The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association | A Peer-Reviewed Journal
OCT.NOV.DEC 2014 IPA’s Strategic Plan 2015 Midwest Pharmacy Expo Pharmacy Practice Accreditation
OCT.NOV.DEC 2014 | Vol. LXVIV, No. 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
8515 Douglas Avenue, Suite 16, Des Moines, IA 50322 Phone: 515.270.0713 Fax: 515.270.2979 Email: ipa@iarx.org | www.iarx.org
COVER PUBLICATION STAFF Kate Gainer, Managing Editor kgainer@iarx.org Lynndi Koester, Layout & Design Anthony Pudlo, PharmD, MBA, BCACP apudlo@iarx.org Laura Miller lmiller@iarx.org David Schaaf dschaaf@iarx.org
OFFICERS
Chairman Michele Evink, MS, PharmD, CGP, FASCP, Osceola 641.342.5322, mevink@clarkehosp.org PRESIDENT John Swegle, PharmD, BCPS, Mason City 641.428.7182, john-swegle@uiowa.edu PRESIDENT-ELECT Bob Greenwood, RPh, Waterloo 319.234.1589, bob@greenwoodpharmacy.com TREASURER Steve Firman, RPh, Cedar Falls 319.277.7540, steve@pmgrx.com SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Connie Connolly, RPh, BCACP, DeWitt 563.652.5611, conniejconnolly@hotmail.com VICE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE CoraLynn Trewet, MS, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, Ankeny 515.360.0065, coralynn.trewet@sanofi.com
TRUSTEES REGION 1 Kristin Meyer, PharmD, CGP, CACP, FASCP, Marshalltown 641.753.4580, kristin.meyer@drake.edu REGION 2 John Daniel, PharmD, Fort Dodge 515.573.3431, jfdaniel@frontiernet.net REGION 3 Erik Maki, PharmD, BCPS, Johnston 515.326.0171, erik.maki@drake.edu REGION 4 Ashley Dohrn, PharmD, Le Claire 563.324.5004, ashley.dohrn@me.com AT LARGE Justin Rash, PharmD, CGP, Ankeny 515.331.2594, rash.justin@gmail.com Felix Gallagher, PharmD, Des Moines 515.334.4293, fgallagher@pharmservstaffing.com David Weetman, RPh, Iowa City 319.356.2577, david-weetman@uiowa.edu Laura Knockel, PharmD, North Liberty 319.354.7121, lauraknockel@gmail.com HONORARY PRESIDENT Bruce Alexander, PharmD, BCPP, Iowa City bruce.alexander@va.gov PHARMACY TECHNICIAN G. Jean Gallogly, CPhT, Vincent crittersandstuff@yahoo.com STUDENT PHARMACISTS Grant Houselog, University of Iowa grant-houselog@uiowa.edu Carson Klug, Drake University carson.klug@drake.edu
IPA Foundation RAGBRAI 2014
FEATURES President’s Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CEO Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 IPA’s Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2015 Midwest Pharmacy Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Pharmacy Practice Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2015 Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Advocacy 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
IN EVERY ISSUE Health Care Hot Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iowa Pharmacy News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IPA Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peer Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technician’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College of Pharmacy News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Resident Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Last Laugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 16 20 28 32 36 40 44 46 50 54 54
ADVERTISERS PharmServ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Cover IPRN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Onnen Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 PACE Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 PBAHealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Career Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 OutcomesMTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 PQC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 PTCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Buy-Sellapharmacy.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Pharmacists Mutual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 McKesson/RxOwnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association is a peer reviewed publication. Authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts to be considered for publication in the Journal. For Author Guidelines, see www.iarx.org. “The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association” (ISSN 1525-7894) is published 4 issues per year: January/February/March issue; April/May/June issue; July/August/September issue; and October/November/December issue by the Iowa Pharmacy Association, 8515 Douglas Avenue, Suite 16, Des Moines, Iowa 50322. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, Iowa and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, 8515 Douglas Ave., Suite 16, Des Moines, IA 50322. Published quarterly The Journal is distributed to members as a regular membership service paid for through allocation of membership dues. Subscription rates are $100 per year, single copies are $30. Printed by ColorFx; Graphic Design done by Koester Design, LLC.
President’s Page
a message from the president John Swegle PharmD, BCPS IPA President
G
reetings to all of Iowa pharmacy! I am truly honored to serve as President of this wonderful Association! We have had an exciting start to the year and I look forward to working with as many of you as possible over this next year.
The summer kicked off with The Board of Trustees retreat held July 9-10 in Carroll. This year’s Board is very active and engaged as we head into our third year of IPA’s current Strategic Plan. Under the leadership of Michele Evink, our retreat focused on the three foundational pillars used to develop the Strategic Plan: 1) Patient Care, Safety, and Health Outcomes; 2) Membership; and 3) Advocacy for the profession. More information will be forthcoming as we gear up for another exciting year for Iowa pharmacy.
“...three foundational pillars used to develop the Strategic Plan: 1) Patient Care, Safety, and Health Outcomes; 2) Membership; and 3) Advocacy for the profession.” In July, IPA made its way across Iowa…. literally! IPA had a team that rode their bikes across Iowa as members of RAGBRAI. They managed to locate
4
| OCT.NOV.DEC oct.nov.dec 2014
pharmacies in the towns on the route and stopped in to say hello whenever they could. RAGBRAI had an overnight stop in Mason City so I was able to meet up with the IPA team and hear their tales from the road. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie among those participating in this great event. The Leadership Academy for this year began with a retreat in Galena, IL August 7-10. Ten pharmacists from Iowa and 10 from Wisconsin were introduced to what it means to be a leader through programs, personal interactions, and team-building exercises. I was very pleased at the level of enthusiasm from those who attended. All of the pharmacists who participated are gifted individuals and will serve in a variety of leadership roles in the years to come.
“IPA’s goal is to represent Iowa pharmacy as we continue to advance patient care...” As we move into fall, there are numerous opportunities for us to connect. Look at the IPA calendar of events for gatherings in your area. We welcome your attendance as your schedule allows. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you and discuss pharmacy in Iowa. If you aren’t able to attend any of the events, don’t forget about the 2/2/2 Virtual Engagement Webinars or other online continuing education programming as a means to stay in touch. IPA’s goal is to represent Iowa pharmacy as we continue to advance patient care and serve as a relevant and resourceful organization to all Iowa pharmacists. Please feel free to get in touch with us and share your thoughts.
CEO editorial
“i am your pharmacist..”
P
harmacists across the country recognize that the top priority of national pharmacy organizations is to obtain provider status under the Social Security Act. Twenty-two pharmacy organizations have joined the Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition (PAPCC) to support federal legislation that was introduced in Congress on March 11, 2014. HR 4190 currently has 116 congressional cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. So… …. 1. …. 2. …. 3. …. 4.
What does this legislation do? Why should patients care? What can you do? What is the timeline?
1. What does this legislation do?
In HR 4190, eligible pharmacists must be practicing in a medically underserved area (MUA) as defined by HRSA. By defining pharmacists as providers, pharmacists would be able to bill Medicare Part B for services rendered pursuant to their state’s scope of practice.
2. Why should patients care?
By the end of 2014, 30 million Americans will gain access to medical care under the Affordable Care Act. Our country has a current shortfall of 17,000 primary care physicians, which is expected to grow to 40,000 by 2025. Repositioning pharmacists to address chronic conditions treated with medications can lead to reduced medication-related hospital admissions and higher medication adherence with improved outcomes. With ease of access, convenience, and expanded training pharmacists in acute care, ambulatory care, and community pharmacy settings are well-positioned to provide services to their patients where access is limited.
2). IPA has also been working closely with Senator Grassley on language that could be introduced as a companion bill in the US Senate. Finally, grassroots advocacy to state legislators is equally important. HR 4190 is based on state scope of practice, and educating Iowa policymakers will be critical to gaining support for full utilization of pharmacists as providers on the health care team, in collaboration with physicians, other prescribers, and patients.
4. What is the timeline?
It’s a marathon not a sprint. The number of cosponsors grows almost daily for HR 4190, with an impressively equal division of bipartisan support (54 republicans and 62 democrats). However, with the November election just around the corner, and a new Congress set to begin in January of 2015, the bill will need to be reintroduced and cosponsors will be asked to re-sign for their support.
Kate Gainer
PharmD IPA Executive Vice President & CEO
Advocacy doesn’t only occur in the political arena. Provider Status isn’t only about Congress. I challenge every pharmacist that interacts with patients to use 3 simple words to help the public better understand how pharmacists can be repositioned in our healthcare system. As each encounter with a patient begins, these 3 words can help shift the patients’ perception: “I’m your pharmacist...” In recent public opinion surveys, individuals that had a personal relationship with their pharmacist were most likely to support the principles of pharmacist provider status (>80%).1 Patients’ perception creates reality for pharmacists. Each time a pharmacist establishes and strengthens their relationship with a patient by setting the expectation, “I’m your pharmacist, …” it confirms that I’m part of your healthcare team, and I care about your health, and helping you achieve the best health outcomes. As we work towards passing provider status legislation through Congress, I hope all pharmacists will take the step towards educating patients at the same time.
3. What can you do?
Advocacy. In Iowa, 2 of our 4 Congressman have signed on as cosponsors to HR 4190, Bruce Braley (D-1) and Dave Loebsack (D-
1. NACDS (National Association of Chain Drug Stores) Opinion Elite Survey – July 2014
oct.nov.dec 2014 OCT.NOV.DEC
|
5
President’s Page
IPA Board Sets leadership Agenda
D
uring the annual IPA Board Retreat, the Board reviewed the 2012-2015 Strategic Plan and established priority projects for the coming year. These projects fall within the three Strategic Focus Areas (SFA’s) of our long range plan: 1). Patient Care, Safety, and Health Outcomes; 2). Membership; and 3). Advocacy for the Profession.
Completed Priority Projects: • Conduct interdisciplinary education on pain management • Establish standing joint Patient Safety Committee • Create tools for IPA members to educate the public about the role of the pharmacist
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA #3: ADVOCACY FOR THE PHARMACY PROFESSION
The role of pharmacists is understood and valued.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA #1: PATIENT CARE, SAFETY, AND HEALTH OUTCOMES
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA #2: MEMBERSHIP
Goal 1: IPA will have 1000 pharmacist
represented in all legislative and regulatory issues that impact the profession.
Goal 2:
Goal 3: IPA develops new and
expanded pharmacy practice models.
members by the end of 2015 (up from 806 pharmacist members in July 2012).
Goal 4: IPA develops new leaders who
through a multi-disciplinary team, which includes pharmacists.
members by the end of 2015 (up from 207 members in July 2012).
involved in increasing patient safety through the appropriate use of medications.
IPA will have 900 student members from Iowa’s Colleges of Pharmacy by the end of 2015 (up from 773 student members in July 2012).
2015 Priority Projects: • Support National Provider Status effort • Cultivate IPA’s grassroots network • Educate legislators, policy makers, and stakeholders of pharmacists role in the health care system • Advocate for our profession to the public • Increase pharmacy professionals’ engagement in civic leadership • Grow IPPAC relationships
Goal 1: Quality patient care is provided Goal 2: Pharmacists are actively
Goal 3: The public is aware of the expertise and value of pharmacy professionals.
2015 Priority Projects: • Identify and implement opportunities for pharmacy integration in new or evolving healthcare models • Develop an online repository of statewide patient care initiatives • Determine market need for an IPA business model to assist and advance pharmacies in the evolving healthcare system • Expand the use of measurement tools to show the value of pharmacy services focusing on safe and appropriate medication use • Evaluate and promote the Medication Take-Away Program
6
Goal 1: Pharmacy professionals are
| oct.nov.dec 2014
Goal 2: IPA will have 400 technician Goal 3:
Goal 4: IPA’s members are engaged and actively recommending IPA membership to pharmacy friends, colleagues, and students.
2015 Priority Projects: • Collect, analyze, and evaluate current data on membership trends • Restructure membership categories • Create an online repository for pharmacy event assistance • Engage pharmacist members in student development, including service and learning opportunities • Target key populations • Develop a loyalty recognition program Completed Priority Projects: • Develop Marketing Plan for Membership • Update list for House of Delegates (restructure and verify interest to ensure a viable pool of candidates)
are involved in advancing the profession.
Completed Priority Projects: • Improve Legislative Day programming and experience • Pass legislation to expand pharmacists’ immunization authority • Effectively implement IPPAC Advisory Committee to increase funds available to support pharmacist friendly candidates • Strengthen grassroots advocacy • Support Legislative efforts that provide PBM Transparency and give Insurance Division clear authority to regulate the PBM industry • Launch New Practice Model pilot project
click on the links here to see IPA’s Full 2012 - 2015 Strategic Plan and Leadership Agenda.
IOWA PHARMACY RECOVERY NETWORK
Assisting Impaired Pharmacists, Student Pharmacists, and Pharmacy Technicians
Where do you turn when you, a coworker or someone you care about needs help with an addiction, physical illness or psychiatric disorder?
Providing support . . . through caring volunteers
HOPE FOR RECOVERY 24-Hour Help Line 1-877-890-IPRN
http://www.iowarecovery.org/ oct.nov.dec 2014
|
7
Hear it from participants... “I really appreciate how knowledgeable the presenters always are. The material is often complex and I always know more when I leave each year. Thank you for bringing these quality programs close to me!”
“I’ve been attending Expo for almost 15 years. I can think of no other forum that offers as much timely, high-quality continuing education as Expo does and that includes many national pharmacy organization meetings.”
“The Expo is very well organized and I have been impressed by the importance, scope, and practicality of the topics included. The presentations, as well as the hallway discussions, are a positive learning experience.”
“I highly enjoyed this session. It was technician based and I learned a lot from it. I felt like I could use the material in everyday cases and work.” - Technician participant
NEW LOCATION!
DETAILS ONLINE:
www.midwestpharmacyexpo.com 8
| OCT.NOV.DEC oct.nov.dec 2014
mpe agenda Friday, February 13th, 2015
9:00am – 4:00pm Interprofessional Palliative Care Conference
Saturday, February 14th, 2015 9:00 – 10:00am
Keynote:: A Never Event: Exposing the Largest Outbreak of Hepatitis C in American Healthcare History
10:15 – 11:15am
• Lighten Up: Update on treatment recommendations for obesity • Dangers and detriments of street drugs • ABC’s of Hepatitis C for Pharmacists • Safe Use and Disposal of Needles and Medication (Technicians) • Top 20 Medications Dispensed in a Community Pharmacy (Technicians) • Law Update (Students)
11:30 am – 12:30pm
• Alphabet soup: Use of SLGT2, DPP4 and GLP1s for diabetes • The big “D”eal: Indications and dosing of Vitamin D • You Take This For That - Common Drugs Not Indicated • Safe use of OTC pain meds:
Acetaminophen, aspirin, NSAIDs (Technicians) • Professional Dress (Students and Technicians)
12:30 – 2:00pm
Exhibit Hall and Lunch
2:00 – 3:00pm
• Cannabis: Evidence-Based Use • Use of Antibiotics in the Elderly • Protecting Yourself - Protecting Your Pharmacy • Top 20 Medications Dispensed in a Hospital Pharmacy (Technicians) • Emergency First Aid at Work (Technicians) • NAPLEX - What to Expect (Students)
3:15 – 4:15pm
• Clinical Cases of Low Testosterone • Clinical Cases of Contraception • Clinical Cases of Fall Prevention • The Laws of Compounding (Technicians) • Making Sense of 340B (Technicians) • Leadership to Management (Students)
4:30 – 5:30 pm
• Hypertension Update • Infectious Disease Update • Crazy Busy: Taking Back Your Life Through Time Management • The Technician’s Role in Impacting Pharmacy Quality Measures (Technicians)
• Understanding How to Manage Heart Failure (Technicians) • Maintaining a Productive Digital Footprint (Students)
Sunday, February 15, 2015 7:30 – 8:30am
Keynote: Provider Status Update from the Lens of ASHP’s CEO – Federal Law
8:45 – 10:15am • New Drugs
10:30 am – 12:30pm • Gamechangers in Pharmacy: 2014 12:30 – 1:30pm • State Specific Law Updates
Get up to 17 hours of Continuing Pharmacy Education!
MIDWEST PHARMACY EXPO WELCOMES 8 STATES
oct.nov.dec OCT.NOV.DEC 2014 2014
||
9
pharmacy accreditation
What is Pharmacy Practice Accreditation? By Lynnae M. Mahaney BSPharm, MBA, FASHP
H
ealthcare in the US is at a critical point where both the excessive costs and mediocre outcomes are no longer tolerable; the focus is on interdisciplinary and patient centered care, particularly in the ambulatory care settings. New US models of healthcare, such as the medical home and accountable care organizations, are aimed at improving and measuring the quality of care and health outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. These drivers are aligned with the additional financial incentives around meaningful use and value based purchasing. All recent and future healthcare trends indicate an increasing focus on providers and practice sites that can deliver quality health care, improve patient outcomes, and use resources effectively. We have seen the development of accreditation programs for clinics and surgery centers as well as home heath, hospice, behavioral health and laboratory providers. These trends align perfectly with the goals and objectives of the Center for Pharmacy Practice Accreditation (CPPA). Medication use in the US and worldwide needs improvement in the areas of: medication non-adherence,
10
| oct.nov.dec 2014
untimely medication use, antibiotic misuse, medication errors, suboptimal generic use, and mismanaged polypharmacy. The respective economic costs to the US health care systems are staggering: $269 billion, $62 billion, $54 billion, $42 billion, $30 billion, and $18 billion, respectively.1 Pharmacists practicing in community, hospital, ambulatory care settings, and in the patient home can significantly contribute to the ultimate goal of improved patient outcomes at a reasonable cost. For example, pharmacist-provided medication reconciliation and patient education can reduce hospital readmissions by 8-30%.2 However, within the pharmacy profession, a recognizable and expected level of services or best practices has not been established in these settings. CPPA, a nonprofit organization, was established in 2012 by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) to recognize pharmacy practices for providing patient care services that improve health outcomes and contribute to lower health care costs. Accreditation is an important and well-established model to demonstrate excellence to patients, payers, health care providers, and the public. CPPA standards meet the public’s need and measurable pharmacist clinical services. Pharmacy licensure ensures minimal practice standards, while accreditation distinguishes a commitment to enhanced safety and improved quality of care delivered within the practice. An accreditation program is a voluntary process designed for pharmacy practices who wish to distinguish themselves based on the level and quality of pharmacy services they provide. The development of advanced
and consistent level of patient care services delivered through a pharmacy practice is a fundamental goal of CPPA.
Steps to accreditation
The accreditation process, which takes about 6 to 9 months, consists of an application, submission of documents, a site survey, and determination of accreditation status. CPPA provides a Document Assessment tool to the applicant enabling the practice to collect, organize, and submit policies, procedures, and documents demonstrating compliance with the standards. CPPA’s review of a pharmacy’s P&Ps is “an ongoing discussion with the practice” to prepare for the site survey. When the documentation is complete and verified, CPPA will notify the practice that it is eligible for the site survey.
The on-site survey
The pharmacist surveyor conducts an unannounced site visit in order to see the practice’s patient care services in action. The surveyor will observe the patient care areas, and prescription processing; review records; look at products and storage conditions; observe counseling and patient care services; view patient profiles and records; and talk with personnel. After the site survey is complete, the surveyor will inform the site in writing of any outstanding items noted and request an action plan to address any issues. When all outstanding items from the site survey are completed, CPPA’s volunteer Accreditation Process Oversight Committee will make an accreditation status determination. The three year accreditation fee for a community pharmacy practice site is $3500. A separate fee structure applies to multisite practices.
On May 29, the Center for Pharmacy Practice Accreditation (CPPA) announced the first two programs to be accredited under its community pharmacy practice standard— Goodrich Pharmacy, an independent multi-site community pharmacy near Minneapolis, and the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Pharmacy, located at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. “We’re so pleased to be recognized as one of the first community pharmacies in the nation to meet CPPA’s rigorous accreditation standards,” said Steve Simenson, BSPharm, FAPhA, DPNAP, president and managing partner, Goodrich Pharmacy, Inc. “This recognition validates our quality pharmacy practices, ensures that our pharmacists are performing at the top of their education and professional experience, and assures other healthcare providers that we are competent, collaborative team members who provide high-quality, integrated patient care.” In October 2013, CPPA announced the development of an accreditation program for specialty pharmacy practices. These practices provide essential high-impact services for patients receiving specialty medications. CPPA is now seeking comments on its newly released draft standards for Specialty Pharmacy Practice Accreditation. The draft
standards will serve as the basis for specialty pharmacy practice accreditation. These standards are intended to ensure foster medication safety and effectiveness, ensure continuous quality improvement, and facilitate desired patient health outcomes in specialty pharmacy practices. The public comment period is an important part the standards creation development process, and CPPA looks forward to receiving input, opinions and questions on the proposed standards. While the draft standards represent the efforts of a broad range of stakeholders, additional input from pharmacists, health care system stakeholders, payers, specialty medication manufacturers, consumer groups and patients is necessary to establish consensus-based standards for specialty pharmacy practice accreditation. For more information about the accreditation programs, standards, resources, and application materials, visit www. pharmacypracticeaccredit.org. References: 1. The responsible use of medicines: Applying levers for change Report to the 2012 World Health Organization and IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, www. responsibleuseofmedicines.org 2. http://www.amcp.org/ uploadedFiles/Horizontal_ Navigation/Publications/ Professional_Practice_Advisories/
oct.nov.dec 2014 OCT.NOV.DEC
|
11
2015 annual Meeting
IPA ANNUAL MEETING June 12-13, 2015 | Coralville Marriott Join your pharmacy colleagues from across the state to participate in the policy adoption process and hear keynote presentations related to healthcare collaboration. House of Delegate keynotes will include a panel of statewide partner organizations and their leadership, along with a presentation from a national perspective. For the 3rd consecutive year, a lunch speaker will provide a motivational message. Dr. Richard Deming is the founder and chairman of Above + Beyond Cancer. Founded in 2011, Above + Beyond Cancer takes cancer survivors on incredible adventures. He will speak of these journeys that have led cancer patients and survivors to places like Mount Everest Base Camp and the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The IPA Annual Meeting will consist of the same annual favorite events: House of Delegates, Annual Award Presentations, afternoon educational sessions, and GREAT networking with pharmacy leaders!
12
| oct.nov.dec 2014
advocacy 101
A checklist approach to being an effective advocate for the pharmacy profession!
T
hank you IPA members for your efforts during the 2014 legislative session, and communicating with your legislator(s) on the PBM bill. It is without question that the number of grassroots contacts made by pharmacists and student pharmacists to local legislators and the Governor’s office was EFFECTIVE in successfully passing the PBM bill. Let’s expand the network and keep the momentum going! Please take the time to continue dialogue with your legislators. The best time to build and strengthen relationships is NOW – when the legislature is not in session.
Please inform IPA if your pharmacy hosts a legislator at kgainer@iarx.org
START HERE: Say thank you
Or, say thank you again. The House and Senate unanimously approved HF 2297 (the PBM bill). Thank your legislator for their vote and continue to tell your story of the care you provide in your community pharmacy, your hospital, your practice.
Invite your legislator to your pharmacy
View IPA’s website for easy instructions on hosting a legislator visit, starting with the invitation, information to discuss, to following up after the visit. We will happily send you materials to assist. Please inform IPA if your pharmacy hosts a legislator at kgainer@iarx.org.
Attend a reception or fundraiser in your district
Face time is important with legislators. View your legislators’ websites for events back home. Many host fundraiser picnics or receptions prior to the November election. A small contribution – even $25 goes a long way. IPA strongly recommends supporting your legislator with a financial contribution to demonstrate the importance of your relationship.
Stay tuned for IPA’s weekly TOP 5+1 along with Grassroots Action Alert when the legislature convenes in January.
Thank you for being an active part in IPA’s Grassroots Network!
Make an IPPAC donation
In addition to the strength of our grassroots network, IPA must maintain organizational strength and effective advocacy. IPPAC funds are used to say ‘thank you’ to legislators as well as support legislators that play key roles on the profession’s top issues. Donate online today or sign up for monthly withdrawals – for as little as $5/month!
ippac needs your support! Every contribution, large and small, helps pharmacy maintain a visible presence and relationship with legislators. We need your continued support in order to remain effective. Donate at www.iarx.org today.
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
13
14
| oct.nov.dec 2014
health care hot topics
The profession of pharmacy and health care continue to change and evolve with each day that passes. Here is a short summary of events that have had an effect on our profession. Ebola Outbreak in Western Africa
The first cases of the current West African epidemic of Ebola virus disease were reported on March 22, 2014. By September 19, 2014, a total of 5,864 probable, confirmed, and suspected cases in West Africa has been reported. Though the fatality rate can be as high as 90 percent, health officials in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone say people have recovered from the virus and the date rate is decreasing. Those who fared best sought immediate medical attention and received supportive care to prevent dehydration, even though there is no specific treatment for Ebola. The WHO and CDC are working together to slow the spread of the disease and care for those infected.
Siemens Health IT. The acquisition of Siemens will increase revenue to $4.5 billion this year as well as a combined $650 million in research and development. This growth and increase in revenue will allow Cerner to evolve and compete alongside other dominant companies with the growing needs in the health information technology market.
Any Willing Pharmacy Coalition
On June 10, IPA was one of 130 signatories to an open letter to Congress expressing unified support for allowing “any willing pharmacy” to participate in Part D preferred pharmacy networks, and urging Congress to address this critical issue without delay. Since then, NCPA has launched the “Any Willing Provider” Coalition (AWPC) and we are encouraging pharmacies to participate in this ongoing effort.
List of Cosponsors Continues to Grow on Pharmacist Provider Status Bill H.R. 4190 is the bipartisan legislation aimed at amending title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow patient access to, and reimbursement for pharmacist services in federally defined medically underserved areas. As of September 23, 2014, the Pharmacist Provider Status Bill has
116 co-sponsors, including 2 Iowa Representatives, Bruce Braley and David Loebsack.
Tramadol & Hydrocodone Combo’s Change Schedules The DEA made two important federal changes of rescheduleding prescription medications after additional evaluations and analyses of abuse potential, medical use, and dependence liability. Tramadol became a Schedule IV controlled substance effective August 18, 2014. Hydrocodone combination products became a Schedule II controlled substance effective October 6, 2014. Uniquely, prescriptions written for hydrocodone combination products before October 6 with authorized refills can be refilled with current Schedule III guidelines, if dispensing occurs before April 8, 2015.
CVS Caremark is now CVS Health
CVS Caremark Corporation announced CVS Health as its new corporate name as of September 3rd. The name change coincided with the sale of its last tobacco product at its 7,700 pharmacies, one month ahead of schedule.
Ebola Outbreak in Western Africa
Cerner Purchases Siemens Health IT On August 5th 2014, Cerner, a large provider of electronic health records and health technology announced the $1.3 billion dollar purchase of
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
15
iowa pharmacy news Successful Year of IPA Goes Local
Local pharmacy associations throughout Iowa partnered with IPA this year to provide one hour of patient safety continuing pharmacy education. Rachel Digmann, PharmD, BCPS and Kate LaFollette, RN, both from Telligen, spoke on Medication Management across care transitions. This topic was well received by over 320 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from across the state. IPA staff and leadership also visited over 20 pharmacy practices and local communities. IPA plans to bring IPA Goes Local in 2015 to all local associations, with a new focus on interdisciplinary education – stay tuned for details! Top Picture: Mercy North Bottom Left: Coon Rapids Pharmacy Bottom Right: Manning Pharmacy
New IPA Hospital Leadership Team Convenes Thirteen hospital pharmacy leaders from across the state met at IPA on August 28th to discuss important issues and opportunities in pharmacy practice. The Hospital Leadership Team (HLT) was newly created in response to the Practice Advancement workshop held in October 2013, and this group will guide IPA on important issues impacting pharmacists in health-system settings. Areas of focus at the inaugural meeting included PPMI (ASHP’s Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative); telepharmacy and telehealth; 340B and HRSA audits; specialty pharmacy; expanding residency opportunities and creating CAH residencies; provider status and credentialing; along with the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative statewide medication safety strategy. Hospital Leadership Team members include: • Brian Benson UnityPoint Health, Des Moines
• Mike Brownlee
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City
• Kevin Cassatt
Genesis Medical Center, Davenport
• Mary Beth Gross
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Des Moines
• John Hamiel
Wheaton Franciscan—Covenant, Waterloo
• Scott Leigh
UnityPoint Health—Trinity Regional, Fort Dodge
• Gayle Mayer
Spencer Hospital, Spencer
• DeeAnn Wedemeyer Oleson Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center
• Craig Osland
Mercy Medical Center—North, Mason City
• David Seiler
Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines
• Jamie Sinclair
Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids
• Pat Thies
UnityPoint Health—St. Luke’s, Cedar Rapids
• Travis Tubbs
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City
• Doug Wetrich
Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames
• Greg Young
Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines
16
| oct.nov.dec 2014
CEI Plans for Future
In July, the CEI Board, in addition to current and former CEI team members, met for a strategic planning session. The session was led by business consultant Jim Immel. The group discussed CEI’s current work in the state of Iowa for the Iowa Pharmacy Association, Drake University College of Pharmacy, and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Additional business strategies were discussed as well, including partnerships that serve the pharmacy profession. In the past 12 months, CEI has worked with partners such as McKesson, Health Mart, HyVee, E*Value, Drug Store News, Power Pak, and Unity Point. CEI’s mission is to Connect Learning to Practice, and they hope to double the size of their team in the next year as they grow their business to advance pharmacy practice through education.
New Practice Model Progresses into Phase 2
The New Practice Model (NPM) Initiative is expanding to include more pharmacies across the state. With support from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and Community Pharmacy Foundation (CPF), pharmacists from various community pharmacy practice settings are working together to implement a new workflow and business model. Seven pharmacies from Phase 1 of this Board of Pharmacy-approved pilot project have implemented TechCheck-Tech for refill prescriptions as a means to free up pharmacists to provide advanced pharmacistcare services at their location. Pharmacists at these sites recently met at the Iowa Pharmacy Association to share successes,
iowa pharmacy news challenges, and ongoing ideas regarding implementation of the new practice model. Pharmacists in the project are supporting each other in changing their mindset from focusing on dispensing to being a provider of patient care. Ten additional pharmacies have been selected to join Phase 2 of this pilot project. IPA will continue to work with these new sites to prepare applications to the Board of Pharmacy with plans to implement tech-checktech for refill prescriptions in early 2015. Pharmacists and technicians from Phase 1 sites are excited to offer mentorship and support to those in this next phase of the project. Expansion of this pilot will demonstrate the reproducibility of a new workflow and business model, along with expanded
patient care services, across a variety of community pharmacy settings.
Trinity Pioneer ACO MTM Program Continues to See Progress
After nine months of community pharmacists providing MTM services in the 8-county service area of the Trinity Pioneer ACO, a steady increase in MTM service has been seen; now with over 349 Medicare ACO patients having been served. Through additional live meetings and concentrated one-onone visits to each pharmacy, the MTM program works to display a reduction in overall hospitalizations and 30day hospital readmissions through utilization of community pharmacists as part of the ACO team. A complete analysis of the Medicare ACO data
is currently being evaluated by researchers at The University of Iowa. In the interim, IPA and other stakeholders work to educate others about this innovative practice model of care including a recent article in the August issue of Pharmacy Times. Top Participating Pharmacies in ACO Project 1) Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Fort Dodge 292 MTM Claims 2) Wal-Mart Pharmacy in Fort Dodge 183 MTM Claims 3) Hy-Vee Drugstore in Fort Dodge 99 MTM Claims 4) Daniel Pharmacy in Fort Dodge 67 MTM Claims 5) Wal-Mart Pharmacy in Storm Lake 51 MTM Claims 6) Walgreen’s Pharmacy in Fort Dodge 45 MTM Claims
EXCITING FEATURES: • Interactive member portal • Topic Related Forums
• Simplified event registration • Access to IPA members at your fingertips
• Enhanced capabilities to oct.nov.dec 2014 | support the IPA Foundation
17
iowa pharmacy news A Once In A Lifetime Experience
Jessa Mordini Drake P3 Student Pharmacist This summer I was given an exceptional opportunity to attend the University of Utah School on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. My week in Utah was full of first time experiences including my first flight and climbing a mountain. New experiences can be scary, but I learned when you have support they tend to be less frightening. Much like my experience, those with substance abuse disorders may experience a variety of similar emotions when realizing they have an addiction and what they will go through on their journey to recovery. I was surprised at how significant of an impact pharmacists have on individuals with substance abuse disorders as well as the roles they play. At the Utah School I learned how to recognize those with substance abuse disorders and how to interact with these individuals. I also learned which drugs are being abused, which medications to use or avoid with those in recovery, and I developed a new perspective of individuals living with addiction. After witnessing a live group therapy session I gained better empathy for these individuals which I believe is essential to be a competent and effective healthcare professional. During my climb down the mountain I needed a strong arm to hold onto and a new friend reached out to help me. This experience serves as a metaphor for the struggle and need for help those with substance abuse have during their trek to recovery - a true uphill battle.
18
| oct.nov.dec 2014
Expanding Narrow Networks
Iowa and the rest of the country have seen a recent rise in narrow network insurance options. In Iowa, the state’s largest private insurer, Wellmark, announced the creation of a narrow network product, Blue Rewards, which integrates providers from UnityPoint Health and Hy-Vee, and will be presented to the Iowa Insurance Division for approval. In response to numerous questions from pharmacists across the state, Wellmark provided an FAQ about the Blue Rewards program. Additionally, Wellmark will be hosting a pharmacist provider forum with John Forsyth, CEO, and key industry leaders to discuss evolving healthcare, narrow networks, and PBM relationships.
• Jessica Frank, Vice President OutcomesMTM and Bob Egeland, VP of Pharmacy for Hy-Vee presented with representatives from UnitedHealthcare and Walgreens during a panel discussion on “Medication Adherence 2.0.” • Laura Vollmer, Drake P4, was presented the 2014 Future Pharmacist Award by Parata/ Pharmacy Times Next Generation Pharmacist Awards program.
2/2/2
Read the FAQ on the Blue Rewards Program online.
IPA Attends NACDS Total Store Expo
For just the 2nd year, the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) hosted a meeting in conjunction with the NACDS Total Store Expo, held mid-August in Boston, MA. During the NASPA meeting, Kate Gainer, IPA CEO, participated on a panel discussion focusing on Iowa’s New Practice Model pilot program and the inclusion of community pharmacistprovided MTM services in the Trinity Pioneer ACO. Other Iowa highlights from NACDS TSE: • TJ Johnsrud, CEO Nucara, presented on Nucara’s 4-store involvement in phase one of the New Practice Model pilot project, highlighting the timeline, lessons learned, barriers, and program successes.
What is it? 2/2/2 is an IPA program designed for you to stay engaged and stay informed on hot issues impacting the profession of pharmacy. These online webinars are free to charge to all pharmacy professionals. 2/2/2 are not accredited for CE. All previous 2/2/2 programs are recorded and available at no charge on IPA’s website. When is it? 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2:00 pm CST Upcoming Topics: • November 11 – IPRN is Here For You! • December 9 – The Latest Update on 340B for Hospitals & Pharmacies • January 13 – Iowa Health Information Network (IHIN)-I Want In! Take advantage of these Virtual Engagement Opportunities by registering at www.iarx.org, under the Events tab, 2/2/2 Virtual Engagement.
iowa pharmacy news IPA Is Issuing A Call For Award Nominations! Awards to be presented at the Iowa Pharmacy Association’s 2015 Annual Meeting in Coralville on June 1213, 2015. Nomination information must be submitted online and is due January 30. A description of each award and list of past recipients is located on the IPA website.
• Robert G. Gibbs Distinguished Pharmacist Award • Bowl of Hygeia Award • Excellence in Innovation Award • Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award • Honorary President • Appreciation Award • Health-System Pharmacist of the Year
• Patient Care Partner Award • Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award • Karbeling Leadership Award To nominate a candidate for an IPA Award, please visit www.iarx.org and submit the following information electronically: 1. Nominee’s full name, title, place of practice, email, address,and phone number; 2. Nominator’s full name, title, place of practice, e-mail, address,phone number; 3. Involvement in IPA and other pharmacy organizations; 4. Community involvement; and 5. Letter of support describing why this person should be considered as a recipient for the award.
JOIN US for the
Iowa Reception Monday, December 8 5:30-7:00PM Marriott Anaheim 700 West Convention Way Anaheim, CA 92802
Celebrate and Spread the Word –
October is American Pharmacists Month American Pharmacists Month (APhM) is a time to recognize pharmacists for the vital contributions they make to health care in the United States through improved medication use and advanced patient care. It is celebrated annually during October and serves to promote pharmacists as medication experts and an integral part of the health care team. APhM aims to educate the public, policy makers and other health care professionals about the role pharmacists play in the reduction of overall health care costs and the safe and effective management of medications.
APhM is a time to Educate your patients, Motivate your staff, and Engage and Inspire your community to “Know Your Pharmacists, Know Your Medicine.” Visit www.pharmacist.com/american-pharmacists-month to learn of additional ways to celebrate at your practice site. Remember to share any coverage, clips, or event photos to ipa@iarx.org and aphm@aphanet.org. oct.nov.dec 2014
|
19
ipa foundation
Iowa Pharmacy Team Bikes Across Iowa Okoboji (Iowa Great Lakes)
START
Forest City
FINISH
Mason City Rock Valley
Emmetsburg
F
rom July 20-26, the IPA Foundation supported 15 IPA members or members of the pharmacy family for the inaugural Iowa Pharmacy Team during the 42nd Annual Register’s Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). This inaugural event was a great success at achieving what it set out to do: • Provide a new mechanism to engage IPA members • Provide a unique networking opportunity with pharmacy staff at pharmacies along the route as well as with the pharmacists hosting the team each night in their homes • Promote the profession with screenings at pharmacies along the route
Waverly
Independence • Promote the profession with a ‘Pharmacy Bike Trailer’ that provided OTC/self-care items to riders • Support fundraising efforts of the IPA Foundation Here is a small snapshot of the team’s trip from Rock Valley to Guttenberg. For a more detailed journal log of the trip, please visit the online version of the Journal of the IPA.
“I’d say that what I enjoyed most about RAGBRAI was the camaraderie between the pharmacists and family/friends of pharmacists who went on the trip. The opportunity to visit pharmacies along the way was really neat, too. I could really see how the pharmacists’ personalities shaped their stores. I hope that IPA does this again next year so more people can experience pharmacy the way we all did over RAGBRAI!” – Ben Urick
“As much as RAGBRAI is about getting away from your daily work schedule, this week was about connecting with others. Meeting with other pharmacist’s along the way and connecting with them on DME, 340B, collaborative practice agreements, student mentoring and residency programs. The hospital pharmacists do a fair amount of sharing and connecting through their buying groups, but the retail stores seem to be more isolated and trying to make it on their own. RAGBRAI helped us connect with individuals and share what IPA is doing for Iowa Pharmacies.” – Sharon Cashman
20 20
| OCT.NOV.DEC oct.nov.dec 2014 | OCT.NOV.DEC 2014
Guttenberg
IPA Foundation RAGBRAI Team Riders Weekly Riders Don Letendre Matthew Letendre Ben Urick Anthony Pudlo Theresa Legg Daily Riders Sharon Cashman Sarah Cashman
Melanie Furman Chris Medvec Kate (Oltrogge) Pape Dan Ricci Natalie Roy Michael Schnackenberg Angie Spannagel Brian Spannagel Pam Stierman Emily Vvyerberg
IPA FOUNDATION Saturday, July 19: Rock Valley
Team arrives in Rock Valley for an evening filled with great food and fellowship provided by the local Lewis Drug pharmacy staff. Overnight Host: Del & June Knobloch, Lewis Drug
Sunday, July 20: Rock Valley to Okoboji/Spirit Lake
After dipping their back tires in a tributary of the Missouri River, the team set off for 69.2 miles including 1,771 feet of climbing in their white coat jerseys. Pharmacies Visited: Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Sheldon – Theresa Kauten, RPh Overnight Host: Gayle Mayer, Spencer Hospital
Monday, July 21: Milford/Okoboji to Emmetsburg
Working out some stiffness and minor repairs to our bikes, the team worked to conquer another 40.8 miles with 1,078 feet of climbing. This day helped promote the profession with our first health screening event in which over 50 people had their blood pressure or blood glucose tested at Hughes Pharmacy. Pharmacies Visited: Hy-Vee Drugstore Pharmacy, Milford – Todd Fine, RPh; Keith Wurtz, RPh; Nancy Wurtz, CPhT Hughes Pharmacy, Emmetsburg – Kristin Nostrom, RPh; Jess Sinning, CPhT; and staff** **Health screenings held from 1:00-4:00 pm
Overnight Host: Matt Farndale, Miller Pharmacy Mary Ellis & Dave Readinger, Retired
Wednesday, July 23: Forest City to Mason City
After the longest ride, the team donned their white coat jerseys once again to manage through 38.5 miles (the shortest day) and focused on stopping in multiple pharmacies on the road to Mason City. The team enjoyed a stop in Clear Lake at Thrifty White Pharmacy for another health screening event. In Mason City, the team was warmly greeted by IPA Foundation President Tim Becker and IPA President John Swegle. Pharmacies Visited: Miller Pharmacy, Forest City – Jason Miller, RPh; Matt Farndale, RPh; and staff ShopKo Pharmacy, Forest City – Lavonne Tollefson, RPh Thrifty White Pharmacy, Clear Lake – Robyn Young, RPh; Candace Prashad, RPh, Carolyn Prohaska, CPhT** Clear Lake Pharmacy, Clear Lake—Nancy Plagge, RPh Walgreens Pharmacy, Mason City—Janet Miller, RPh Forest Park Pharmacy, Mason City—Megan Johannesen, PharmD and staff Hy-Vee Drugstore Pharmacy, Mason City—Chris Penney, RPh, and Kathy Novak, CPhT ShopKo Pharmacy, Mason City **Health screenings held from 9:00 - noon Overnight Host: Tim & Sherry Becker, Thrifty White Pharmacy
Overnight Host: Mark & Barb Anliker, Mansmith Pharmacy
Tuesday, July 22: Emmetsburg to Forest City
With a wonderful send off by the Anlikers, the team, dressed accordingly for RAGBRAI Jersey Day, and took on either 79.7 miles (1,333 feet of climb) or the 105.7 miles with the extra Karras Loop (named after one of the founders of RAGBRAI). The team coached each other through this long ride, and greatly appreciated the welcomed hospitality of Matt Farndale and a delicious dinner with Mary Ellis and Dave Readinger.
THANK YOU PRIMARY SPONSORS: TEVA & NUCARA PHARMACIES
oct.nov.dec 2014 OCT.NOV.DEC
|
21
ipa foundation Thursday, July 24: Mason City to Waverly
For College Jersey Day, the team supported their College of Pharmacy and rode 65.8 miles with 1,743 feet of climb to Waverly. Meyer Pharmacy hosted another successful health screening event in Waverly. At night, The University of Iowa hosted a Mix & Mingle at Tom & Sue Taiber’s home and celebrated the team’s progress with over 40 alumni. Pharmacies Visited: Meyer Pharmacy, Waverly—Ryan Frerichs, RPh, and staff** **Health screenings held from 1:00-4:00 pm Overnight Host: Sharon Cashman, Center Pharmacy/Waverly Health Center Colleen Losey, Center Pharmacy/Waverly Health Center Tom & Sue Taiber, Meyer Pharmacy
Friday, July 25: Waverly to Independence
Following a two hour rain delay, the team expanded and welcomed more daily riders, to start the 67.4 miles (1,623 feet of climb) over to Independence. However, the Cashman household graciously kept team morale high with their cappuccino maker. The team arrived safely in Independence and enjoyed the camaraderie of Mitchell and Marnie Barnett.
22
| OCT.NOV.DEC oct.nov.dec 2014
Pharmacies Visited: Clayton Drug, Sumner—Seth Fiscus, RPh Schuchmann’s Pharmacy, Oelwein—Kurt Schuchmann, RPh, and Mary Reisner, CPhT Don’s Pharmacy, Oelwein—Doug Bulman, RPh; Tammy Walenceus, CPhT; and Ann Schmidt, CPhT Overnight Host: Mitchell & Marnie Barnett, Ryan Pharmacy
Saturday, July 26: Independence to Guttenberg
Despite a full week of riding across Iowa, the team welcomed the challenge that the last day brought: 67.5 miles AND 3,073 feet of climbing. The friendships and connections made throughout the week helped get the team to Guttenberg. The team proudly made it the Mississippi River to dip their front tire in the river, which symbolized the end to our journey. Pharmacies Visited: Clayton Drug, Strawberry Point—Chris Clayton, RPh; Jennifer Clayton, RPh; and staff Guttenberg Pharmacy, Guttenberg—Dan Shannon, RPh, and Joan Shannon, CPhT
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
23
ipa foundation
battle of the foundations: IPA vs. psw With the upcoming Big Ten Rivalry Game between The University of Iowa and University of WisconsinMadison, Iowa Pharmacy Association and Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin are once again building upon this friendly competition to see which state can raise more money over the next month for their Leadership Pharmacy Endowment Fund. Last year PSW claimed victory over IPA. We are ready to take the title this year! The Thomas R. Temple Leadership Endowment Fund was established in 2012 in recognition of the founder of Leadership Pharmacy, Tom Temple, CEO Emeritus of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. With an original goal of $750,000, divided equally for each state, Iowa now has a goal of $375,000 to endow the conference into perpetuity. Through pledges and payments, IPA has been able to collect $305,000. We need your help to
tackle the rest of the goal.
24
| OCT.NOV.DEC oct.nov.dec 2014
Leadership Pharmacy is a unique opportunity available to pharmacists in Iowa and Wisconsin who are interested in becoming leaders in the profession of pharmacy. The Conference is designed to provide an unequalled opportunity for pharmacists in their first fifteen years of practice to develop organizational skills which will enable both personal and professional growth. Twenty pharmacists, ten from each state of Iowa and Wisconsin, are selected to participate in this unique conference each year. In 2012, many generous supporters established three year pledges for the endowment to get started. As those pledges come to an end, we would like you to think about how you can make an impact on the Leadership Pharmacy Endowment Fund…
…If all past endowment donor extended their pledge for one more year, IPA would be able to raise an additional $39,000 for the endowment fund and put us 92% to goal. …If all past Iowa graduates of the Leadership Pharmacy Conference made a donation of $100, $25,000 would be raised. …If you have never supported the endowment fund, now is your chance to make a pledge or payment to help IPA claim victory over PSW and ensure these leadership opportunities are available for future conference attendees.
The Leadership Pharmacy Endowment Challenge will occur until the big game at Kinnick Stadium on November 22nd. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we ask you to help IPA win the challenge over PSW and ensure the future of the Leadership Pharmacy Conference! Make a contribution or set up an annual pledge schedule at www.iarx.org, click on IPA Foundation, Leadership Academy, Donate Now or by calling the IPA office at 515-270-0713.
Together we can tackle the Leadership Endowment Fund. 2014-2015 IPAF Board of Directors: Tim Becker, RPh, FASCP, President, Mason City Bill Baer, RPh, CGP, Vice President, Chariton Kate Gainer, PharmD, Secretary/ Treasurer, Des Moines Carl Charlstrom, RPh, Anamosa Renae Chesnut, RPh, EdD, MBA, Des Moines Jay Currie, PharmD, FCCP, FAPhA, Iowa City Wendy Duncan, PhD, Des Moines Sue Purcell, RPh, Dubuque Bernard Sorofman, PhD, Iowa City Bob Stessman, RPh, Manning Julie Kuhle, RPh, Indianola Cheri Rockhold Schmit, RPh, Ames
IPA FOUNDATION Successful 2014 Iowa Pharmacy Association Foundation EgglestonGranberg Golf Classic
The IPA Foundation held its 2014 Golf Classic at Brown Deer Golf Club, Coralville, IA. Over 105 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and friends of pharmacy participated in this important fundraising event in support of student pharmacists scholarships. A special thank you to all of the participants, volunteers, and sponsors.
THANK YOU SUPPORTERS:
The Iowa Pharmacy Association Foundation extends deep appreciation to the generous support of these sponsors of the 2014 IPAF Eggleston-Granberg Pharmacy Scholarship Golf Classic. • Bellevue Pharmacy • Chris Connolly/Wells Fargo
Financial Advisors • Chuck & Janalyn Phillips • Collaborative Education Institute • Drake University College of Pharmacy • Dubuque Area Pharmacy Association • Greenwood Pharmacy • Jay & Ann Currie • Johnson County Pharmacy Association • Manning Pharmacy/Bob Stessman • Miller-Purcell • North Iowa Pharmacy Association • Northwest Iowa Pharmacy Association • OutcomesMTM • Osterhaus Pharmacy • Pharmacists Mutual • PharmServ • Quad Cities Pharmacy Association • Towncrest Pharmacy • U of IA College of Pharmacy • Vogt Pharmacies • Wasker, Dorr, Wimmer, Marcouiller
IPAF also wished to thank the following student sponsors:
Anderson Pharmacy, Inc. Anthony Pudlo Bob Greenwood Bob Osterhaus Carl Chalstrom Doug Schara Dubuque Area Pharmacy Association Jim Miller Julie Kuhle Kate Gainer Kristin Meyer Leman Olson Main at Locust Mike Pursel Quad Cities Pharmacy Association Steve Mullenix Steve Firman Steven Martens Susan Shields
another successful year in the books!
OCT.NOV.DEC 2014 oct.nov.dec 2014 OCT.NOV.DEC
| |
25 25
ipa foundation Leadership Pharmacy – 26 Years of Developing Leaders
The Leadership Pharmacy Academy, a new practitioner leadership program, successfully began another year of the leadership development by holding its live conference on August 7-10, 2014 in Galena, IL. This experience is available to twenty pharmacists in their first 15 years of practice from Iowa and Wisconsin, ten from each state, who are interested in becoming leaders in the profession of pharmacy. This year’s conference marked 26 amazing years of engaging new practitioners in active dialogue of their leadership skills and professional development. The participants experienced a weekend full of leadership training and workshops, as well as formal and informal networking opportunities with current state association leadership, staff, event sponsors, and one another. Programming was facilitated by Harles Cone of the Cone Resource Group as well as Steve Rough, Director of Pharmacy at the University of
26
| OCT.NOV.DEC oct.nov.dec 2014
Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics, and Mike Brownlee, Chief Pharmacy Officer at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. IPA Executive Officers (Michele Evink, John Swegle, and Bob Greenwood) also attended and shared their insight and thoughts for advancing the profession with this year’s participants. Over the next eight months, the 10 participants from Iowa will have multiple touch points as part of the Academy programming to continue their leadership development and exposure to current issues in the profession. Graduates of the 2014 Leadership Pharmacy Academy will be formally recognized at the 2015 IPA Annual Meeting. IPA would like to thank Teva Pharmaceuticals and the IPA Foundation for their support of the 2014 conference, and McKesson for their lead contribution to the Leadership Endowment Fund!
2014 Leadership Pharmacy Participants
• Gary Christensen, PharmD Hy-Vee Pharmacy – Iowa Falls
• Katie Cinnamon, PharmD, BCPS Genesis Medical Center – Davenport
• Kyra Corbett, PharmD CarePro Liberty Pharmacy
• John Daniel, PharmD Daniel Pharmacy – Fort Dodge
• Alisha Eggers, PharmD NuCara Pharmacy – Waterloo
• Candace Jordan, PharmD Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes
• Danielle Kennedy, PharmD Towncrest Pharmacy – Iowa City
• Emily Muehling, PharmD UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
• Kate Pape, PharmD University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
• Wes Pilkington, PharmD Greenwood Drug – Waterloo
IPA FOUNDATION Bill Burke Student Leadership Conference Builds on a Strong Foundation!
Thirty student pharmacists from Drake University and The University of Iowa participated in the 19th Annual Bill Burke Student Pharmacist Leadership Conference on September 19-20 in Coralville. To add to a weekend of IPA Foundation events beginning with the Eggleston-Granberg Golf Classic, this year’s conference allowed student pharmacists to interact and learn from the IPA-F Board of Directors, new practitioners, and a professional leadership facilitator. At this year’s conference, students were privileged to hear from Lisa Ploehn, owner of Main at Locust Pharmacy in Davenport and daughter of Bill Burke, about her leadership path and how her father inspired the future of profession to act in its best interests. Students participated in leadership development sessions focused on managing, leading, and influencing effectively in the workplace and in their personal lives. Throughout the weekend of events, students were provided ample opportunity to get to know each other and network with new practitioners. These new pharmacist practitioners provided valuable insight regarding obstacles and opportunities they have experienced throughout their career, while sharing firsthand the current issues facing them professionally and how student pharmacist leaders could inspire and initiate change.
2014 Conference Attendees: Drake University John Maher, P4 Nashmi Albadarin, P3 Lauren Bricker, P3 Jacki Chorzempa, P3 Eric Liu, P3 Scott Morrett, P3 Hannah Stonewall, P3 Elizabeth Bald, P2 Dalton Fabian, P2 Kelsey Japs, P2 Aubrey Johnson, P2 Hannah Sauer, P2
University of Iowa Ashley Kappenman, P4 Natalie Blaine, P3 Anna Espeland, P3 Kaleb Fincher, P3 Tyler Heiderscheit, P3 Kathryn Hill, P3 Caitlin Lickteig, P3 Hilary McCants, P3 Shiny Parsai, P3 Laura Steinauer, P3 Eric Stephens, P3 Rachel Gean, P2 Chelsea Goldsmith, P2 Marshall Johnson, P2 Renu Johnson, P2 Robert Nichols, P2 Ashley Sabus, P2
This leadership development opportunity is provided at no cost to the 30 students in attendance due to support and partnership between IPA, Drake University, the University of Iowa, and grant support from Main at Locust Pharmacy. It is an investment in the future of the profession that continues to pay dividends for generations to come.
oct.nov.dec 2014 OCT.NOV.DEC
|
27
public affairs Medicaid Dispensing Fee Increase to $11.73
Pursuant to the IME cost-of-dispensing survey conducted earlier this year, the Medicaid pharmacy dispensing fee for covered outpatient drugs will increase from $10.12 to $11.73 (14%), effective August 1, 2014 (subject to CMS approval). 511 pharmacies of out 965 enrolled pharmacies completed surveys that could be included in the analysis. It is estimated that the fiscal impact of these changes will increase state and federal expenditures by approximately $8,440,857 for State fiscal year 2015. The state plan amendment (SPA) was approved by CMS in early September, and the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise is currently finalizing details for retroactive payments back to August 1, 2014.
IPA Visits Washington DC to Discuss Provider Status
On July 30, the Iowa Pharmacy Association met with Senator Grassley, and his chief health policy staffer, Rodney Whitlock. At the present time, there is no Senate companion bill to HR 4190, the
Pharmacist Provider Status bill in Congress. Senator Grassley is working with a group of bipartisan Senators to craft language that may be introduced in the Senate. IPA has been able to provide valuable input to the process and draft language provided thus far. Details of potential legislation include: which pharmacists, which services, and which patients. During this process, IPA continues to work closely with the PAPCC (Patient Access to Pharmacist Care Coalition). Attending the meeting in Washington DC were Kate Gainer, EVP/CEO and Tom Temple, Chairman USP.
IPPAC Checks Delivered at Local Pharmacies
IPA members across the state were called upon to hand-deliver checks from the Iowa Pharmacy Political Action Committee (IPPAC) to their local legislators. Over 20 IPPAC checks were delivered over the summer months by IPA members. These pharmacist members were sought out by IPA as individuals that have supported the IPPAC and took part in the grassroots advocacy during the 2014 Legislative Session. Meeting with legislators when they are not in the session is the best time to strengthen relationships and share stories about issues that impede and opportunities to improve patient care within pharmacy practice. IPPAC
provides campaign contributions to legislators that have an important impact on pharmacy issues, as well as leadership in both political parties. (pictured above in order): • Don Drilling, RPh, and Bill Drilling, RPh, of Morningside Drilling Pharmacy in Sioux City deliver an IPPAC check to Senator Bill Anderson (R-3) • Toni Sumpter, PharmD of Sumpter Pharmacy and Wellness in Adel, presents an IPPAC check to Senator Jake Chapman (R-10) • Pharmacists from Main at Locust Pharmacy in Davenport with Senator Roby Smith (R-47), pictured with owner Lisa Ploehn and staff)
YOUR VOICE COUNTS! Plan to Attend Legislative Day and Capitol Screenings Day!
IPA Legislative Day: Thursday, January 29, 2014
Legislative Day is a chance to see the legislative process up close and experience it personally. Join with pharmacists and students from around the State and deepen your understanding of the policymaking process – and your ability to shape it.
Capitol Screenings Day: Tuesday, April 7, 2014
Students have the opportunity to directly showcase your skills as a future pharmacist during on Capitol Screenings Day! If you or your student organization is interested in participating, please contact Anthony at apudlo@iarx.org.
28
| oct.nov.dec 2014
public affairs Board of Pharmacy Moves Forward on Practice Issues
PIC Responsibilities Subgroup Provides Final Recommendations In follow-up to recommendations of the Iowa Patient Safety Task Force, a subgroup of task force members met on September 8th and to provide recommendations to the Board of Pharmacy in proposing new regulations that would oversee the responsibilities of a pharmacy owner, pharmacist-incharge, and staff pharmacist. This subgroup differentiated key practice management issues as either shared or individual responsibilities to the individuals overseeing the care delivered at a pharmacy. The Board of Pharmacy will review the final proposed regulations at their November meeting, and decide to share the proposed rules for public comment at that point. Compounding Task Force Works to Finalize Recommendations Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with an interest in current federal legislation over compounding practice met on September 9th to review the potential necessary legislative and
regulatory changes needed to address proper compounding standards in Iowa. The task force, which has met over the past year, has strongly considered the need to update current Iowa regulations on sterile and non-sterile compounding to follow standards set in USP Chapters 795 and 797. In addition, this group reviewed the need for the Board of Pharmacy to license outsourcing facilities as well as nonresident pharmacies and requiring Iowa licensure of the pharmacist-inchange. The task force will also utilize a subgroup to update IAC Chapter 16 on Nuclear Pharmacy Practice. Proposed Legislative Changes The Board of Pharmacy has proposed amendments to the Pharmacy Practice Act (Iowa Code 155A). The amendments being considered relate to supervision of pharmacy technicians in telepharmacy practice, the licensure and discipline of nonresident pharmacies and outsourcing facilities, and various definitions relating to pharmacy practice. Other amendments under consideration include the appointment of a pool of alternate board members, clarification
of the authority of Board inspectors, and the sharing of inspection reports with other state boards of pharmacy through the NABP Inspection Network. To review the proposed amendments, visit the Board of Pharmacy website. Technicians & Dispensing of Pseudoephedrine The Board of Pharmacy provided recent clarification to pharmacies that dispense pseudoephedrine-containing products. First, a licensed pharmacist, or pharmacist-intern under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, must verify that the patient is at least 18 years old, review the patient’s photo identification, and verify through the pseudoephedrine tracking system that the patient has not received more than the maximum allowable quantity in the last 24 hours and 30 days. After verification is completed, a technician or other non-pharmacist staff may complete the cash or credit transaction.
Can IPPAC count on you? Does one person’s support to the Iowa Pharmacy Political Action Committee (IPPAC) matter? The answer is yes – every contribution, large or small, helps pharmacy maintain a visible presence and relationship with legislators. Please help keep Iowa pharmacy a viable, strong, and active participant in the legislative process.
We need your continued support in order to remain effective.
IPA actively advocates on behalf of the profession- both during the legislative session and throughout the interim. Following the passage of HF 2297 – the PBM bill – in 2014, IPA’s Legislative Advisory Committee will meet in late October to establish the
The IPPAC is a fund that is contributed to by individual pharmacist, technician, or student pharmacist members, as well as member PACs of other organizations. Contributions to candidates from corporate sponsors are illegal; therefore, IPPAC relies completely on the assistance of individuals, rather than corporations. IPPAC funds are used to directly, and strategically, support candidates and legislators to promote the pharmacy profession. An IPPAC Advisory Committee assists IPA to select contributions for candidates and deliver IPPAC checks to candidates and legislators by IPA member constituents. Quarterly reports are filed by IPPAC to the Iowa Ethics Campaign Disclosure Board.
association’s priorities for 2015. In 2014, your support is as important as ever. WHY? IPA will continue to work with the Insurance Division on PBM regulations to enact HF 2297; as well as other priorities related to pharmacists’ role on the healthcare team and recognition as providers.
The Legislative Defense Fund consists of donations from corporate sponsors. LEGISLATIVE DEFENSE FUND These funds are used to pay for advocacy and legislative strategy not relating to direct contributions to legislators and candidates. These may include Legislative Day and Capitol Screenings, contracted lobbyists and external consultants, and IPPAC administration and fundraising costs.
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
29
30
| oct.nov.dec 2014
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
31
peer review
iowa pharmacy technician workforce survey 2012 Authors: Michael T. Andreski, PhD1 Assistant Professor Andrea L. Kjos, PhD1 Assistant Professor Hanna P. Raber, PharmD2 Alexandra M. Hendzel1 PharmD Candidate 2015 (1) Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 2507 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311 (2) Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center 5215 Holy Cross Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545 Objective: To provide demographic, compensation, and practice activity data on the Iowa pharmacy technician workforce in 2012 subsequent to the implementation of a certification requirement. Methods: A cross-sectional tailored methodology survey of Iowa registered pharmacy technicians was conducted in the fall of 2012. A six page survey was sent to a random sample of 20% of technicians registered with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy (N=1000). Technicians provided information about certification and work status, practice setting, position, amount of hours worked, compensation and benefits, time spent in specific work categories, role and task perceptions demographic variables. Results: 253 technicians responded to the survey (25.81%). Most respondents (89.6%) reported that they worked as technicians,
32
| oct.nov.dec 2014
mostly (75.5%) on a full-time basis. Working in large-chain, mass merchandiser or supermarket pharmacy was the most common setting (42.0%). A large majority (92.8%) of technicians reported being certified. Technicians estimated that they spent most of their time (52.2%) assisting the pharmacist in serving patients, with no significant difference between the percentage of time spent in work categories and percentage of time desired to be spent in those categories. The mean hourly wage for survey respondents was $14.51/hour, with significant differences in wages noted as based on practice setting, administrative responsibilities, full-time status, certification status, and year working for their current employer. Technicians were offered a broad range of benefits with the most frequently offered personal benefits of Paid Vacations and Holidays, Health, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance, Tax Sheltered Savings Plans, and Purchasing Discounts. Small Chain/ Independent pharmacies were less likely to offer benefits. Conclusions: The results of this survey showed few changes from the findings of the 2010 survey. As of the date of this survey, the increased level of technician certification did not appear to have a relationship to what tasks pharmacy technicians perform or prefer to perform. As efforts to expand pharmacy practice that utilize technicians continue, Iowa’s pharmacy technician workforce should be monitored regularly to assess the ongoing changes in the Iowa technician workforce in the future as well as the impact of certification on pharmacist practice.
B
ackground & Objectives
Pharmacy technicians have been key members of the pharmacy patient care team for many years. In the past several years there has been a trend towards standardization and enhancement of pharmacy technician practice. This is reflected in the introduction of certification examinations, state licensures, and an increase in formalized pharmacy technician educational preparation programs. The scope of these changes have been reported on by other researchers
and this article is not intended to add to that body of knowledge.1-8 Previous reports have suggested that pharmacy technician practice in Iowa has been changing in a similar manner. Iowa law now requires that all pharmacy technicians be registered with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, and that technicians pass a national certification examination within one year of registration as a pharmacy technician trainee in order to remain a registered pharmacy technician.9 To assess the impact of this requirement on pharmacy technician practice in Iowa, as well as the impact of national trends, the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in collaboration with the Iowa Pharmacy Association have completed and reported on two studies, conducted in 2008 and 2010, that evaluated the pharmacy technician workforce.10,11 The 2008 study was a compensation focused survey following a change in Iowa policy that originally mandated technician certification by July 1st, 2010. The deadline for mandatory certification was changed during the 2010 Iowa legislative session, allowing technicians who had worked 2000 hours in the eighteen months prior to the certification deadline an extension on mandatory certification until December 31st, 2013. The 2010 study contained duplication of the previous survey’s compensation questions with an added task analysis section. The current report is a summary of the third and most recent study, conducted in 2012 which closely replicated the 2010 study. The objective of this report is to describe demographic and compensation data on the Iowa pharmacy technician workforce in 2012. The second objective of this report research is to provide information on the reported practice activities of technicians.
Methods
This study utilized a cross-sectional tailored survey methodology to obtain results from a random sample of
PEER REVIEW pharmacy technicians in Iowa. The length of the survey was six pages, with technicians providing information about work status, practice setting, position, hours worked, compensation and benefits, and demographic variables, in addition to role and task perceptions. The survey also asked about technician certification status and percent of time spent versus percent of time desired in specific work categories of assisting pharmacists in serving patients, maintaining medication and inventory control systems, and participating in the administration and management of pharmacy practice. The 2012 survey was similar to the pretested 2010 survey, with a few minor differences, so additional pretesting was not performed. Minor changes to the 2012 survey included addition of duties (e.g. supervision of other technicians) and fringe benefits (e.g. options for professional benefits such as paid recertification fees, paid continuing education or in-service education). The survey was administered using a modified Tailored Design Method using a traditional mailer with the option of online completion.1 Selected subjects were contacted with the formal questionnaire, as well as follow-up notification approximately 2 weeks after the main mailing. The sample was obtained from a list of all registered technicians with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy as of May 2012. A random sample of 20% of Iowa pharmacy technicians (N=1000) were mailed a survey questionnaire. Subjects were instructed to complete the mailed survey and return it using the postage-paid business reply envelope or alternatively use an Internet link to complete the survey online. During the first two weeks after the initial mailing, 19 undeliverable surveys were returned for which additional respondents were randomly chosen and sent a survey to replace respondents whose surveys were undeliverable. The mailed survey
contained a cover letter describing the research, voluntary nature, and information regarding confidentiality. The survey contained an identification number to track those responding, which was included to reduce costs associated with follow-up. Only the research assistants had access to the identification key in order to maintain blinding for the primary researchers. Reminder postcards were sent approximately two weeks following the initial mailing. Data collection started in October of 2012 and was completed early January of 2013. The study was approved by the Drake University Institutional Review Board.
Statistical Analysis
were returned as undeliverable, leaving 980 that were assumed to have reached the intended recipient. Survey’s returned as undeliverable within two weeks of being sent were replaced with a new survey sent to alternative randomly selected subjects. After this initial two week period, surveys returned as undeliverable were not replaced. Of these, 253 were returned in a usable form, resulting in an overall response rate of 25.81%. Of the total responses, 10.67% (27/253) of the surveys were completed online. Additionally, some respondents elected to omit questions; therefore the number of responses may differ for each reported question. There were no significant differences in demographics of age, gender, length of employment, practice setting, and educational level of those subjects who completed the traditional paper survey compared to those who completed the online survey.
Descriptive statistics were used to assess demographic information. All analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Two-sided student’s T-tests were used to further assess for statistically significant differences on comparison between time spent and time desired on work functions, Demographic Characteristics and for compensation comparisons. The average age of a pharmacy ANOVA testing was used to assess technician who responded to this for differences between wages and survey was 44.56 years with a time spent on tasks across practice median age of 47 (Table 1). The settings and for differences in respondents were predominately wages based on years worked as a white (90.4%, 215/239) and female technician and years worked at the (91.2%, 218/239). same location. Chi-squared analysis was performed Table 1: Demographic Characteristics to access the Usable Responses Total n = 253 differences in benefits offered Mean, 44.56 (n=253) Age, years Median, 47 across practice settings. All Female, % 91.2 (218/239) statistical tests White, % 90.4 (215/230) Full time employment, % 75.5 (167/221) used a critical Mean hours worked per week Mean, 34.3 (9.60) (n=221) value of alpha Mean weeks worked per year Mean, 44.1 (13.01) (n=216) less than 0.05 to indicate Paid vacation, 1.56 (1.45) (n=216) Mean time off work, weeks per year Other paid leave, 0.45 (1.47) (n=216) statistical Unpaid leave, 1.26 (4.25)(n=216) significance. Management responsibility, %
Results
Of the 1019 questionnaires which were mailed, 39
19.7 (45/229)
Mean years worked as a Technician
11.80 (10.04) (n=233)
Mean years working at current location
8.14 (8.50) (n=229)
Highest level of education, %
High School, 31.1 (74/238) Some college, 36.1 (86/238) Associate’s Degree, 13.9 (33/238) Bachelor’s Degree, 13.9 (33/238) Graduate/Professional Degree, 5.0 (12/238)
Interest in pursuing further education, %
None, 64.4 (154/239) oct.nov.dec 2014(48/239) | Non-Pharmacy Degree, 20.5 PharmD, 11.7 (29/239)
33
peer review
Most respondents (75.5%) (167/221) reported that they worked as technicians full-time (≥ 30 hours/ week), working a mean of 34.3 hours per week. The respondents worked for their employers an average of 44.1 weeks in the past year. They received a mean of 1.56 weeks of paid vacation, 0.45 weeks of other types of paid leave, and took 1.25 weeks of unpaid leave. Approximately a fifth (19.65%, 45/229) had management responsibilities. The mean number of years technicians had worked at their current position was 8.14 years, with the mean number of years having worked as a technician being 11.80. A high percentage of technicians had achieved education beyond high school. While 31.1% (74/238) of technicians completed high school with no additional education, 36.1% (86/238) had attended some college but had not graduated, 14% (33/238) attained as their highest level of education an associate’s degree, 14% (33/238) a bachelor’s degree, and 5% (12/238) a graduate/professional degree. Most respondents (64.4%) (153/238) had no interest in pursuing additional higher education. However, 20.5% (49/238) reported an interest in enrolling in a non-pharmacy college degree program, while 11.7% (28/238) expressed interest in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Employment Status and Practice Setting Most respondents (89.6%; 224/250) reported that they were currently working as a pharmacy technician reported that they had been working for their current employer for 4.8 years. Of those working as a technician, 42.0% (94/224) reported working in large-chain (>10 pharmacies with the same ownership), mass merchandiser (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.), or supermarket pharmacy (Hy-Vee, Dahl’s, etc.). Approximately a fourth (25.9%) (58/224) worked in independent or small chain pharmacies (1 – 10
34
| oct.nov.dec 2014
pharmacies under the same ownership). Hospital pharmacy technicians made up 20.1% (45/224) of all technicians responding. Technicians in “other” pharmacy work settings made up the remaining (27/224) 12.1%. These findings were similar to the distribution of practice setting reported by the 2008 and 2010 samples. Certification Rates The technician workforce reached a high level of certification in Iowa, with 92.8% (219/236) of technicians who reported that they were certified. Certification rates varied somewhat between the four categories of work settings (Table 2). Hospital technicians had the highest certification rate at 95.5% (42/44) followed by those working in large chain/mass merchandiser/ supermarket pharmacies at 95% (94/99). The majority of certified technicians (73.3%, 173/236) received certification by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification examination, while only 25.8% (61/236) were certified by the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Table 2: Percent of Technician Workforce and Certification Rate, by Setting Setting Overall Independent/ Small Chain Large Chain/Mass Merchandiser/ Supermarket Hospital Other
Percent of Workforce with Certification (n) 92.7% (219/236) 87.5% (56/64) 95% (94/99) 95.5% (42/44) 93.1% (27/29)
Work Activities Technicians were asked to estimate the percentage of their time they spent performing various work activities as defined by the competencies assessed in the PTCB certification exam.12 Overall, respondents estimated that they spend most of their time (52.2%) assisting the pharmacist in serving patients. Examples of these
activities were described as receiving prescription/medication orders, collect and communicate patient information, assess orders for completeness and accuracy, process prescription and medication orders, provide medication to patient or representative, communicate with third-party payers), a slight decrease from 2010 (59.3%). Respondents spent less time maintaining medication delivery and control systems (21.1%), participating in the administration and management of a pharmacy practice (17.2%) and other work-related activities (9.5%). Time spent maintaining medication delivery and control systems and participating in administration and management both increased by approximately 5%, since the 2010 survey. The percentage of time spent performing specific task categories was not significantly different (p<0.05) than the time desired for each of the task categories. The percentage of time spent on the four categories of activities was similar for Independent/ Small Chain and for Large Chain/Mass Merchandiser/Supermarket, while both were significantly different than technicians in Hospitals and in other settings (Table 3 on page 35). Hourly Wages The mean hourly wage for survey respondents in 2012 was $14.51/ hour. Pharmacy technicians working in hospital pharmacies earned substantially higher hourly rates (p<0.05) than those in other practice settings (Table 4). About one-half (45%) had received overtime, 33.3% received bonuses and 14.9% received profit sharing. Table 4: Hourly Earnings by Setting Setting Overall (n=202) Small Chain/ Independent (n=50) Large Chain/Mass Merchandiser/ Supermarket (n=87) Hospital (n=41) Other (n=24)
Mean Hourly Wage (Standard Deviation) $14.51 (4.70) $14.75 (4.72) $13.43 (4.88) $16.69 (4.38) $14.17 (3.20)
PEER REVIEW Differences in salary based on demographic factors other than by setting were found in the 2012 survey. The survey also found that administrative responsibilities, fulltime status, and certification status were associated with statistically significantly higher hourly salary (p<0.05). Education beyond a high school degree or completion of a college degree was not associated with a statically significantly higher hourly salary (Table 5). The number of years worked as a technician (Table 6) and number of years worked at the same location were associated with statistically significantly different hourly salaries (Table 7) (p<0.05). Employee Benefits Responding technicians are offered a broad range of benefits beyond wages and salary. The most frequently offered personal benefits were Paid Vacations and Holidays, Health, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance, Tax Sheltered Savings Plans, and Purchasing Discounts (Table 8). Professional Benefits of paid certification (57%) and recertification fees (43%) and paid state registration fees (51%) were also offered by many employers. There was no statically significant difference in the proportion of pharmacies offering paid vacation and holidays for their employees. For the rest of these frequently offered benefits, a significant difference (p<0.05) exists between the various practice categories. Small Chain/Independent pharmacy based technicians were less likely to be offered these benefits, with the exception of Discounts of Personal Purchases where they were more likely to be offered the benefit.
Discussion
The current study showed a crosssectional view of a sample of Iowa pharmacy technicians in 2012. As would be expected with the legal requirement for technician certification fully in effect, there was a high rate of certification reported in all practice settings. A smaller
proportion of pharmacy technicians reported being employed on a full time basis or having some level of management responsibility when
compared to findings in 2008 and 2010.10, 11 The mean length of time that technicians reported that they had been working for their current
Table 3: Work Activity, by Setting Tasks
Overall (n=222)
Assisting Pharmacist Inventory Control Admin/Management Other
52.2% 21.1% 17.2% 9.5%
Independent / Small Chain (n=59) 60.8%* 17.2%* 15.3% 6.9%*
Large Chain/Mass Merchandiser/ Supermarket (n=96) 60.9%* 17.8%* 14.6% 6.7%*
Hospital (n=43)
Other (n=24)
25.1% 35.3% 21.1% 18.5%
44.5%* 19.0%* 25.6% 10.8%
*Significant Difference from Hospital Setting (p<0.05)
Table 5: Selected Demographic Factors and Hourly Earnings Factor
Present
Not Present
Education Beyond High School Degree
$14.85 (n=136)
$14.30 (n=61)
College Degree
$14.35 (n=65)
$14.79 (n=132)
Administrative Responsibilities
$15.99 *(n=40)
$14.48 (n=162)
Full-time (>30 hours/week) Certified
$14.84 *(n=155) $14.90 *(n=182)
$14.58 (n=46) $12.99 (n=15)
*Significant Difference (p<0.05)
Table 6: Years Worked as a Technician and Hourly Earnings
Table 7: Years Worked at the Same Location and Hourly Earnings
Years Worked as a Technician
Hourly Wage (Standard Deviation)
Years Worked at the Same Location
Hourly Wage (Standard Deviation)
0-5 years (n=74)
$12.74 (2.76)
0-2 (n=73)
$12.01 (6.62)
6-10 years (n=66)
$13.51 (4.45)
3-5 (n=52)
$11.73 (4.78)
11-15 years (n=25)
$13.75 (4.54)
>15 years (n=68)
$14.38 (7.23)
6-10 (n=48) >10 (n=56)
$13.77 (4.58) $15.43 (7.25)
Table 8: Employee Benefits Offered by Employers
Benefit
Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Health Insurance for Employee Tax Sheltered Savings Plans Dental Insurance Health Insurance for Spouse Life Insurance Health Insurance for Dependents Disability Insurance Discounts on Personal Purchases
Overall % of Employers offering (n=231)
% of Small Chain / Independent offering (n=56)
83 78
82 71
% of Large Chain/Mass Merchandiser /Supermarket Offering (n=92) 85 84
75
39
72
% of Hospital Offering (n=43)
% of Other Offering (n=26)
91 72
77 81
88
95
69
46
88
70
77
68
21
84
91
73
66
27
76
93
69
65
20
78
91
69
61
25
69
84
65
58
14
70
88
54
58
78
60
23
65
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
35
peer review employer was 4.8 years, which is also a decrease from findings in 2010.11 This decrease in tenure may be reflective of the departure of some experienced technicians leaving the workforce due to the certification requirement, an influx of newly hired certified technicians in an expansion of the technician workforce, or some combination thereof. While it is common among Iowa pharmacy technicians to have pursued education beyond high school, a majority of technicians showed no interest in pursuing additional pharmacy or non-pharmacy education. The amount of time that technicians spent on each category of tasks was stable between the 2010 and 2012 surveys.11 Stability has been seen in other investigations of technician work responsibilities.10, 13 At the time of the survey, as in 201011, technicians were still performing the duties that they wished to perform. This suggests that as of the date of this survey, the increased level of technician certification in Iowa has not significantly changed what tasks pharmacy technicians perform. As the technicians are performing the duties they want to perform, there is a decreased probability that significant changes to their duties will emerge from the technician population in the future. This also suggests that expansion and/or reorganization of the duties of pharmacy technicians may need to be driven by factors beyond requirement for certification, such as the need to free up pharmacist time for MTM and similar patient care activities. The time spent on tasks also appeared to be related to the practice setting. Small Chain/Independent and Large Chain/ Mass Merchandiser/Supermarket environments are similar in time spent on tasks, while Hospital and Other settings appeared to be different in comparison to both Small Chain/Independent and Large Chain/
36
| oct.nov.dec 2014
Mass Merchandiser/Supermarket and to each other. The amount of time spent on tasks’ patterns may need to be taken into account when developing training and continuing education offerings as the focus of each practice environment may be appreciably different. Technician wages did not show a large change from previous studies. While Iowa technician wages were still above the national mean in 2012, the rate of increase of their wages since 2010 was approximately one-half that of the national mean increase.14,15 Possible explanations may include a leveling demand for technicians, economic challenges facing pharmacy such as decreasing reimbursement from insurance providers, and decreased tenure of employment of the responding technicians. The survey found that benefits offered to technicians vary depending on the type of pharmacy where the technician was working. While paid vacation and paid holidays were offered at a similar rate in all settings, other benefits such as health and dental insurance were offered statistically significantly less frequently by independent and small chain pharmacies. As with wages, the findings that Independent/ Small Chain pharmacies offer a substantially smaller benefit package may be a reflection of the pharmacy marketplace. In addition, the cost to provide benefits such as health insurance is substantially higher for smaller organizations that are not able to take advantage of large group pricing discounts often offered by insurance providers which most likely compounds the challenges of small employers to offer these benefits. Benefits are administered through a human resources department or similar in large pharmacy organizations. In smaller independent pharmacies administration of the benefits may be done by the
proprietor who has limited time and financial resources to administer a large benefits offering. A comprehensive comparison of the changes seen since the 2008 and 2010 will be reported in the near future. This study was not intended to address the effects of pharmacy technician certification on pharmacist practice, and this area is appropriate for further study. However, efforts are currently underway to expand pharmacists’ ability to provide Medication Therapy Management and other patient care services. The ability of technicians to provide greater support for prescription dispensing is a key part of this effort, and certification has been a factor in the ability to provide this support. As these efforts continue Iowa’s pharmacy technician workforce should be monitored regularly to assess the ongoing changes in the Iowa technician workforce in the future as well as the impact of certification on pharmacist practice.
Limitations
The response rate for this questionnaire (25.1%, 253/980) was less than the response rate from the 2010 survey. Nonresponse bias was assessed by way of confirming the addresses of those responding adequately portrayed equal geographic distribution of the state technician population. Of technicians responding to the study 48.2% (108/224) were located in an urban locale while 52.7% (516/980) of the sampling frame were sent to urban recipients. This was a nonsignificant (p=.40) difference using a chi-square analysis. Classification of the respondents’ locales was based on the Metropolitan Statistical Areas county classification as defined by the US Census Bureau.16 Another limitation was the inability to compare demographics of the sample to the population of Iowa pharmacy technicians as this
PEER REVIEW information was unavailable. Due to lack of resources, it was not possible to do phone calls to nonrespondents in order to further assess non-response bias. Finally, generalizability to other states should not be assumed.
Conclusion
The results of this survey show few changes from the findings of the 2010 survey. The majority of technicians who responded worked in the community pharmacy setting were nationally certified, and were white females. Full-time status, lengths of time worked both overall and in the same pharmacy, national certification, and supervisory responsibilities were also associated with higher salaries, as was working as a technician in a hospital. Education beyond high school, including possessing a college degree was not associated with higher hourly rates of pay. Benefits were less frequently offered to pharmacy technicians in independent and small chain pharmacies, with the exception of paid vacation and holidays which were offered at a similar rate in all practice settings. In regards to work functions, technicians are reported performing the tasks which they would like to perform and spent about half of their time assisting the pharmacist, and spent similar amounts of time managing inventory and participation in the administration and management of a pharmacy practice.
Acknowledgements
Financial support for this study was provided by the Harris Research Endowment, Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. We would also like to express gratitude to the Iowa Pharmacy Association for ongoing collaboration and feedback.
All the authors declare no conflicts of interest for this study.
References
1. Manasse HR, Menighan TE, Pharmacy technician education, training, and certification: Call for a single national standard and public accountability. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2010 Mar 1;67(5):348-9 2. Raymond, C, Santos, C, Caligiuri , C, Levesque, J. Should Pharmacy Technician Managers Be Responsible for the Drug Distribution System within Hospital Pharmacy Departments? Can Journ Hosp Pharm. 2011;64(3) 3. Adams AJ, Martin SJ, Stolpe SF. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Techcheck-techâ&#x20AC;?: A review of the evidence on its safety and benefits. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2011;68(19):1824-1833 4. http://www.iarx.org/documents/ Board%20Proposal%20for%20NPM_ Aug%202013.pdf. Accessed 7/ 8, 2014 5. Hudgens J, Park T. Perceptions of Pharmacy Technicians and Students Regarding Technicians as Pharmacy Instructors. Am J Pharm Educ. 2011 Oct 10;75(8):151 6. Woloschuk DM, Raymond CB.Development and evaluation of a workplace-based preceptor training course for pharmacy practitioners.Can Pharm J (Ott). 2012 Sep;145(5):231-6 7. Siemianowski LA, Sen S, George JM. Impact of pharmacy technician-centered medication reconciliation on optimization of antiretroviral therapy and opportunistic infection prophylaxis in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS. J Pharm Pract. 2013 8. McGraw C, Coleman B, Ashman L, Hayes S. The role of the pharmacy technician in the skill-mixed district nursing team. Br J Community Nurs. 2012;17(9):440-444 9. Iowa Code 657.3.5 10. Urick BY, Zgarrick D, Sobek LG. 2008 Iowa pharmacy technician compensation survey. The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. 2009;July/August:48 11. Urick BY, Kjos AL, Andreski MT, Gainer K. Iowa pharmacy technician workforce survey 2010. The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. 2011;July/August:36-39. 12. Dillman DA. Mail and internet surveys: The tailored design method. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2000.
13. Muenzen P, Murer Corrigan M, Mobley Smith M, Rodrigue P. Updating the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination: A Practice Analysis Study. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2006;46:e1-e6. 14. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pharmacy Technician Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010 http://www.bls.gov/oes/2012/may/ oes292052.htm Accessed 9/22/2014 15. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pharmacy Technician Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 http://www.bls.gov/oes/2010/may/ oes292052.htm Accessed 9/22/2014 16. U.S. Census Bureau. Metropolitan and micropolitan: Maps of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. Accessed at http://www.census.gov/ population/metro/data/maps.html. Updated 2013. Accessed 06/10, 2014.
Looking to get Published? Consider submitting your research manuscript to be peer-reviewed by the Journal of IPA. Please send articles to IPA@iarx.org.
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
37
member section
IPA Member Spotlight on:
PATRICK VERDUN PharmD
By: Jennifer Rinehart, PharmD 2014 Graduate Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences The direction of pharmacy is rapidly heading towards pharmacists being recognized as key players in the health care arena. Young pharmacy professionals across the state of Iowa should be thankful to have the support of successful IPA members like Patrick Verdun to help guide our future leaders to showcase their clinical skills and patient care responsibilities. Starting as a journeyman among three pharmacies and one local hospital in Whiteside County, Illinois, Patrick has continued his pharmacy journey down many paths including hospital pharmacy, the pursuit of degree advancement, and now to his current position at Genentech BioOncology. Making a difference: When Patrick’s mother died of ovarian cancer in 1991, the product paclitaxel was still almost two years away from being available; the potent chemotherapy may have provided additional survival time for her. This tragic disease has had a profound effect on Patrick and today he works as a Senior Clinical Oncology Specialist at Genentech BioOncology. By working for a company whose goal is to “use the power of genetic engineering and advanced technologies to make medicines that address unmet medical needs,” the most rewarding part of Patrick’s job is long-term survival for patients. His sales position does not allow him direct access to patient care, however he does interact with
38
| oct.nov.dec 2014
oncologists, surgeons, and pathologists across the state of Iowa. The most challenging part of Patrick’s job is finding time due to the traveling associated with his position. When looking at oncology practice, he feels that “the current shortage of Oncology Specialists in Iowa places the current specialists in a time crunch given the volume of patients that needs to be treated and cared for.” This is a great opportunity for pharmacists wanting to specialize in oncology. Pharmacists can help care for the needs of Iowans with cancer—Iowans that must have specialized attention and counseling. Bleeding Blue: As a 1984 graduate of Drake University, Patrick proudly proclaims that, “we bleed blue at our house.” He met his wife of 25 years, Annette, while they were both at Drake. They have two children, Mark and Mary Kathleen, and both parents are still very active within the University. Patrick spent 6 years on the National Advisory Council for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. As alumni of the Kappa Psi Pharmacy Fraternity, Patrick serves as treasurer for the Iowa Graduate Chapter. Annette and Patrick support the Drake White Coat Fund, the student travel fund, and the Bulldog Club. Their continued support provides opportunity for Drake student pharmacists to enhance their professionalism and be active members of their profession. Patrick is very grateful for the opportunity to graduate from the pharmacy program at Drake and continues to help current students by providing a scholarship within the College. Staying Focused: What is incredibly inspiring about Patrick is his focus on health and nutrition. In 2011, Patrick lost over 80 pounds and made a complete lifestyle turnaround. He has been able to keep off most of the weight for 3 years now, and despite all of the traveling he does for his job, he belongs to Anytime Fitness that allows
access to all of its facilities in Iowa. Right after his 50th birthday he participated in his first half-marathon and has kept a long-distance race on the schedule each year to focus on his training. His favorite was the “Race for Donna to Finish Breast Cancer” half-marathon at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida held on February 23rd, 2014. Patrick’s story and background as a pharmacist has impacted many: he volunteers to speak at diabetes support groups and focuses on the challenge of losing weight and that being healthy is a “marathon and not a sprint.” Future of Pharmacy: Patrick believes that in the current, ever-changing health care environment, pharmacists play a critical role in helping our system to evolve. In order for this to happen, Patrick considers it essential for pharmacists to be lifelong learners. Patrick was an older student when he received his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in 2013 from the University of Colorado, but he truly enjoyed the experience. He firmly believes in continuing to embrace education, regardless of whether or not a pharmacist is directly involved in patient care. Patrick also believes that MTM has been a very positive shift in the pharmacy arena and that it continues to fortify the tremendous value pharmacists can bring to our health care system. Patrick is optimistic about the future of pharmacy and believes the movement towards provider status for pharmacists is inevitable.
member section
WELCOME NEW IPA MEMBERS
Thank you for supporting IPA! june 1 - SEPT 1: Andra Borgerding, Epworth Pete Carrillo, Iowa City Katie Cinnamon, Eldridge Ryan Clark, Cedar Rapids Kristi Cooksley, Winthrop Tracy Harlan, Iowa City Abby Meyer, Swisher John Powers, Waverly Ana Rivera Cabrera, Coralville Sharon Weber, Davenport
House of Delegates Election in December
Looking to get involved in IPA? Have you considered serving as a delegate in the IPA House of Delegates? The House of Delegates serves as the policy making body of the Association. The House acts on all policy recommendations brought to it by policy committees or individual delegates. Delegates are elected for a two (2) year term beginning with the 2015 IPA Annual Meeting. If you have interest in serving as a delegate, notify IPA at ipa@iarx.org. An election will occur in December with those interested candidates being designated on the election ballot.
IPA Member Milestones Dan Pomeroy, RPh (Coon Rapids Pharmacy) completed his 25th straight year umpiring at the Iowa high school state baseball tournament, including being the plate umpire for the 2014 4A championship (his 20th title game appearance). Dan was also recently inducted into the IHSAA Officials Hall of Fame for his 3 decades of officiating Iowa high school football, basketball, and baseball. (Dan is pictured on the left.) Kate (Oltrogge) Pape, PharmD married Ryan Pape on June 21, 2014. Congratulations to Kate & Ryan! Tim Sullivan, PharmD married Maggie Kigin on June 7, 2014 at Holy Trinity Church in Des Moines. Congratulations to Maggie & Tim! Allie (Marr) Schlicher, PharmD married Ben Schlicher on August 9, 2014. Congratulations to Allie & Ben! Juliana Grace Shell was born July 18, 2014 (8 lbs. 2 oz.) to proud parents Jake, PharmD (CVS Pharmacy) and Marci Shell! Graceyn Gates Barker was born August 4, 2014 (6 lbs.) to proud parents Brett, PharmD (NuCara Pharmacy) and Tracy Barker! Amy Farlinger, RPh will be serving as Pharmacist-in-Charge at the soon-to-open Cresco Family Pharmacy located within Regional Health Services of Howard County! Congratulations, Amy! Send your member milestones to ipa@iarx.org for inclusion in the next IPA Journal.
oct.nov.dec OCT.NOV.DEC 2014 2014
||
39 39
40
| oct.nov.dec 2014
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
41
TEchnician’s corner
pharmacy technicians on the move! Katy Seifert, CPhT Nucara Pharmacy Story City
I
am grateful for the opportunity to play an integral role in advancing the pharmacy profession and improving the healthcare of our patients. Pharmacists are underutilized assets in our communities and with the help of pharmacy technicians like myself, we can take on new responsibilities and allow the pharmacists more time to spend with patients. The role of the pharmacy technician is expanding this year to allow technicians to perform once unheard of practices.
I am proud to have the opportunity to be involved in a project that will not only change the future of my career but will have an impact on the pharmacy profession. As I look back on my six years of employment at NuCara Pharmacy, many changes have occurred. My career as a pharmacy technician took a turn for the best when we initiated the pilot study for a new practice model known as “Tech Check Tech.” The advanced training and education that I received is moving my potential to a higher level and giving me a chance to be the best at what I do. This new practice model allows technicians to verify refill prescriptions, freeing up time for the pharmacists to focus on the healthcare needs of the
2015 TEAM Topics for Technicians Announced IPA and CEI are again partnering to provide pharmacy technicians with 10 hours of continuing pharmacy education in 2015. The CPE articles, TEAM (Technician Education for Association Members), are provided free for all IPA pharmacy technician members.
42
| OCT.NOV.DEC 2014
patient such as providing medication therapy management, counseling, and administering vaccines. Pharmacists who are accessible and able to spend more time with their patients can make a lasting impact on healthcare in the community by partnering with local healthcare facilities, hospitals, and patient groups.
“I am confident and convinced that patient safety will be upheld as the project moves forward.” The implementation the New Practice Model at NuCara Pharmacy has been a smooth and even transition due to the new measures that were adopted that allow for technicians to safely verify prescriptions. With this new model in place we have experienced very few errors and that shows that technicians have the capability to adequately perform this task. The pharmacy’s number one concern is, of course, patient safety. I am confident and convinced that patient safety will be upheld as the project moves forward. I am excited to see how the implementation of “Tech Check Tech” makes a positive impact on the lives of our patients. I am honored to be a part of the beginning stages of a new and improved career for pharmacy technicians. We are a valuable part of the pharmacy team and we should be utilized to our full abilities. As the late poet Maya Angelou said, “All great achievements require time” and the time for pharmacy technicians is now and on the move!
• General burn care • Medication safety (specific to vaccines) • The role of pharmacy technicians in clinical services • Medication adherence • Navigating the OTC aisle • Introduction to herbal supplements • Medication costs, barriers to compliance, and the technician’s role in connecting patients to resources • Pharmacy calculations • Controlled substances - overview and update
technician’s corner
newly ptcb certified iowa technicians April 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014 Please join IPA in congratulating the following pharmacy technicians on becoming PTCB-certified! Jerrin Allen Lavery Anderson Melinda Batien Kiley Boeding Stacy Boever Carrie Borchert Tina Bowers Hoeppner Cody Branstad Ben Buffington Kara Carr Adam Castle Amanda Clark Lynn Cobb Emily Collins Angela Cox Chelsea Denham Jordon Desantiago Drew Dieckmann Jacob Duncan
pa join i y toda
Maria Eggers Elizabeth Escobar Craig Fann Brandy Fekete Jay Fett Courtney Fischels Lorin Fisher Madison Fitch Brittni Foster Caitlin Franks Katherine Frazier Kelsi Fuller Kathi Goslar Lakyn Hanson Alyssa Harding Darci Hartman Alizabeth Henriksen Heidi Hess Boi-Lam Hong Katie Horan
Timothy Hotchkiss Cassandra Jenn Brittany Jurich Kaylee Kacmarynski Jessy Khanthaphengxay Elena Kim Aaron Kludt Priscilla Lalaga Alyshia Larson Alan Lin Collette Lorentzen Tiffany Lyon Susan Makovec Amy Marcinkiewicz Natalie Martin Cynthia McIntire Michelle McMaster Jenny McVay Bianca Myles
Staci Smith Lydia Sparkman Hannah Stevens Jennifer StilphenWildes Andrew Sullivan Andrew Teply Alyssa Thirtle Christine Thomas Julie Thomas Natalie Thomas Jacqueline Traum Stephen Vavroch Trisha Vest Allison VoPava Nicholas Wade Benjamin Walton Rose Ward Noah Wheeler Nicholas Williams
Arlena Nicholson Meghan O’Donnell Letha Olson Grecia Padilla Cora Parr Ashley Plum Chelsi Pool Melissa Radel Jamie Ramirez Melanie Reineke Stephany Remakel Rebecca Rezac Jillian Romanco Michelle Rosburg Jaclyn Sahm Jan Schimmer Lori Schmidt Susan Schock Victoria Schuler Michelle Smith
Certified technicians Looking for Quality Education? IPA Technician Membership Includes 10 FREE Hours of CPE
If you, or the technicians who work with you, are looking for quality CPE (Continuing Pharmacy Education) – the search is over! IPA Technician Membership now includes 10 hours of FREE Continuing Education each year. The CPE included with membership will help technicians maintain their certification. Continuing education topics will follow the PTCB blueprint domains. www.gotocei.org (under Technician tab)
Pharmacy Technician Education for Association Members
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
43
TEchnician’s corner
7:30am
10:45-11:45am
Registration & Continental Breakfast
The Technician’s Role in Medication Therapy Management
8:15am
Welcome & introductions
8:30-9:30am
The Healthcare System of the 21st Century
Politics, religion, and now healthcare. Do you ever find yourself in a social conversation and are expected to know everything about healthcare issues because you work in a pharmacy? This session will provide a broad and understandable timeline of what has happened in healthcare over the past 15 years, what is expected to happen in the near future, and how this impacts pharmacy, patients, and your future as a pharmacy technician. Plain and straightforward (well, as straightforward as we can make such a complex topic!)
9:30-10:30am
Stay Relevant, Be informed, Lead the change.
Now that you know what is expected of pharmacy in the emerging health care system, how can you as a technician help to impact quality measures and patient care outcomes? This session will address practice model changes and outcomes measures that rely heavily on the pharmacy technician to be successful, including tech-checktech, medication reconciliation, patient adherence, medication synchronization, and transitions of care.
44
| oct.nov.dec 2014
Medication Therapy Management. We hear it all the time, but what does it really mean and how can pharmacy technicians impact improved patient outcomes and drive revenue for pharmacies? This session will discuss MTM processes in both inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on the important role technicians should play in providing these services.
11:45-1:15pm
lunch on your own
There are many nearby places to grab lunch with colleagues and friends, including Legends, Okoboji Grill, Pancheros, Planet Sub, and more…
IPA Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee MTG
(Appointed Committee Members only) The 2014-15 IPA Pharmacy Technician Advisory Committee will hold their fall meeting and provide lunch. IPA President John Swegle appoints members in late summer and this meeting will be used to set the priorities and agenda for IPA for the 2015 membership year.
1:15-2:15pm
The Role of OTC Medication in Patient Care Even though they don’t require a prescription, over the counter medications are an important part of a patient’s healthcare. This session will discuss the practical application
of OTC knowledge for a pharmacy technician, including the importance of documenting them in medication reconciliation processes, adherence, medication interactions, and the process and reasons behind Rx to OTC switches.
2:30-3:30pm
What is That Drug Used For? An Antibiotic Primer for Pharmacy Technicians This activity takes a “head to toe” approach to walk technicians through appropriate antibiotic use and typical indications for a variety of infections. The latest ACIP guidelines for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and new antibiotics coming to the market will also be explored.
3:30-4:30pm
Pro-fes-sion-al-ism: Turning Your Job Qualifications Into Career Engagement
A professional is a member of a profession - that’s you! You are qualified as a pharmacy technician by virtue of being certified - now it’s time to be engaged as a professional. This session will discuss the importance of your role as a technician in both your day to day work in the pharmacy, as well as the image you uphold and your interaction with patients and other health care professionals.
4:40-4:45pm
closing comments & adjourn
For more information and complete CPE details visit www.GoToCEI.org.
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
45
college of pharmacy news
Phi Delta Chi Chapter Receives Top Fraternity Award
Drake’s Phi Delta Chi chapter receives top fraternity award for second year in a row. The chapter brought home many awards, including first place in the categories of Scholarship, Chapter Publication, and Professional/Service Events, making them the top chapter in the nation for 2013-2014, the second year in a row!
Renae Chesnut Receives National 2014 Lambda Kappa Sigma Merck & Co. Vanguard Leadership Award
Renae Chesnut, professor of pharmacy practice and associate dean for academic and student affairs at Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, was awarded Lambda Kappa Sigma’s (LKS) Merck & Co. Vanguard Leadership Award for her exemplary contributions to pharmacy practice and professional organizations, along with service to others, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Chesnut was presented the award at the LKS annual convention in Naples, Florida on Thursday, July 24. Chesnut, often recognized for going above and beyond for students and the profession, has served in several leadership roles within the profession and been involved in a number of college initiatives. She is a past-president of the Iowa Pharmacy Association and has been instrumental in promoting entrepreneurial leadership and innovation within the profession of pharmacy through the efforts of Drake’s DELTA Rx Institute. Known as an avid mentor, it is no surprise that Chesnut was also involved in helping three former Drake pharmacy students reactivate the Nu chapter of LKS in 2006.
Natalie Schmitz Receives 2014 Karbeling Memorial Leadership Award The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) presented Natalie
46
| oct.nov.dec 2014
Schmitz with the 2014 Karbeling Memorial Leadership Award. The Karbeling Memorial Leadership Award is given annually to one full-time Pharm.D. student. The Drake University pharmacy class of 1974 created the award in memory of Jerry Karbeling, PH’74, who is remembered as an inspiring pharmacist, patient advocate, and community and professional leader. Recipients of the award demonstrate leadership in one or more of the following areas: professional education, association work, community service, and pharmacy practice.
Patient Safety Collaboration
Patient safety—a valued priority that has long existed in the educational training provided by Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences—has gained increasing national attention with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. “The move in healthcare right now is to reimburse providers for quality and value, not the number of prescriptions they fill, or how many procedures they complete,” says Tim Welty, professor of pharmacy practice and chair of the clinical sciences department. Rather than observe the changes from the sidelines—which is never the approach for Drake faculty—Welty connected with the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative (IHC), an organization founded by physician Tom Evans, M.D., LA’77, GR’81, that is committed to monitoring the quality of healthcare in Iowa. Welty and Evans are working with other healthcare providers to identify best practices for raising the standard of care in Iowa. The two primary goals of the committee are: 1) to reduce readmissions to the hospital (within 30 days) by 20 percent over a threeyear period, and 2) to reduce hospital acquired conditions in a list of ten areas by 40 percent over a three-year period. The group will develop a plan by collecting data on drugs that are
known for having complications like Warfarin (an anticoagulant medication that helps to prevent new blood clots from forming) and drugs that are used to treat diabetes. The group is also targeting narcotics and other pain reliving medications. In a collaborative effort, the committee will track their performances, identifying situations in which the use of one of their targeted drugs resulted in an unintended consequence.
Morgan E. Cline Leaves Behind A Legacy
One of Drake University’s most beloved benefactors, Morgan E. Cline, PH’53, passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, at his home. Cline, a noted philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advertising executive, was a longtime supporter of Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He graduated from Drake with honors in 1953 and went on to serve as pharmacist in the U.S. Army. Within a decade, Cline became one of the founders of Cline, Davis & Mann—a New York-based advertising agency specializing in pharmaceuticals. Throughout his career, Cline remained close to Drake as a proud alumnus, serving on the Drake University Board of Trustees and endowing a scholarship fund for pharmacy students with a $5 million gift in 2001. In 2012, Cline provided a lead gift of $3 million to distinctlyDrake to create a two-story atrium between Harvey Ingham Hall and Cline Hall of Pharmacy and Health Science. In 2013, CPHS unveiled the new facility, which includes a student learning commons, faculty offices, and an experiential learning suite. The Morgan E. Cline Atrium for Pharmacy and Science is the second Drake building named in honor of Cline, the first being the Cline Hall of Pharmacy and Health Science.
college of pharmacy news
MORE THAN A BICYCLE RIDE
R
ecently, as a member of the IPA Foundation team, I completed my first official RAGBRAI. Starting in Rock Valley we traversed over 430 miles until finally reaching Guttenberg where we celebrated our week-long journey with the traditional ‘dipping’ of our front tires in the Mississippi River. Yes, there were the expected headwinds, heat, and humidity. And yes, there were the seemingly endless miles of rolling hills and much-chronicled revelry among the thousands of fellow riders (“What happens in the cornfield stays in the cornfield!”). However, for this “RAGBRAI Virgin” the ride represented so much more. Our team comprised about 25 riders and support personnel. Some participated in the entire week whereas others ‘pluggedin’ for one or several days. Friendships were quickly forged and the camaraderie among everyone was palpable. Our team was dominated by youth with the majority in their mid-to-late 20’s and early 30’s. Tom Pudlo (Anthony’s father and van driver extraordinaire) and I were the ‘old poops’ on the team. But, as we quickly learned, age was irrelevant. We were all bound by one common goal…getting through the day’s ride safely; and, we were all committed to one common purpose…representing pharmacy in the best manner possible. I have so many wonderful memories. Here are but two: Day 6…Waverly to Independence (~70 miles)…we started the ride late because of heavy morning rains. The last leg of the day (~ 20 miles) took us through scenic Amish countryside. The sun was beginning to set…we were losing daylight quickly. There were very strong headwinds and I soon fell behind the team which was not unusual. About 3 miles into the ride I began to ‘catch-up’ with the rest of the team. They had intentionally slowed down. When I approached they all smiled
and said: “We started the day as a team and if it is alright with you that’s how we would like to finish.” They surrounded me and permitted me to ‘draft’ which made the ride considerably easier and quicker. I can’t begin to adequately describe the full spectrum of emotions that welled-up but suffice it to say that my eyes were not dry. Their caring and concern for my well-being touched me deeply. Days 1 through 7… Anthony Pudlo hauling an OTC medication cart across the State on the back of his bicycle…he and other members of the team addressing the needs of countless riders…. this was the future of our profession on full display…truly inspirational! For me, participating in RAGBRAI was far more than a mere bicycle ride. For me, it was a reaffirmation of all that is wonderful about our profession…the selfless acts of kindness, the unfailing concern for others, the unwavering commitment to addressing peoples’ needs, and the relentless pursuit of the highest professional ideals. These attributes and so many more were readily exhibited by the IPA team and the other members of pharmacy-family with whom we engaged throughout RAGBRAI XLII. So, thank you Iowa Pharmacy for all that you do for those whom you serve….and thank you, too, for making RAGBRAI XLII a very special journey that will live with me throughout the days of my life.
Don Letendre
PharmD University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Dean
Special tribute… This article is dedicated to the scores of individuals who made the inaugural IPA Foundation ride such an enormous success: IPA staff; the riders; support personnel; the many pharmacists and their families who provided lodging and meals; and, especially to the scores of pharmacists in the communities we visited who devote their lives to the people they serve. Further, to my youngest son, Matthew, who, while not a pharmacist, joined the IPA team for the entire ride and helped make a father’s dream come true!
oct.nov.dec 2014 OCT.NOV.DEC
|
47
STUDENT SECTION
thE ride of my life: summer of 2014 Natalie Roy
2014 IPA Executive Intern 2016 PharmD Candidate Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
O
n May 19, I entered the doors of the IPA Headquarters with wide eyes and an open mind for the summer ahead. I had no idea what was in store for me, but I knew I was excited. Looking back now, I never would have predicted how much I’d learn and grow over the course of 12 weeks. It will be a summer I will never forget. In addition to my internship, I got married, bought a house, and rode my bicycle across the state of Iowa in RAGBRAI – all events that required the stamina and audacity to make them a success. As I walked out the doors of the IPA Headquarters on August 14, it hit me what a ride it was. Through my incredible array of experiences at IPA this summer, one stands out in particular: RAGBRAI, pharmacy-style. I quickly discovered that RAGBRAI was more than a long bicycle ride. It was a perfect metaphor of our Association and our profession.
ADVOCACY. We have to tell people
what we’re doing! In RAGBRAI, cyclists use terms such as “rider on” or “on your left” to signify to other riders where you are and where you’re trying to go. This is exactly what we, as pharmacists, need to do. The profession advances with new, innovative ideas for us to share with each other, but we can’t advance our profession until we tell everyone: health care providers, legislators, stakeholders, and patients. We need to uphold our image as pharmacy professionals, which may need to be really obvious to others, like wearing a white coat cycling jersey on RAGBRAI that screams “I am a pharmacist and I’m here to help you!”
CHALLENGE. To advance practice,
we must face the challenges in our path.
48
| OCT.NOV.DEC oct.nov.dec 2014
There are times when we need to step back and let others do the work. On the other hand, we may need to step forward take on the headwinds and use a group of cyclists in a drafting line. Sometimes the hills seem to go upwards forever, and we wonder if we’ll ever make it to the top. But know that anything worth doing seldom comes easy. When we hit the crest, we know we have that amazing downhill following it – accomplishment!
INNOVATION. IPA strives to be new, fresh, and innovative. The IPA Foundation RAGBRAI team was one of those great ideas that allowed members to get out across Iowa and form new connections in a unique way. My primary intern project for the summer was to create a proposal for an IPA Executive Fellowship program. I saw the value in pursuing such an endeavor that would provide an invaluable post-graduate experience for an individual with an interest in Association Management or leadership in some other capacity. This program would embody what IPA strives to do for our profession by educating individuals on health care policy and preparing those individuals for careers in leadership at the state and national level. CAMARADERIE. Iowa has become my pharmacy home and IPA has become my pharmacy family. I experienced this not only on RAGBRAI, but at every IPA event I attended this summer. IPA members yearn to help – whether that’s in their own practice, with legislators at the Capitol, or with strangers on RAGBRAI. In the same way, we need to continue to push ourselves to work together as a health care team and rather than asking what others can do for us, ask what we can do for others.
STUDENT SECTION
In addition to these key ideas, I’ve also discovered my own passion for transformation in our profession. I hope to do everything I can in my professional career to make this happen. If you haven’t heard it enough this summer, I’ll say it one more time… The future is now. I am so grateful for the experiences I have had and I hope that other students can find experiences that instill an eternal passion in their profession, in whatever area that may be. Thank you to all who have supported me and taken the time to get to know me this summer. If you are interested in becoming the 2015 Max W. Eggleston Executive Intern at IPA, I encourage you to apply for the position. Applications will be available in February of 2015. If you have questions for me, please feel free to email me at natalie.roy@drake.edu.
2015 Midwest
Pharmacy Expo -
midwest pharmacy
Join student pharmacists from 8 states for the Midwest Pharmacy Expo!
Student Programming to Address These Questions:
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
• How do I prepare for the NAPLEX &
February 13-15, 2015
(part of the Iowa Events Center) IPA is excited to offer a new opportunity for student pharmacists to stay engaged and informed about pharmacy practice issues while helping to further develop your professional and leadership skills. This regional pharmacy meeting is packed with high quality education, sought-after keynote speakers, exhibit hall & opening reception, exhibit theaters and much, much more! As a student pharmacist, this is an annual event you don’t want to miss!
• How do I set myself apart from my classmates? MPJE?
• How do I dress for success? • How can I make an impact on the profession?
Other Expo Highlights that Students Can Attend:
• General Sessions on Healthcare • Transformation with ASHP CEO, Paul Abramowitz
• Interprofessional Education on Pain Management
• Over 16 hours of continuing
pharmacy education sessions • Opening Reception & Exhibits • Breakfast Product Theaters
oct.nov.dec 2014 OCT.NOV.DEC
|
49
STUDENT SECTION
Congratulations student pharmacists class of 2018 Drake University White Coat Ceremony | Friday, August 22, 2014
Tori Adams Mark Adams Kyle Akker Collin Albrecht Jaclyn Aremka Kellie Arensman Natalie Arndt Samantha Austin Jason Babcock Fawad Baig Ashley Barajaz Thomas Bernier Trevor Bridge Christopher Caracci Carley Castelein Robert Cobert Anthony Coco Haley Countey Shelby Crane Elise Damman Sarah Dean Catherine Defino Shelby Derrick
50
| oct.nov.dec 2014
Alexa DeVita Rebecca Do Kelley Dunlop Cassandra Effken Eman Elahmady John Farris Grace Fenner Joseph Fink Scott Foley Nicholas Franz Tyler Goebel Mackenzie Gray Jacquelyn Grimm Ashley Gupta Ryan Hannan Shanda Harclerode Mitchell Hardie Kay Harper Courtney Hasemann Christine Heath Lauren Holmes Kyle Hommer Kayla Hughes
Devon Jacobs Dayna Jansen Alexi Johnson Brittany Judkins Nathan Koch Megan Kriewald Amy Kukacka Jonathan Kusnierz Michael Labadie Maxwell Lasko Benjamin LeMay Erin Lettow Calia Lewis Josie Lipp Margaret Lundholm Jenna Lundsgaard Michelle Mages Monika Makowiecki Katelyn McDaniel Danielle McKay Connor Medernach Grayson Meunier Ethan Middleton Josephine Montgomery Cynthia Nediyakalayil Nathan Ngo Kristina Nikl Kaylin Okuma Abigail Olszewski Emmeline Paintsil Joshua Parado Riley Poe Jake Powers
Christopher Quenelle Jakob Rhodes Katie Robison Jenna Romich Ellyn Ross Katherine Schlebecker Julianne Schlichting Jacob Schnackenberg Alexis Schrieber Taylor Schwartz Taylor Schwebke Jessica Seadler Kaitlyn Serbin Shannon Sisco Jena Stallsmith Claire Steinbronn Anne Stella Austin Stremlau Darshan Thakkar Jessica Thelemann Christina Tran Heather Vasquez Janelle Vircks Danielle Watznauer Stephanie Wensing Adam Wiegmann Alyson Williamson Emma Winstead Katrina Zerwas Maria Zigas Carolyn Zuegner Zoe Zumbach
STUDENT SECTION
Congratulations student pharmacists class of 2018 University of Iowa White Coat Ceremony | Saturday, August 23, 2014
Samantha Alukas Maxwell Anderegg Emily Anderson Matt Austin SoHyun Bae Abigail Baker Jessica Beadleston Sarah Bechtel Quinton Behlers Brooke Bennett Kiley Boeding Jenna Brandhorst Alyssa Breitbach Emily Burger Alexandra Carlson Jenise Carmody Chloe Chabal Emily DeWall Sarah Drilling John Edge Jade Feller Lorin Fisher Quinton Franklin Joe Frasher Zachary Garton Jiyeon Han Suzannah Hekel Emily Henningsen Thao Hoang Marvin Holmes-Leopold Katie Horan Kathryn Husemann Cassandra Jenn
Joshua Jou Nicholas Kayser Saam Keshavarzi Vilailack Kheuakham Justin Kilburg JungWon (Kate) Kim Woorim Kim Kristin Klarenbeek Jillian Koos Margaret Langlois Suzie Lee David Liao Jonathan Lochner Ashley Lorenz Anh Luong Joseph Maigaard Jasmine Mangrum Cole McKenzie Chelsea Meade Laurel Meyer Morgan Miller Beth Miskimins Mills Merrill Montgomery Abbey Mulford Rob Nauman Whitney Ndoigo Landon Neese Adam Neubauer Nguyet Anh Ngo Kyle Cong Nguyen Tyler Nichols Claire North Casey Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell
Nathan Okioga Kyle Parkin LeAnn Parks Rachel Parry Christopher Petersen Julia Pfluger Erica Pham Ngoc Phu Pham Mara Plifka Torrey Puncochar Melanie Reineke Lynn Rich Alecia Rottinghaus Aaron Rusch Joanna Rusch Trevor Saathoff Ethan Sabers Christian Sandoval Casey Schug Eva Serem Krystal Shirrell
Jody Siegrist Leeta Sivesind Jackie Snyders Amanda Stefl Sarah Sugden James Tabiri Kelly Tauer Lindsi Tillo Sarah Tortora Marisa Trautsch Stephen Vavroch Samantha Veach Ashley Vold Zoe Walters Daisy Wang Carly Watertor Claire Weidman Mylo Wells Mackenzie Welsh Angela Wojtczak Rochelle Yang oct.nov.dec 2014
|
51
resident SECTION
2014-2015 Iowa pharmacy residents spotlight
I
owa is a state that is well known for its advances in pharmacy practice. This progressive nature is driven by Iowa pharmacists who are strong leaders in the profession. Pharmacists have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and experience through post-graduate residency training programs in a variety of different practice areas. There are currently 12 different residency programs available in Iowa that offer pharmacists the opportunity to grow personally and professionally in their preferred practice setting. This year, Iowa welcomed 40 residents from around the country. There were 34 post-graduate year one (PGY1) residents and 6 post-graduate year two (PGY2) residents. This article spotlights all 40 residents along with their type of residency, practice site and location, and other interesting advice or facts about these new pharmacists.
Jenna Bender
Drake University ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Why did you decide to do a residency? To take an extra year to strengthen my clinical skills, determine if there is a particular area of interest that I would like to pursue further, learn from experienced clinical pharmacists, and develop confidence as a practicing clinical pharmacist.
52
| oct.nov.dec 2014
John Beyer
Drake University ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Advantages of practicing in Iowa: The state of Iowa is a great place to practice pharmacy. Pharmacists are recognized as practitioners in Iowa, and IPA and the state board of pharmacy are continuously lobbying for the expansion of pharmacy services. The benefits of practicing in this state are numerous.
Shawn Blakeman
Drake University ‘14 Iowa Methodist Medical Center Des Moines PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice When did you decide to do a residency? I was on my second rotation when I started to get into the clinical side of pharmacy that I had never experienced before. After some prompting from my preceptor, I began to look into different residency programs and signed up for Midyear.
Brittany Bruch
University of Iowa ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Relationship with other healthcare professionals: I love working at an academic institution because the mentality always revolves around teaching—there is always something new to learn when so many disciplines are represented on each patient’s healthcare team.
Anita Cheruvillil
University of Iowa ‘14 UnityPoint Health/ Allen Memorial Hospital Waterloo PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice
Patient care programs at your site: Ambulatory surgery pharmacy outpatient services, outpatient anticoagulation clinics, antibiotic dosing service, renal function monitoring, ICU multidisciplinary rounding, inpatient warfarin dosing service, insulin dosing service, medication reconciliation service
Jason Cleppe
University of Iowa ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency project: Evaluate perioperative use of IV acetaminophen in pediatric surgery patients.
Kris Cox
University of Iowa ‘14 Iowa City VA Health Care System Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Advice when considering a residency: It’s very important to write a strong cover letter or letter of intent. In addition to highlighting strengths and experience, applicants should also use the letter of intent to address how the residency program can help the applicant attain his/her career goals.
Meron Gartner
Drake University ‘14 Outcomes MTM West Des Moines PGY-1 Managed Care
Were you inspired by anyone to do a residency? When I was introduced to MTM freshman year I knew immediately that this was going to become an important part of where the profession was headed. Tim Sullivan, a representative from OutcomesMTM inspired me to choose the path I did and showed me what opportunities there are in the MTM industry.
resident SECTION Michael Gassmann
University of Iowa ‘14 Iowa City VA Health Care System Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Patient care programs at your site: Anticoagulation clinic, lipid management, primary care, virology clinic (HIV & Hep C), inpatient/internal medicine and transplant support, diabetes clinic, psych, and a CHF clinic all are either pharmacist run or have a pharmacist involved.
Amanda Hagan
University of Iowa ‘14 Iowa Methodist Medical Center Des Moines PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Advice on Midyear: Even if you have a slight interest in doing a residency you should go. Meeting the residency directors and current residents was an important component when deciding which programs I wanted to apply to.
Allie Haight
University of Iowa ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Plans after residency: My goal is to pursue a clinical pharmacist position in an academic medical center. I look forward to growing as a practitioner while teaching and mentoring student pharmacists. I know that my experiences and clinical training as a resident will be invaluable.
Tracy Harlan
University of MissouriKansas ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Ambulatory Care
What brought you to Iowa? The strong pharmacy leadership and long-standing history of residency training at The University of Iowa is what drew me to this program. More specifically, I knew I was interested in pursuing a residency focused in ambulatory care and was very impressed with the opportunities at UIHC.
Brooke Hofmeyer
University of Iowa ‘14 Iowa City VA Health Care System Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency project: I will investigate associations between patient factors and treatment failure with dabigatran in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
Tony Huynh
Manda Johnson
University of Iowa ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency project: With my interest in critical care, I am evaluating the incidence of acute kidney injury using piperacillin/ tazobactam + vancomycin versus clindamycin + ciprofloxacin + piperacillin/tazobactam in the treatment of necrotizing fascitis.
Sarah Koss
South Dakota State University ‘14 UnityPoint Health Sioux City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice
University of Iowa ‘13 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-2 Ambulatory Care
Plans for after residency: I hope to work for a home infusion pharmacy after my residency. Without a residency, hospital job opportunities would be very limited.
Advice when considering a residency: The most important thing to keep in mind when interviewing is not to forget to let yourself shine through. It’s important to be polished and prepared and come with questions, but don’t leave your personality behind!
University of Iowa ‘13 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-2 Health Systems Administration
Jessica Jacobo
Creighton University ‘14 Shepley Pharmacy Mount Vernon PGY-1 Community Practice What do you gain from a residency? There are unique opportunities only found in a residency program that allow a new pharmacist the ability to pursue multiple avenues of providing pharmacy services and enhance the transition from pharmacy student to practicing pharmacist.
Jacqueline Lee
Why did you consider a PGY-2? I was exposed to only a fraction of all that is necessary to manage a large health-system pharmacy during the first year. During my PGY-2 year, I will continue to groom myself for an administrative role by sinking my teeth into our operations, clinical services, informatics, supply chain, and finance.
Zach Less
University of Iowa ‘14 NuCara/Vital Care Waterloo PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice (Home Infusion)
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
53
resident SECTION (Zach Less continued...)
Advantages of practicing in Iowa: Pharmacists in Iowa work together, think progressively, and have the complete support of their state association. The pharmacy profession in the state of Iowa is second to none.
I-Chau (Emily) Liang
University of Iowa ‘14 UnityPoint Health/ Allen Memorial Hospital
Waterloo PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice
What criteria did you use to choose a program? Experiences the sites offered, location of the hospitals, friendliness of the staff, and the atmosphere of the working environments. Each pharmacy residency program has its strengths and offers candidates valuable experiences.
Corey Melroe
North Dakota State University ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Health System Administration What do you gain from a residency? Along with the experience, I expect to gain the tools to become a confident, skilled pharmacist, as well as a foundation that will allow me to pursue my professional goals of obtaining a position in healthsystem pharmacy administration.
Miranda Mercer
South Dakota State University ‘14 Mercy Medical Center Mason City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice What brought you to Iowa? I wanted to come back to my home state where there are several high quality residency programs available. During my residency search I was looking for a smaller hospital that was only offering 2-3 resident spots and that is exactly what I found here in Iowa.
54
| oct.nov.dec 2014
Matthew Minnick
Regis University ‘14 Des Moines VA Health Care System Des Moines PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Advice when considering a residency: I didn’t realize I wanted to do a pharmacy residency until my last year of pharmacy school, so I didn’t prepare until then. My advice on preparing for a residency would be to start researching early (I started in August prior to Midyear).
Kristin Morrison
Drake University ‘14 Des Moines VA Health Care System Des Moines PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Advice on Midyear: Don’t stress out over the experience. Be yourself and have fun when talking to programs. Follow your gut instincts.
Emily O’Brien
Drake University ‘14 Mercy Family Pharmacy Dubuque PGY-1 Community Practice Were you inspired by anyone to do a residency? It wasn’t until I had my ambulatory care rotation in November of my P4 year that I found the career path I wanted to go down. My preceptor at the time helped me recognize what options were out there and really inspired me to do a residency.
Jennifer Preinitz
University of Iowa ‘13 Iowa City VA Health Care System Iowa City PGY-2 Psychiatry Pros/Cons to completing a residency: More training and experience can only help you as a new pharmacist. Working with more
experienced pharmacists gives you more perspective and allows you to drawn upon to others experiences to shape the way you want to practice.
Nicole Quandt
Drake University ‘14 Mercy Medical Center Des Moines PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Advice when considering a residency: Residencies are becoming more and more competitive each year. Because of this, it is important to find ways to differentiate yourself from others. One of the best ways to do so is by being involved in a variety of activities and organizations.
Rani Raju
Drake University ‘14 Towncrest Pharmacy Iowa City PGY-1 Community Practice Preceptor interaction: I have daily interaction with my preceptor, who is a strong, vocal leader of our profession. He takes time to discuss various aspects of pharmacy practice, development, and future of pharmacy.
Heather Ricklefs University of Iowa ‘14 Mercy Medical Center Mason City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice
Advice on Midyear: It was a great experience and attending my P3 year really helped prepare me for talking with programs my P4 year. My advice is to ask questions and show your interest in the programs you are talking with.
Ana Rivera
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences ‘14 CarePro Pharmacy/ A Ave Pharmacy North Liberty/Cedar Rapids PGY-1 Community Practice
resident SECTION Advice on Midyear: I encourage students to go to a Residency Showcase even if they are not a P4 and just watch what the dynamic is and oversee the interview process that goes on during that time. This will help them feel confident when it’s their time to attend as a P4.
Katy Rolfes
University of Iowa ‘14 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Why did you decide to do a residency? I knew I wanted to gain more experience, develop my teaching/precepting skills, and further my knowledge. At this point in my career, residency training is essential to meet my career goals.
Kerry Schueler
University of Iowa ‘13 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-2 Pediatrics Plans after residency: My dream job would be as a clinical pharmacy specialist in the PICU which would not be possible without completing a PGY1 and PGY2 residency.
Jordan Schultz
University of Iowa ‘13 University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Iowa City PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Advantages of residencies in Iowa: The relationship between the 2 colleges of pharmacy in Iowa is very strong which leads to a group of preceptors across the state that is second to none. Residents in Iowa have an extraordinary opportunity to learn from some of the most intelligent and forward-thinking preceptors in the nation.
Greg Tallman
Drake University ‘13 Mercy Medical Center
Des Moines PGY-2 Pharmacy Practice
Why did you consider a PGY-2? There are several advantages to completing a PGY-2 residency. You gain an extra year of specialized training in your area of interest along with another year of close mentoring, feedback, and development working under your program director and preceptors.
Krystal TitusRains
University of Iowa ‘14 Iowa City VA Health Care System Iowa City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice When did you decide to do a residency? I previously worked in retail and didn’t make my final decision on completing a residency until my fourth year of pharmacy school after experiencing clinical aspects of pharmacy, so it’s never too late to make your decision.
Joey Truong
University of Illinois ‘14 Mercy Medical Center Des Moines PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Relationship with other healthcare professionals: My impressions are that the physicians are very warm and welcoming to my advice/interventions. There are clinical pharmacists on most floors of the hospital, which allows us to easily interact with the other healthcare professionals.
Renata Vaschevici
University of Iowa ‘14 NE Iowa Family Practice Center/ Waverly Health Center/Covenant Medical Center Waterloo & Waverly PGY-1 Ambulatory Care What do you gain from a residency? To learn how to apply the pharmacotherapy knowledge I had acquired during school, broaden my experiences in order to become a wellrounded pharmacist, and form life-long professional relationships.
Valerie Wersching
University of Michigan ‘14 Osterhaus Pharmacy Maquoketa PGY-1 Community Practice Preceptor interaction: All of the pharmacists at my site act as a preceptor to me. It has been a great learning experience to see different ways of being a successful pharmacist and clinician, and has helped me to develop my own way of carrying out pharmacist duties.
Caitlin Wessels
University of Iowa ‘14 UnityPoint Health Sioux City PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Pros/Cons to completing a residency: Getting out of school and having loans/other expenses makes a full-time pharmacist job attractive. However, the education and experience I am gaining outweighs any cons, because in the end I will be doing something that I love.
Madison Williams
University of Iowa ‘14 Hy-Vee Drug Store Iowa City PGY-1 Community Practice What criteria did you use to choose a program? I looked at what the programs offered, such as the ability to perform patient care services, specifically focusing on diabetes care education and immunization services, as well as opportunities for learning development and community research.
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
55
last laugh need a relief pharmacist?
contact “Joseph in Relief”
Joseph Thompson, RPh 9616 Quail Ridge Urbandale, IA 50322 1.888.278.0846 515.278.0846
Gary Cottington Relief Pharmacist
641-780-0642 gpcott@gmail.com
for sale
Place your ad/classified ad with us. All ads, contracts, payments, reproduction material and other related communication questions email ipa@iarx.org or call 515.270.0713.
Independent Pharmacy Rural Community with medical clinics Near Iowa City/U. of Iowa 100 Rx/day average – $800,000 - $1M Gross/yr. Fax or Call 319-668-1664 pdco@iowatelecom.net
2014-2015 Calendar of Events October 2014
7 IPA College Night - Drake - West Des Moines Sheraton 7-10 AMCP Nexus - Boston, MA 8 Log-in To Learn e-journal Club 9-10 UI COP & UI COM Multidisciplinary Conference & Cardiovascular Update - Iowa City 12-15 ACCP Annual Meeting - Austin, TX 14 2/2/2 - Pre-Election Briefing 16 IPA Goes Local - NW Iowa Pharmacists Association - Spencer 17-19 NASPA Fall Meeting 18-22 NCPA Annual Convention - Austin, TX 25 Pharmacy Technician Educational Forum Des Moines
56
| oct.nov.dec 2014
November 2014 5-7 5 11 12
ASCP Annual Meeting & Exhibition - Orlando, FL HealthMart Town Hall Meeting - Des Moines 2/2/2 - IPRN is Here For You! Log-in To Learn e-journal Club
December 2014
7-11 ASHP Midyear Meeting - Anaheim, CA 9 2/2/2 - The Latest Update on 340B for Hospitals & Pharmacies
January 2015 13 14 29
2/2/2 - Iowa Health Information Network (IHIN)I Want In! Log-in To Learn e-journal Club IPA Legislative Day
oct.nov.dec 2014
|
57