QCompass

The CDC is giving weekly updates for pharmacies in preparation for a COVID-19 vaccination. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns will be among the first to administer a vaccine once it’s approved for use. Our own Ed Vess, director of Pharmacy Professional Affairs, and OmniSYS® Chief Innovation Officer David Pope are among those taking part in providing those updates. They share what they are learning to help pharmacies get ready.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance that authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines when they are made available. Kurt Proctor, R.Ph. and Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at NCPA, talks about the decision and what pharmacists should be doing to prepare when a vaccine is approved. More information is available on the HHS website.

Lou Ann Brubaker talks about a two-part accredited session during the upcoming iQ Virtual Series that will show pharmacies how to create successful attraction and retention strategies during COVID-19. Learn more at iQVirtualSeries.com.  

Pharmacy is navigating tremendous demands now. QS/1 affirms its commitment to be here with you now – and well into the future. Our new parent company, RedSail Technologies, LLC, reflects the direction and confidence that come from game-changing new investment: in support services, core platforms, and accelerated innovation. Listen now to The Community of Now. You can also get more information at www.qs1.com/now.  

The Small Business Administration has extended the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Brad Kile, president of Kile Consulting, shares how long-term care operations can use this program to serve patients while protecting jobs.

QS/1 hosted a breakout breakfast discussion at the PDS Super Conference in February. ComputerTalk Magazine's Maggie Lockwood moderated the discussion with the panel and took questions from pharmacists who were attending. Here is a wrap-up of some of the topics on the minds of pharmacists.

Get ready for the iQ Virtual Series! This virtual education series is designed to provide valuable, flexible interaction – industry education, product training, continuing education credits, and opportunities for networking. Other interactive inclusions are a full Exhibit Hall, live customer panels, the Interface Café, and giveaways. Visit http://iqvirtualseries.com  

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on April 8, 2020 that it would allow licensed pharmacists to order and administer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests to their patients. The HHS guidance directs pharmacists to review Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices to diagnose and respond to public health emergencies. Additional information is available on the Diagnostic Testing from SARS-CoV-2 FAQs. In part two of our discussion on QCompass with Hannah Fish, Pharm.D., from the National Community Pharmacists Association, we learn what pharmacists should be doing if they decide to conduct testing inside the pharmacy.

Did you know pharmacies can take advantage of money allocated in the CARES Act passed by Congress? These funds will help small businesses operate and pay employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Hannah Fish, PharmD, Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives for National Community Pharmacists Association, talked to us in the first of two discussions about assistance for community pharmacies. https://ncpa.org/coronavirus-information https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options  

QS/1's Point-of-Sale Product Manager Justin Buckland talks about DeliveryRx, Accounts Receivable, and other tools pharmacies can use to continue serving patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information is available from QS/1 at www.qs1.com/COVID.  

We are excited to introduce to you Kraig McEwen, the CEO of the new RedSail Technologies, the parent company of QS/1®. RedSail Technologies reflects our bicoastal presence, our deep, rich history and experience, and our confidence as we partner with you on this new journey. The brands you know will remain unchanged.

Pharmacists are in the trenches in the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacies around the country are working to serve patients while keeping pharmacy staff healthy to serve the communities where they work and live. QS/1's Ed Vess, RPh., director of professional pharmacy affairs, discusses ways pharmacists can make a difference and ideas that can be easily implemented. Here are resources to help pharmacies during this time: https://www.qs1.com/2020/03/20/covid-19-resources-for-community-pharmacists/    

The iQ Conference is a brand-new event built on the strong foundation of both the Integra and QS/1 Annual Conferences. This newly relaunched event will continue to provide access to the latest solutions for pharmacy management and product integration, while also extending into continuing education, business enhancements, and industry trends. Kirsten Henry, director of Branding Experiences, discusses what is being planned for the inaugural event. Learn more at www.iqconference.com.  

QS/1 is hosting a breakout breakfast session at the PDS Super-Conference February 29, 2020. ComputerTalk Magazine's Maggie Lockwood will moderate the popular panel discussion. She talks with us about the importance of the PDS Super-Conference, what participants can expect at the panel discussion, and the chance to win QS/1's $1,500 charitable giveway at the conference. More details at www.redsetgo.com/pds.

All systems are go for the new ePrescribing standard. QS/1 is here to ensure your pharmacy is a leader in the January 2020 change to SCRIPT 2017071, which replaces current version 10.6. Crystal Ratliff, Product Manager Vendor Relations, talks about the final steps to make sure your pharmacy is ready. Get more information on getting your pharmacy ready at https://www.qs1.com/sp30  

On average, community pharmacies interact with patients with chronic disease(s) 35 times per year. In comparison, patients may only visit their primary care physician four times per year. This provides a huge opportunity for pharmacists to have an impact on their patients. QS/1’s Dr. Zachary Princell, PharmD talks about the value of eCare Plans.

Pharmacist Dana Tate of New Horizon Family Health Services was the winner of the QS/1 charity giveaway at the 2019 Customer Conference in Hershey, PA earlier this year. She asked the money be donated to her pharmacy... which lead us to discover the great work they do for their community.

Audits can break a community pharmacy, that's why it's important that your operation is prepared should you ever face one. Trenton Thiede is the Chief Operating Officer of PAAS National, an organization that helps pharmacies prepare for an audit before it even happens.

John W. Pugh, PharmD, RPh has practiced pharmacy at Prosperity Drug since 2006. He enjoys working with patients to solve their medication related problems. He shares unique collaboration actions pharmacy's can take to increase business.

CPESN USA empowers community-based pharmacies that are deeply rooted within the local care team community by fostering and enabling the provision of high quality and high integrity patient-centered enhanced services. CPESN network pharmacies are integrated with the other providers on the patient’s care team and offer coordinated medical treatment which has led to increased medication adherence, improved patient satisfaction, and lower health care costs.  CPESN's Jay Williams discusses the benefits of the organization.