Meanwhile, we have some ideas as how to improve the current process, including adding double checks into the system.
Until next time..
-Jen
Well honestly, there is not a whole lot to update on. Nichelle and I were able to meet with both John (Pharmacy manager at Genoa) and Shawntae (one of the nurses that participates in this system) last week to observe the process and ask questions. Unfortunately, these visits led to more questions. I am going to email the state board of pharmacy to carefully inquire about laws surrounding situations like this, which will hopefully lead to some answers and get the ball rolling.
Meanwhile, we have some ideas as how to improve the current process, including adding double checks into the system. Until next time.. -Jen
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There are many different ways to care for our patients. Sometimes I think that as a pharmacist this can be difficult to do. There are so many people that are close-minded when it comes to the ways they can help patients. It's easy to just do the bare minimum. When working retail for example, it's easy to just fill the prescriptions in a timely fashion and get the patient out the door. I think that it's up to us to figure out if the patient knows exactly what they're getting and how to take it properly.
There's also those pharmacists that want to help everyone with EVERYTHING. This can be the most overwhelming. There needs to be a realistic idea of how much we can really help our patients. I don't exactly know how we can figure out how much that is, but there has to be a way... Tyson There are two different question that came to thought when I began looking into the topic of this blog.
First, when discussing challenges, whose challenges are we addressing first, those of the patients or of the providers (ourselves included)? I believe that the challenges we face as healthcare providers originate as a disparity in trying to provide for the needs of our patients (time, inventory, funds, etc.). I also believe this is the right frame of mind to pursue challenges, with our patients needs before our own, as our profession really should foremost be a selfless act to serve others in need. However, from what I have seen for the most part in "for-profit" facilities is that the desire to grow, prosper, survive, and compete supersedes in many situation the needs of our patients. This is the core challenge I see in the field of healthcare and that I see in the moral decline of our society. I don't have the answer to this problem, but I think it starts with me and you and everyone individually to try to be a little more selfless and a little more loving in every encounter we have. (On a more direct note I feel that the biggest challenge in the pharmacy provider world right now is time. Business need to put more money into there staff hours and technician salaries so that proper patient care can be provided). Secondly, challenges can be looked at as a problem or as a revealed opportunity. Be thankful that you see a challenge, it is your opportunity to do something great. -M@ If we know one thing about healthcare, we know that it is not easy and that no matter how hard we try, we won't be able to save or help everyone. There are always going to be roadblocks either in the system itself or that our patients put in place themselves. There are a variety of challenges specific to the mental health population setting. First, psychiatric medications are notorious for being complicated to use, variant effects in each patient, and typically come with a boat-load of side effects. These limitations make treating these patients' diseases and disorders very difficult. Patients with psychiatric illness (especially severe illnesses) also are more likely to have unstable living/work situations (homeless, difficulty keeping jobs). This can make it difficult for patients to maintain their health, keep adherence to their medications, make it to doctors appointments, and be able to afford healthcare to begin with.
Above are just a couple of the many barriers in treating patients, but rather than focusing on the negative, I wanted to end this blog update a little more positive. Focus on what you CAN accomplish. Take pride and joy in EVERY "win" you have with every patient, because otherwise, you'll spend more time worrying about those that you can't help and will end up minimizing those that you can. Don't always focus on the big, flashy things that you think are most relevant, because more times than not, your patient's will appreciate the small details/gestures much more. Acknowledge the challenges, find a way to work around them, and go change a life! -Jen This year, I am working with the Allen County Health Department. I am working with Gilead (the manufacturer of Harvoni and Sovaldi) towards improving the resources and access to Hepatitis C medications for underserved populations. Over the past several years, cases of Hepatitis C have soared in this area, likely due to the increase of drug use. Many patients are without insurance and have no means of paying for the $18,0000 monthly medication. As of right now, these patients are seen at health department and are told to see their health care provider to manage their medications. If they do not have a health care provider, their cases can be managed by the staff doctor at the health department. The problem, however, is with the patients who do not have insurance. Giliead already has patient assistance programs in place but they are very hard for patients to become a part of. My proposal is to develop some sort of packet with information on Hepatits C and an information sheet of all the information that is needed to sign up the patients for the program. Once a month, patients would then be able to bring all required information to the health department and we would work with them to get them signed up for the program so that they can get their medications and their disease state cared for.
The other project is in a stand still at this moment until we get the first in line. We are working towards getting Naloxone to patients who have people in their life that they are worried about. Perhaps due to addiction or constant opioid use. Ideally, we would like to have a class for people to attend so that they can learn more about addictions and what options they have, such as rehabilitation programs. The problem with this project is many people may think the health department is just handing out naloxone and are sort've saying "its ok to use drugs" and promoting this behavior. The argument of course, is that these individuals are effecting lives of many people and a second chance at life might be what they need. Initially, we thought we could target these patients via clean needle swaps but the health department is not going to be directly dealing with those patients. This project is to be continued! -Shealy |
Archives
October 2016
2016 AuthorsKadieMy name is Kadie and I would describe myself as easy-going and just living and loving life one day at a time! :)
Mehvish Elahi
My name is Mehvish Elahi =)
I am 21 and from New York I strive to become a Pharmacist! FernieI enjoy life by taking it one day at a time can't wait to become a Pharmacist!
NOAH OBEN
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story...DESIDERATA... I am very family oriented and I like traveling and enjoy watching and playing football (soccer). Ahmed Adow
I am friendly and outgoing persons, I like to travel and meet new people, my hobbies are player soccer and watching soccer. Dinh HaI am very friendly and I like to laugh a lot. For study breaks, I love to play games and sleep!
2015 AuthorsShealy Todd
I enjoy life and everything that comes with it and I find happiness from helping others enjoy it too. Misty R. GordonA work in progress.
I am better than I have ever been but nowhere near as great as I will become. Nichelle Logan
I love food and pharmacy! Matt Bessesen
Open to all avenues of the pharmacy profession while searching for a vocation that motivates me to be a better person Tyson
Long-term care is my pharmacy thing...and cats are my other thing. Jen
Currently striving to have a career in psychiatric pharmacy. I like to spend my time with my two Australian Cattle Dogs and three horses!. . 2014 AuthorsBriInterest is in psychiatric pharmacy and I have 2 adorable German Shepherds that keep me busy. MartrellI have a strong interest in retail pharmacy but I am open to learning about all aspects of the profession. KellyEverything happens for a reason. I am grateful and happy with all I am blessed with. JoeI am always up for trying new things. Looking forward to what the future has in store. EzzaI love photography, travelling, and food! |