CASE STUDY:
Digitize Your Pharmacy Workflows to Improve Efficiency and Accuracy Compounding Pharmacy Relies on Long-Standing Relationship with McKesson Canada to Improve Accuracy by 80 Percent and Cut Paper Usage in Half
AT A GLANCE Remedy’sRx is part of a family of pharmacies that has relied on Pharmacy Technology Solutions (PTS) and McKesson Canada Automation, for more
CHALLENGES Time-consuming manual, paper-based pharmacy processes in need of an upgrade, in order to keep up with the demands of being a compounding pharmacy.
than 45 years.
SOLUTIONS
We were given an exciting
Pharmacy Technology Solutions’ Propel Rx, the
opportunity to modernize
latest in pharmacy technology, provides:
and have a hand in creating
Fast, simple, implementation
the new software through our experience and suggestions,
Better documentation
said Schiewe.
Integrated, streamlined workflows Greater accuracy Digital workflows
Upgrading enables us to eliminate errors, provide more detailed records, and cut down on both time and
RESULTS
paper.
1
Elimination of time-consuming and error-prone manual process and excessive paper usage.
2
Freed up time so the team could focus on added value patient care, and growing the pharmacy
3
Helped to ensure accuracy in fulfilling prescriptions, and general patient care
Gibbons Remedy'sRx is a compounding and home care specialty pharmacy in Gibbons, Alberta, Canada. In addition to creating custom medications for other pharmacies, it also meets the pharmacy needs of patients living with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL). Remedy’sRx is part of a family of pharmacies that has relied on McKesson pharmacy solutions, including Pharmacy Technology Solutions (PTS) and McKesson Canada Automation, for more than 45 years. Katlyn Schiewe, Remedy’s Rx pharmacist, was pleased to learn that her location was selected as one of the first of its kind to upgrade from McKesson’s PharmaClik Rx to the sleek, streamlined Propel Rx pharmacy software. “We were given an exciting opportunity to modernize and have a hand in creating the new software through our experience and suggestions,” said Schiewe. “Upgrading enables us to eliminate errors, provide more detailed records, and cut down on both time and paper.”
The Challenge: Cumbersome Documentation, Inefficient Workflows As a compounding pharmacist, Schiewe’s role involves detailed documentation. She covers master formula records, risk assessments, patient care plans, follow ups, and extensions. She also verifies complex prescriptions for accuracy and manages a team consisting of a pharmacy technician, assistant, and oftentimes, one or two students, while dealing with current supply chain challenges and backorders. Prior to upgrading their pharmacy software, Schiewe and her team were saddled with inefficient workflows and swimming in a sea of paper that could be eliminated.
Visit www.pharmacytechnologysolutions.ca for more information.
“Rather than relying on time-consuming, manual processes, we needed a way to quickly scan and verify each drug to ensure the right drug is dispensed,” said Schiewe. “We also needed to be able to provide detailed records without stacks of paper.”
The Solutions: A Fast and Simple Upgrade to Propel Rx Schiewe upgraded to Propel Rx in the fall of 2021 and her pharmacy was up and running on the new system by 9 am on the day of the upgrade. A few months later, the team enabled Digital Workflow to eliminate both time and paper. “Some of our staff were concerned that they weren’t tech savvy enough to learn new software, but the PTS team was very helpful, guiding us through a smooth transition,” said Schiewe. Schiewe’s team took advantage of PTS resources, including training sessions and live video calls that walked them through new processes, including those for filling a prescription and documenting. “The PTS team’s response time is fantastic,” said Schiewe. “They understand that our business depends on their software and they respond to our questions and concerns within minutes. It’s been so helpful to have that speed of response.”
The Results: Propel Rx Leads to Less Time, Less Paper, Better Accuracy Propel Rx provides a single source for pharmacy data entry, eliminating redundancy and duplication of efforts. It also provides automatic updates to patients’ records. Schiewe’s favorite feature is the Clinical Tab. “I feel like my whole day is spent documenting and now it’s so much easier and more efficient,” she said. “I love having everything in one place, rather than having to jump around to retrieve and record information. And, I love being able to assign specific prescription numbers and to easily review what still needs to be done. It’s fantastic!”
Visit www.pharmacytechnologysolutions.ca for more information.
Schiewe estimates that Propel Rx and Digital Workflow has decreased their paper use by about 50 percent, including taking them from an average of 100 hard copy prescriptions per day to about 20 prescriptions that require paper. “Our paperload is way, way less, which is awesome because we don’t have much room for filing,” said Schiewe. “If we weren’t a compounding pharmacy, Propel Rx would cut about 80 to 90 percent of our paper.” The pharmacy’s accuracy has also improved, an estimated 80 percent, thanks to the software’s ability to scan UPCs prior to packaging a medication. “Propel Rx checks bottles for accuracy, allowing us to make a correction before a drug is packaged,” she said. “This ensures patient safety and saves us time.” Schiewe advises other pharmacists considering an upgrade to take advantage of the opportunity. “Clear your Workbench and be open to change,” she said. “It’s easier than you think and the training tools and information sessions that PTS provides make it even easier.”
www.pharmacytechnologysolutions.ca for more information. ptssales@mckesson.ca 1.800.387.6093 x 5