford Hospital Canton-Inwood; Deuel County Memorial Hospital, Clear Lake; Sandford Mid-Dakota Medical Center, Chamberlain; Douglas County Memorial Hospital, Armour; Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton; Marshall County Hospital, Britton; St. Michael’s Hospital, Tyndall; Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen; Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, Mitchell; and Wagner Community Memorial Hospital, Wagner.<br /></p> </li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">April, 2010 Meeting</span>:<br /><ul class="style1" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Andrea Darr, Avera Health, requested approval for the after hours remote order entry services that will be provided at Avera McKennan to Avera DeSmet Memorial Hospital, Avera St. Benedict’s Hopsital, Avera Weskota Memorial Medical Center, Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Dells Area Health Center/Avera Health, Flandrea Medical Center, and Platte Community Memorial Hospital. This service will comply with the guidelines established by the Board and will be expanded to other Avera facilities in the future. Hayes moved for approval. Liebe seconded. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.</p> </li></ul> <ul class="style1" style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><li> <p style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Doug Smith, Sanford Health, reported the Sanford Health System is also planning to provide after hours remote order entry to their facilities. That service will be provided by Cardinal Health from a location in Illinois. Huether stated that the Cardinal Health pharmacy is licensed with our Board and the pharmacists who will be providing the service are in the process of obtaining licensure.</p> </li></ul>John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014658.post-3770862654965608042010-12-16T13:39:00.007-06:002010-12-16T14:28:12.975-06:00New Study: 24/7 Order Review by Telepharmacists Reduces Medication ErrorsThere's a <a href="http://www.ajhp.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/23/2052">new study in AJHP</a> where pharmacists from Tinity's Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa reviewed 58% of the orders at 7 Critical Access Hospitals starting in the Summer of 2008:<br /><blockquote><b>Purpose.</b> The implementation of a telepharmacy service to provide round-the-clock medication order review by pharmacists is described.<br /><b>Summary.</b> Seven critical access hospitals (CAHs) worked collaboratively as part of a network of hospitals implementing the same electronic health record (EHR), computerized prescriber-order-entry (CPOE) system, and pharmacy information system to serve as the health information technology (HIT) backbone supporting round-the-clock medication order review by pharmacists. Collaboration permitted standardization of workflow policies and procedures. Through the HIT backbone, both onsite and remote pharmacists were given access to the medication orders, the pharmacy information system, and other patient-specific clinical data in patients' EHRs. Orders are typically reviewed within 60 minutes of when they are entered into the system. The reviewing pharmacists have remote access to the EHRs in each CAH. After completing the clinical review, the pharmacist selects the appropriate medication to dispense from the CAH's formulary. If the medication order is not made using the CPOE system, the order is scanned into a document and sent via e-mail to remote pharmacists. The pharmacist enters the necessary information into the EHR and pharmacy information system. The medication order review process from this point forward is identical to that used for medications ordered via CPOE. The new medication order is then entered into the EHR, and the CAH nurse can proceed with the order.<br /><b>Conclusion.</b> The implementation of a telepharmacy model in a multihospital health system increased access to pharmacy services, allowing for round-the-clock medication order review by pharmacists.</blockquote>You can read the <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/733352_print">full text here</a>. A few interesting details: At a charge of $4 per order (wow, that seems expensive!), "the volume of and costs for medication orders reviewed remotely varies widely among the seven CAHs, from approximately 700 orders ($2,800) to over 2300 orders ($9,200) per month." Also, for the CAHs without CPOE, nurses scanned the order sheets which were then emailed to the remote pharmacists, but "Messages are sent without leaving the internal network to which the CAHs and MMC-Dubuque belong and therefore do not require Privilege Management Infrastructure encryption."John O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16352741491849355193noreply@blogger.com1