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Updated inflation projections are only part of the story when it comes to pharmacy planning. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Jeni Hayes and Dr. Amanda Frick, to discuss Vizient’s Summer 2026 Spend Management Outlook and why utilization trends, reimbursement, ambulatory care, and the expanding pipeline of advanced therapies are becoming just as important as inflation when preparing health systems for 2027 and beyond.

Guest speakers:
Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MS Pharm, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Market Insights & Forecasting
Vizient Clinical Spend Management

Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Market Insights and Forecasting
Vizient Clinical Spend Management

Host:  
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence  

Show notes:

01:03

• Why this year's Spend Management Outlook expands beyond inflation to include utilization, reimbursement, product mix, and operational readiness.
• How pharmacy leaders can use these broader market signals to make stronger strategic and financial decisions.

01:54

• The updated 2027 pharmaceutical inflation projection and why it increased from the previous forecast.
• Why organizations should pair national benchmarks with their own purchasing data to improve budgeting accuracy.

03:28

• Three major trends transforming pharmacy planning, including ambulatory growth, utilization, and enterprise collaboration.
• Why these consistent themes are changing how health systems approach long term pharmacy strategy.

04:25

• How new utilization analyses provide earlier insight into future pharmacy demand than inflation data alone.
• Examples of shifting trends in oncology therapies and GLP 1 medications that are influencing operational planning.

05:34

• Why GLP 1 growth is creating opportunities that extend well beyond pharmacy budgeting.
• How retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, pharmacist led clinics, and medication management can strengthen patient care and organizational performance.

07:10

• Why pharmacy has evolved into an enterprise wide capability that impacts access, reimbursement, and financial performance.
• How stronger collaboration across pharmacy, finance, revenue cycle, and clinical teams supports future readiness.

08:03

• Emerging pipeline trends, including continued oncology growth and the rise of advanced therapies.
• Why cell therapies, gene therapies, and RNA based medicines require organizations to prepare differently than traditional medications.

08:53

• How health systems are preparing months before therapy approval by building operational and clinical infrastructure.
• Why advanced therapies demand coordination across pharmacy, laboratory, nursing, finance, and physician teams.

10:33

• The expansion of advanced therapies into autoimmune, neurologic, cardiac, and rare disease treatment.
• Why organizations must balance planning for both high cost therapies and therapies with growing patient demand.

11:44

• How pipeline monitoring has evolved into a strategic planning tool rather than simply tracking approvals.
• Why early preparation helps organizations identify operational gaps before new therapies reach the market.

12:36

• Key takeaways on preparing for the future of pharmacy through utilization data, operational planning, and enterprise collaboration.
• Resources available through the Spend Management Outlook Insights Hub to support local budgeting and long term strategy.

Links and Resources:

Vizient Spend Management Outlook Insight Hub

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Botulinum toxin products are used across a wide range of therapeutic indications, yet many health systems have not evaluated whether product selection aligns with both clinical evidence and financial stewardship. Matt Groth, Director of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management at the University of Rochester Medical Center, joins Kerry Schwarz to discuss how his team implemented a botulinum toxin stewardship strategy by evaluating evidence, engaging clinicians, and standardizing product selection.

Guest Speaker:
Matthew D. Groth, PharmD, MS
Director of Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management
University of Rochester Medical Center

Host:

Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D., MPH
Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes:

00:05 Introduction

• Learn why botulinum toxin stewardship is an emerging opportunity for health systems.
• Hear how clinical evidence and financial strategy can work together to optimize product selection.

01:25 Reviewing the evidence

• Explore the evidence supporting available botulinum toxin products, including indications, safety, and dosing considerations.
• Understand why limited clinical differences between products create opportunities for formulary evaluation.

02:31 Identifying stewardship opportunities

• Learn how organizations evaluate acquisition costs, reimbursement, payer policies, and contracting opportunities.
• Discover how financial analysis helps identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality patient care.

04:29 Implementing a preferred product strategy

• Hear how provider engagement, financial transparency, and P&T committee support helped drive adoption.
• Learn how a phased implementation approach increased market share while improving financial performance.

08:11 Lessons learned from implementation

• Explore the operational considerations that support successful implementation, from inventory management to prior authorizations.
• Learning why collaboration with physicians, nurses, office staff, and billing teams is essential to long term success.

10:57 Key takeaways

• Review the core elements of a successful botulinum toxin stewardship strategy.
• Learn how multidisciplinary collaboration can improve value while maintaining high quality patient care.

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As health systems grow more complex and executive expectations continue to expand, organizations must develop the next generation of pharmacy leaders. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Bonnie Levin and Dr. Cedric Terrell to discuss the growing pharmacy leadership pipeline challenge, the skills today's leaders need to succeed, and practical ways to identify and develop the next generation of pharmacy executives.

Guests:
Bonnie Levin, PharmD, MBA, FASHP
VP, Pharmacy Services
Medstar Health

Cedric Terrell, PharmD, MHA
SVP & Chief Pharmacy Officer
Pharmacy Enterprise Services
CommonSpirit Health

Host: 
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

00:54 - The Pharmacy Leadership Pipeline

• Why healthsystems are facing a shortage of pharmacy leaders.
• The impact of retirements, workforce changes, and succession planning challenges.
• How evolving expectations are reshaping leadership roles as pharmacy creates "a table that others want to sit at."

02:21 - The Modern Pharmacy Executive

• How pharmacy leadership has changed over the last several years.
• Why leaders now oversee larger, more complex healthcare enterprises.
• Why today's leaders must think like pharmacy business executives, not just department directors.

03:31 - Skills Every Future Leader Needs

• The growing importance of financial stewardship and business acumen.
• Why strategic thinking is just as valuable as clinical expertise.
• How pharmacy leaders create value through operations, finance, and innovation.

04:46 - Identifying Emerging Leaders

• What makes an informal leader stand out, from raising their hand to offering solutions instead of problems.
• Why leadership is a behavior, not a position.
• The importance of mentoring future leaders and exposing them to experiences beyond their own department.

06:06 - Preparing the Next Generation

• Where pharmacy education and leadership development are falling short.
• Why financial literacy, budgeting, and operational knowledge are essential leadership skills.
• How early exposure to business decisions helps future leaders build confidence.

07:31 - Residency and Real World Experience

• The value residency programs provide in developing clinical expertise.
• Why practical business experience is equally important for future executives.
• How mentorship and cross functional learning prepare pharmacists for broader leadership roles.

09:16 - Moving Into Executive Leadership

• How clinically trained pharmacists can expand into enterprise leadership.
• Bonnie shares why saying yes to leading behavioral health became one of the most valuable experiences of her career.
• Why leaders should seek opportunities that stretch their skills beyond pharmacy.

11:03 - Career Growth Through Opportunity

• Why saying yes to unfamiliar challenges accelerates leadership development.
• Expanding experience into areas like ambulatory care, payer strategy, imaging, and laboratory services.
• Cedric explains why creating opportunities is more valuable than waiting for them to appear.

12:07 - Leadership Advice

• Bonnie shares the quote that shaped her leadership philosophy.
• Cedric reflects on advice from his mentor to prepare today for the role you want three to five years from now.
• Why successful leaders stay curious and become comfortable making decisions with uncertainty.

13:58 - Looking Ahead

• Why today's pharmacy leaders are optimistic about the future.
• The value of innovation, persistence, collaboration, and strong professional relationships.
• Final reflections on building the next generation of pharmacy executives through mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning.

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What happens when learners teach learners? Layered learning is a teaching model that brings pharmacy students, residents, and preceptors together in a collaborative learning environment. Our host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Sarah Eggers Russell, PharmD, BCACP, CPP of UNC Health REX and Dr. Kimberly James, PharmD of UF Health to discuss how layered learning works in pharmacy residency programs and why it continues to gain traction across healthcare settings. They share perspectives from their own programs and discuss what it takes to create meaningful learning experiences for learners at every stage of training.

Guest Speakers:
Dr. Sarah Eggers Russell, PharmD, BCACP, CPP
UNC Health REX

Dr. Kimberly James, PharmD
UF Health

Host: 
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

00:05 - What Is Layered Learning?

• Definition of layered learning and its role in pharmacy education
• How teaching, mentorship, and patient care occur simultaneously
• Benefits for learners, preceptors, and patients

01:08 - Residency Program Overviews

• UNC Health Rex ambulatory care residency program
• UF Health pediatric pharmacy residency program
• Opportunities for students, residents, and advanced learners across diverse practice settings

02:22 - How Layered Learning Works in Practice

• Senior learners mentoring junior learners under pharmacist supervision
• Developing teaching skills and professional behaviors
• Expanding direct patient care opportunities while supporting preceptor workloads

03:33 - Defining Roles and Responsibilities

• Setting expectations before the rotation begins
• Assessing learner readiness for teaching responsibilities
• Creating structured orientation processes for all learners
• Providing feedback and evaluation opportunities for resident preceptors

05:55 - Adapting to Different Learning Styles

• Tailoring rotations to individual learner needs
• Gradually increasing clinical responsibilities
• Using regular feedback sessions and midpoint evaluations
• Building confidence through progressive independence

08:20 - Building Successful Layered Learning Experiences

• Differences between primary and co precepting models
• Leveraging learners to expand patient access and clinical services
• Using shared precepting across diverse practice environments
• Creating opportunities for leadership and teaching development

10:42 - Keeping Learners Engaged in Ambulatory Care

• Managing clinic schedules and patient encounters
• Evidence based patient case presentations
• Topic discussions, drug information requests, and interdisciplinary shadowing opportunities
• Exposure to diagnostic testing and specialty practice areas

12:13 - Structuring Layered Learning in the Inpatient Setting

• Working across multiple specialty consult services
• Presenting to interdisciplinary healthcare teams
• Shadowing opportunities with nursing and other disciplines
• Using projects to improve patient care and learner engagement

13:39 - Advice for First Time Preceptors

• Maintaining flexibility and adaptability
• Meeting learners where they are in their development
• Keeping communication open through regular check ins
• Encouraging learners to embrace new challenges and teaching opportunities

14:51 - The Lasting Impact of Layered Learning

• Benefits for junior learners, advanced learners, and preceptors
• Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration
• Increasing awareness of pharmacy residency programs
• Bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas into clinical practice

16:34 - Resources and What's Next

• ASHP Guide for Best Practices of Layered Learning
• Upcoming Vizient Layered Learning Toolkit currently in development

Links and Resources:

Residency Guide Best Practices for Resident Engagement in LLM

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Direct-to-consumer healthcare is changing how patients engage with care, driven by growing demand for convenience, accessibility, and personalized experiences. VerifiedRx host Stacy Lauderdale is joined by Emily Fitt, Hailey Mulliner, and Heather Pace to discuss the continued rise of telehealth and direct-to-consumer healthcare platforms, the areas experiencing the most growth, and what these evolving models may mean for patients, providers, and health systems in the future.

Guest Speakers:
Emily Fitt, MHA, MPH
Senior Associate, Sg2 Intelligence
Vizient, Inc.

Hailey Mulliner, MS-HSM
Senior Director, Sg2 Intelligence
Vizient, Inc.

Heather Pace, Pharm.D.
Senior Clinical Manager, Ambulatory
Vizient, Inc.

Host:
Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D., BCPS
AVP, Evidence-Based Medicine
Vizient

Show Notes:

(00:52) The panel discusses where direct-to-consumer healthcare has gained the most traction, including:

• Men’s reproductive health
• Women’s contraceptives
• Dermatology and acne care
• Behavioral health
• GLP-1 and obesity management

(01:59) Heather explains how GLP-1 medication shortages fueled growth in compounded obesity medications and expanded telehealth services.

(02:47) Hailey shares insights from SG2 consumer surveys, emphasizing how patients increasingly want customizable, convenient healthcare experiences like other consumer industries.

(03:26) The group explores future expansion areas for direct-to-consumer healthcare, including:

• Cardiovascular disease management
• Type 2 diabetes
• Orthopedic care
• Cardiometabolic disease monitoring

(04:31) Discussion shifts to the benefits and drawbacks for patients, including:

• Increased convenience and access
• More comfortable treatment environments
• Greater patient empowerment
• Risks of fragmented care and disconnected treatment plans

(06:07) Emily outlines concerns for health systems, including:

• Increased emergency department utilization
• Lack of coordinated care
• Medication management gaps
• Challenges identifying medications prescribed outside the health system

(07:03) Heather discusses medication stewardship concerns, particularly as weight loss impacts management of other chronic conditions like hypertension.

(07:29) The panel highlights operational challenges for hospitals and procedural teams when patients fail to disclose GLP-1 medications prior to surgeries or colonoscopies.

(07:58) The conversation turns to how direct-to-consumer healthcare is permanently changing consumer expectations around convenience and accessibility.

(08:36) The panel debates whether health systems should compete with direct-to-consumer companies or pursue partnership strategies.

(09:51) Emily discusses how health systems can differentiate themselves by offering the full continuum of care that virtual only providers cannot.

(10:20) Heather Pace emphasizes the importance of partnerships between health systems and direct-to-consumer platforms to improve access while maintaining coordinated care.

(10:55) The group discusses emerging partnerships in the marketplace, including collaborations between pharmaceutical manufacturers and direct-to-consumer platforms.

(12:14)Workforce challenges are explored, including:

• Competition for clinicians
• Provider burnout
• Flexibility offered by virtual care employers

(13:17) The panel examines future trends involving AI, including patients using AI to interpret labs and emerging AI-assisted prescribing models in behavioral health.

(14:24) Closing thoughts on how direct-to-consumer healthcare is reshaping patient expectations and forcing health systems to rethink care delivery models.

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Defining and documenting pharmacist interventions beyond prescription revenue is essential to demonstrating the full value of pharmacy teams. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Karen Thomas from the University of Illinois Chicago and Dr. Thom Platt from UK Healthcare to share insights from a multi-system survey exploring how interventions are captured and used. They discuss the variability in current practices, the important role of both pharmacists and technicians, and the opportunity to better quantify clinical and operational impact to C-suite.

Guests:

Karen C. Thomas, PharmD, PhD, MBA
Associate Director, Specialty and Infusion Pharmacies
University of Illinois Hospital and Health System

Thom Platt, PharmD, PhD, MBA ,BCPS
Director of Specialty Pharmacy Services
UK HealthCare

Host: 

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

00:05 – Introduction
Overview of VerifiedRx and the focus on pharmacy practice excellence.

00:14 – Episode Overview & Guest Introductions
Host Carolyn Liptak introduces the topic: capturing the value of pharmacist interventions beyond prescription revenue.
Guests:

• Dr. Karen Thomas, University of Illinois Chicago
• Dr. Thom Platt, UK Healthcare

00:57 – Health System Backgrounds

• UIC serves a diverse urban population with a strong Medicaid and Medicare presence
• UK Healthcare supports patients across Kentucky and surrounding states, including rural populations traveling long distances for specialty care

01:48 – What Sparked the Research

• Originated from a Vizient work group focused on outcomes and value
• Need for clearer frameworks to document and report pharmacist interventions
• Lack of standardized guidance from accrediting bodies and payers

02:56 – Survey Goals and Key Findings

• Explored how health systems define and document interventions
• Identified major variability in data collection and reporting
• Found alignment in defining clinical interventions, less consistency in non clinical ones
• Included responses from 24 health systems

04:21 – Broader Impact on Pharmacy Practice

• Reinforces the value of pharmacist contributions beyond revenue
• Highlights prevention of hospital visits and improved patient outcomes
• Emphasizes the need to better capture and communicate this value

05:38 – Applying the Research in Practice

• UIC developed a structured framework and documentation tool
• Supports initiatives like waste avoidance studies
• Aims to quantify cost savings from pharmacist interventions

06:49 – Relevance Beyond Specialty Pharmacy

• Concepts apply across all pharmacy settings
• Data can support staffing, funding, and program expansion decisions
• Helps communicate value to internal and external stakeholders

07:52 – Role of Pharmacy Technicians

• 96 percent of sites report technician involvement in non clinical interventions
• Examples include resolving medication access issues and addressing social barriers
• Technicians play a critical role in patient support and care coordination

09:58 – Future Opportunities

• Push toward standardizing intervention data collection
• Opportunity to reduce duplication of effort across health systems
• Goal to create scalable, shared frameworks

10:41 – Strategic Value of Intervention Data

• Supports conversations with leadership and external partners
• Demonstrates impact on outcomes like reduced ED visits and length of stay
• Strengthens partnerships with payers and manufacturers

11:34 – Additional Resources

• Study published in the Online Journal of Pharmacy
• Link available for listeners to explore further

12:03 – Closing Remarks
Final thoughts and appreciation for guests
Call to action: subscribe, share feedback, and stay engaged with VerifiedRx

Links and Resources: MDPI - Capturing Value: How Health-System Specialty Pharmacies Define and Document Pharmacist Interventions

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Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging and often underrecognized allergy triggered by a tick bite that can cause delayed reactions to red meat and mammalian-derived products. In this episode, host Stacy Lauderdale is joined by clinical experts Zack Stacy and Kyna Henrici to unpack the science behind alpha-gal, its implications in healthcare settings, and the operational challenges providers face in managing this complex condition.

Guest Speakers:
Zachary Stacy, Pharm.D., MS, FCCP, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Surgery
BJC Health

Kyna Henrici, RN
Medical Evidence Director - Cardiovascular
Vizient, Inc.

Host:
Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D., BCPS
AVP, Evidence-Based Medicine
Vizient, Inc.

00:05 – Introduction

• Podcast introduction and welcome to VerifiedRx

00:14 – What is alpha-gal syndrome

• Overview of alpha-gal syndrome
• Delayed allergic reactions after eating red meat
• Often linked to tick bites

00:48 – Meet the Guests

• Zack Stacy, clinical pharmacy specialist
• Kyna Henrici, medical evidence director

01:10 – Understanding the Allergy

• Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate in nonprimate mammals that can trigger an allergy in humans
• Key difference is delayed reaction timing
• Symptoms are not always easy to trace

01:32 – How It Develops

• Triggered by tick bites
• Immune system produces IgE antibodies
• Oral exposure to alpha-gal leads to delayed reactions
• IV exposure to alpha-gal can cause immediate reactions

02:17 – Prevalence and Diagnosis Challenges

• More common in Midwest and southern United States
• Likely underdiagnosed
• Often mistaken for general food allergies
• Allergy may fade over time

03:07 – Risks in Healthcare Settings

• Patient safety concerns beyond food
• Mammalian components in medications and devices
• Examples include heparin and surgical materials

03:44 – Hidden Medication Risks

• Inactive ingredients can be animal derived
• Examples include glycerin, lactose, amino acids, stearates
• Difficult to identify and track

04:42 – Lack of Transparency

• No centralized ingredient database
• Sourcing can change frequently
• Variability across manufacturers and batches

05:33 – Screening in Surgical Settings

• Medication review at NDC level
• Identification of active and inactive ingredients
• May require contacting manufacturers

06:45 – Timing Challenges

• Urgent procedures limit investigation time
• Manufacturer responses may take days
• Alternative medications often needed

07:14 – Identifying At Risk Patients

• Many patients are unaware they have alpha-gal syndrome
• Screening includes questions about dairy tolerance
• Three patient categories used for evaluation

08:32 – Using Dairy as a Screening Tool

• Dairy tolerance helps guide risk level
• Food exposure typically higher than medication exposure
• Determines need for deeper review

09:12 – Managing Emergencies

• Focus shifts from avoidance to risk mitigation
• Use of team communication and clear documentation
• Preparation for unavoidable exposure

10:03 – Prevention and Preparedness

• Stock alpha-gal safe medications when possible
• Prepare for allergic reactions with standard treatments

10:47 – Team Based Care Approach

• Collaboration across care teams is essential
• Premedication strategies may be used
• Close monitoring for reactions

11:11 – Gaps in Care

• Limited visibility into product ingredients
• Need for better labeling and transparency

11:33 – Need for Standardization

• Call for clearer guidance and clinician education
• Desire for centralized resource for medication ingredients

12:24 – Monitoring Challenges

• CDC tracking decreased after privatization of testing
• Cases likely still increasing

12:53 – Closing Remarks

Links and Resources: Alpha-gal Syndrome | Alpha-gal Syndrome | CDC

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AI is rapidly reshaping pharmacy practice, raising both concern and opportunity for healthcare teams. Vizient host Kerry Schwarz is joined by Dr. Jason Chou, Vice President of the System Pharmacy Service Line, and Dr. Catherine Oliver, System AVP of Clinical Pharmacy Services at Ochsner Health, to explore how AI is improving efficiency while redefining how pharmacy teams spend their time. They discuss where technology is already making an impact and where its limits still require human expertise.

Guest Speakers:

Dr. Jason Chou, Pharm.D., MS
Vice President, System Pharmacy Service Line
Ochsner Health

Dr. Catherine Oliver, Pharm.D., BCPS, DPLA, CPGx
System AVP, Clinical Pharmacy Services
Ochsner Health

Host
Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D., MPH
Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Shownotes:

00:05 — Introduction

• Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

00:14 — Episode Overview

• Host Kerry introduces the topic: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and pharmacy.
• Key themes:
  • Addressing fears of job replacement
  • Identifying real-world use cases
  • Understanding limitations of AI
  • Practical strategies for adoption
• Guests:
  • Dr. Jason Chou, VP, System Pharmacy Service Line, Ochsner Health
  • Dr. Catherine Oliver, System AVP, Clinical Pharmacy Services, Ochsner Health

01:04 — Will AI Replace Healthcare Jobs?

• Concern exists, but largely driven by misunderstanding
• AI is expected to:
  • Augment, not replace, pharmacy roles
  • Improve efficiency in daily workflows
• AI is not capable of:
  • Independent clinical judgment
  • Meaningful patient interactions
• Human elements—trust, empathy, and nuance—remain essential.

02:20 — Where AI Can Add Value Today

• Focus should shift from fear to practical use cases
• Ideal applications:
  • Reducing non-value-added tasks
  • Improving efficiency
  • Supporting clinical decision-making preparation (not replacing it)

02:39 — Early Use Cases: Operational Efficiency

• AI can reduce administrative burden such as:
  • Prior authorizations
  • Insurance-related communications
  • Data gathering and documentation
• Opportunity to eliminate “busy work” and improve staff satisfaction

03:31 — Clinical Workflow Support

• AI can:
  • Summarize patient charts, labs, and notes
  • Organize large volumes of clinical data
• Enables pharmacists to:
  • Spend less time preparing
  • Spend more time in patient care and provider interaction

04:08 — Additional Opportunities: Supply Chain & Operations

• AI can support:
  • Inventory management
  • Purchasing optimization
  • Multi-site coordination
• Benefits include:
  • Cost savings
  • Improved efficiency
  • Better resource utilization

05:00 — Where to Draw the Line

• AI should not replace clinical decision-making
• Limitations include:
  • Lack of experience and judgment
  • Inability to incorporate patient values and preferences
• Final decisions must remain with clinicians.

05:42 — Preserving the Human Element

• Patient care involves:
  • Trust
  • Empathy
  • Relationship-building
• Over-reliance on AI risks eroding patient confidence.

06:11 — Patient Interaction & Transparency

• Patients want to know:
  • When AI is used
  • How it impacts their care
• Transparency and communication are critical

06:48 — AI in Direct Patient Care: Ambient Listening

• AI tools can:
  • Capture conversations during patient visits
  • Reduce documentation burden
• Important considerations:
  • Patient consent
  • Ability to opt out
  • Privacy concerns

07:31 — Risks of Poor Implementation

• Poorly designed AI interactions can:
  • Frustrate patients
  • Reduce trust
• Healthcare AI must avoid:
  • Impersonal experiences
  • Inefficient automation

08:21 — AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

• Comparable to tools like:
  • Search engines (e.g., Google)
• Enhances efficiency without replacing professional roles.

09:12 — Early Success Stories

Prior Authorization Optimization

• AI improves:
  • Data extraction
  • Documentation speed
  • Approval timelines
• Benefits:
  • Faster patient access to therapy
  • Improved staff satisfaction

10:07 — Clinical Decision Support Enhancements

• AI-driven rule systems:
  • Identify high-risk patients
  • Reduce unnecessary chart reviews
• Example outcome:
  • Reduction in time spent reviewing charts without intervention
• Frees pharmacists for:
  • Medication reconciliation
  • Patient counseling

11:11 — Impact on Workforce Engagement

• Staff report:
  • Increased satisfaction
  • More time for meaningful work
• AI seen as an enabler rather than a threat

12:03 — Vendor Landscape & Challenges

• Rapid growth of AI vendors addressing niche problems
• Key risks:
  • Data security concerns
  • Vendor quality variability
  • Overlapping or redundant solutions

12:51 — Integration & Workflow Considerations

• Successful AI tools must:
  • Integrate with EHRs
  • Align with pharmacy workflows
  • Avoid siloed systems
• Poor integration leads to inefficiency and adoption barriers

14:04 — Vendor Evaluation Considerations

• Assess:
  • Clinical and operational expertise
  • Product maturity
  • Implementation effort
  • Risk vs benefit
• Balance between:
  • Ready-made solutions
  • Custom-built tools requiring internal resources

14:56 — Practical Advice for Health System Leaders

• Develop a system-wide AI strategy
• Collaborate across departments (not siloed decisions)
• Engage:
  • IT
  • Legal
  • Ethics teams
• Avoid duplicative solutions across service lines

15:31 — Building Organizational Readiness

• Be open to learning and experimentation
• Ask questions and maintain healthy skepticism
• Focus on:
  • Improving workflows
  • Enhancing patient outcomes
  • Supporting workforce engagement

16:02 — Infrastructure & Speed of Innovation

• AI vendors move quickly
• Organizations must:
  • Be prepared to adapt rapidly
  • Avoid delays that hinder innovation
• Balance speed with governance and safety

16:27 — Closing

• Kerry thanks the guests for their insights
• Encourages continued exploration of AI’s evolving role in healthcare
• Reminder to subscribe and engage with VerifiedRx.

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In this episode of VerifiedRx, Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Jennifer Tussey, Senior Specialty Pharmacy Manager at BJC Health, to discuss early experiences with the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF) and the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. From managing complex data flows and delayed payments to coordinating cross-functional teams and evolving workflows, they share practical insights from the first cycle of implementation. Tune in to learn what’s working, what’s challenging, and how health systems are adapting in real time.

Guest speaker: 

Jennifer Tussey, PharmD, CSP, AAHIVP

Senior Specialty Pharmacy Manager

Specialty, Oncology, Mail Order

BJC Health East Region

Host: 

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm

Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

00:05 — Introduction

• Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

00:14 — Episode Overview

• Host Carolyn Liptak introduces the topic: early experiences with the
  Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP) and the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF).
• Discussion focuses on:
  • Implementation planning
  • Early operational challenges
  • Payment and data flow issues
  • Lessons learned from initial rollout
• Guest: Dr. Jennifer Tussey, Senior Specialty Pharmacy Manager at BJC Health.

00:14 — Key Program Definitions

• Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP):
  • Created under the Inflation Reduction Act (2022)
  • Allows CMS to negotiate prices for select high-cost drugs without generic/biosimilar competition
  • Establishes a Maximum Fair Price (MFP)
• Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF):
  • Operational system supporting:
    • Data exchange
    • Payment processing
    • Coordination between CMS, manufacturers, and dispensers
  • Ensures Part D beneficiaries receive negotiated pricing

02:00 — Health System Context

• Jennifer oversees specialty, oncology, and mail-order pharmacy operations within BJC Health’s east region.
• Approximately 12 pharmacies impacted by MTF processes.

02:27 — Implementation Strategy

• Initial steps:
  • Participation in CMS webinars
  • Formation of a multidisciplinary team
• Key roles involved:
  • Pharmacy leadership
  • Data analyst
  • Business manager
  • Reconciliation technician
  • Revenue cycle team
• Responsibilities include:
  • Tracking claims and payment status
  • Managing 340B eligibility
  • Reconciling payments across multiple systems (MTF, Beacon, internal systems)

03:54 — Enrollment Experience

• Enrollment process was relatively straightforward:
  • Entity signatures
  • System setup for remittance processing
• Complexity increased post-enrollment due to:
  • Data fragmentation across systems
  • Limited access for revenue cycle teams
• Required strong coordination across departments.

05:09 — Data & Payment Flow Challenges

• Data flow remains slow but improving.
• Current timeline:
  • ~19 days for payment finalization
  • Up to 45 days for resolution if inquiries are required
• Early collection rates:
  • Initially ~10%
  • Improved to ~60%

05:09 — Operational Workflow Adjustments

• Monitoring cadence evolved:
  • From daily tracking → now biweekly review cycles
• Teams review claims approximately 45 days in arrears.

06:02 — Inquiry & Tracking Challenges

• System limitations:
  • Inquiry submissions may not be saved reliably
  • Lack of built-in tracking tools
• Requires manual documentation and tracking to monitor claim status and follow-ups.

06:18 — Managing Payment Inconsistencies

• Payment discrepancies handled through inquiry process.
• Key challenges:
  • Delayed initiation (must wait for processing window)
  • Extended resolution timelines (up to 45 days)
• Requires proactive and continuous follow-up.

06:53 — Financial & Resource Challenges

• Low reimbursement margins under standard refund amounts.
• Even large systems with wholesale discounts experience tight margins.
• Significant FTE investment required to manage the process.
• Smaller systems may face:
  • Greater operational burden
  • Limited staffing capacity

07:33 — Operational Evolution

• Processes are continuously evolving.
• Key success factors:
  • Ongoing process refinement
  • Strong internal documentation
  • Rapid incorporation of lessons learned
• Example:
  • Identifying system issues with inquiry tracking and adjusting workflows accordingly

08:14 — Key Advice: Patience & Persistence

• Success requires:
  • Patience with slow-moving processes
  • Meticulous follow-up
  • Strong tracking systems (e.g., Excel-based workflows)
• High claim volume (500+ scripts at a time) necessitates structured tracking tools.

09:07 — Additional Financial Considerations

• Low net margins combined with high operational workload.
• Challenges amplified for:
  • Smaller pharmacies
  • Systems with fewer resources
• Emphasizes importance of operational efficiency and resource planning.

09:36 — Final Takeaways

• MTF implementation is:
  • Complex
  • Resource-intensive
  • Still evolving
• Key themes:
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration is essential
  • Processes will require ongoing refinement
  • Financial sustainability remains a concern

09:46 — Closing

• Carolyn thanks Jennifer for sharing insights and real-world experience.
• Reminder to subscribe, provide feedback, and stay engaged with VerifiedRx content.

Links | Resources:

Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Click Here

Medicare Transaction Facilitator General Resources: Click Here

Pharmacy and Dispensing Entity Resources: Click Here

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Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have transformed the treatment landscape across a wide variety of cancers, becoming foundational therapies in oncology. Dr. Stacey Sobocinski and Dr. Michele Rice join host Dr. Kerry Schwarz to discuss what the new subcutaneous PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors could mean for oncology practice. They cover the three agents that have become available in subcutaneous formulations, their advantages and disadvantages, other important operational, financial, clinical, and safety issues for health systems to consider.

Guest speaker: 

Stacey Sobocinski, Pharm.D., BCPS

Associate Director, Pharmacy Medication Management & Informatics

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Michele Rice, Pharm.D., BCOP

Senior Consulting Solutions Director

Vizient Pharmacy Enterprise Solutions

Host:

Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D., MPH

Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes:

00:05 — Introduction Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx*, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

00:14 — Episode Overview* Host Kerry introduces the topic: new subcutaneous formulations of PD-1 and PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. * These therapies have traditionally been administered intravenously (IV) in infusion centers. * Recently approved subcutaneous versions include: + Pembrolizumab (Keytruda Qlex) + Nivolumab (Opdivo Qvantig) + Atezolizumab (Tecentriq Hybreza) * Potential benefits include shorter administration times and relief for infusion centers operating at capacity. * Guests: + Stacy Sobacinski, Associate Director of Pharmacy Medication Management and Informatics, MD Anderson Cancer Center + Michelle Rice, Senior Pharmacy Enterprise Solutions Director, Vizient

01:39 — Clinical Data: Efficacy, Safety & Pharmacokinetics* Subcutaneous formulations were approved in combination with hyaluronidase, allowing full-dose subcutaneous administration. * Clinical studies demonstrated: + Comparable pharmacokinetics + Similar efficacy + Similar safety profiles compared to IV formulations * The main difference observed was local injection site reactions, expected with subcutaneous administration.

02:32 — Confidence in Clinical Comparisons* Although direct head-to-head trials are limited, extensive experience with IV formulations supports confidence in safety and efficacy. * Differences largely relate to administration method, not drug activity.

03:11 — Operational Impact: Changes to Workflow* Subcutaneous administration introduces new operational considerations. * Shorter injection times may appear advantageous, but real-world workflow impact is still being evaluated * Much of a patient’s visit still involves: + Waiting room time + Laboratory testing + Provider visits + Care coordination

04:06 — Chair Time vs Total Visit Time* For therapies previously requiring longer infusions, switching to subcutaneous injections can significantly reduce chair time. * For therapies previously infused over 30 minutes, the difference between IV and subcutaneous administration time may be less impactful.

04:24 — Administration Challenges* Subcutaneous doses are not small-volume injections. * Injection volumes may reach 10–15 mL * Nursing considerations include: + Patient tolerance for larger-volume injections. + IV infusions allow nurses to start the infusion and attend to other tasks. + Subcutaneous injections require continuous nursing presence during administration. + This may increase direct nursing time.

05:05 — Equipment Considerations* Some centers may use syringe pumps to administer subcutaneous injections. * Many adult infusion centers do not currently have pumps since chemotherapy is typically delivered via IV using infusion pumps. * Implementing syringe pumps could require additional equipment and associated procedures.

05:32 — Operational Complexity* Transitioning to subcutaneous therapy involves more than simply switching order sets. * Organizations must evaluate: + Staffing models + Nursing workflows + Equipment availability + Infusion center capacity management.

06:25 — Financial Considerations* Subcutaneous formulations are currently priced roughly at parity with IV versions. * Manufacturers may be incentivized to transition providers to subcutaneous formulations before biosimilars enter the market.

07:07 — Anticipating Market Dynamics* Over time, pricing strategies may shift to encourage broader adoption. * Biosimilar competition for these agents is expected within the next few years.

07:11 — Site of Care Considerations* Adoption may vary by care setting: + Hospital outpatient departments + Physician offices + Freestanding infusion centers

08:06 — Strategic Timing Decisions* Health systems may weigh: + Operational advantages of subcutaneous administration + Potential cost reductions from future biosimilars * Some organizations may delay adoption until biosimilar competition arrives.

08:24 — Infusion Center Optimization* Subcutaneous therapies could increase turnover. * Some centers may develop “express lanes” for subcutaneous administration.

09:01 — Payer Influence* If subcutaneous formulations are perceived as cheaper or operationally simpler, payers may: + Restrict site of care + Prefer administrations in physician offices or non-hospital settings.

09:45 — Key Questions for Health SystemsOrganizations should consider:

• What value does the new dosage form provide?
• Which patients benefit most from subcutaneous administration?
• How will payer policies evolve?

10:05 — Evaluating Clinical Value* Institutions often approach new dosage forms with caution. * Subcutaneous PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may not offer the administration time reductions seen with other biologics because there is not as large of a difference in administration times (30 minutes versus 5 minutes).

10:53 — Patient Selection ConsiderationsSubcutaneous formulations may be most beneficial for patients:

• Receiving monotherapy
• With difficult IV access

Patients receiving combination therapies may see less benefit since IV access is already required.

11:12 — Additional Patient Factors* Some patients have low body mass or cachexia, making high-volume subcutaneous injections more difficult. * Physicians may prefer individualized treatment decisions rather than blanket formulary changes.

11:33 — Final Thoughts* Transitioning to subcutaneous PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors involves clinical, operational, and financial considerations. * Observation times, administration practices, and workflow models continue to evolve. * Ongoing monitoring of emerging best practices is encouraged.

12:15 — Closing Ongoing monitoring of emerging best practices. * Listeners are invited to subscribe and follow VerifiedRx* for future episodes.

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Dr. Jeni Hayes, Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence, and Dr. Heather Pace, Senior Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Care, join host Carolyn Liptak to discuss the Vizient Winter 2026 Spend Management Outlook, with a focus on pharmacy projections and key changes from prior outlooks. The episode also covers ambulatory care and self-administered drugs, biosimilar therapeutic insights, and dynamic pharmacy market forces.

Guest speaker: 

Jeni Hayes, PharmD, BCPS 

Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence

Vizient Spend Management Solutions

Heather Pace, PharmD 

Senior Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Care

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Host: 

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance & Revenue Integrity
Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)
Vizient

Show Notes:

00:05 — Introduction

• Announcer welcomes listeners to Verified Rx, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

00:14 — Episode Overview

• Host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director at Vizient, introduces the Winter 2026 Spend Management Outlook (SMO).
• Focus areas:
  • Pharmacy inflation projections
  • Acute vs ambulatory care trends
  • Provider-administered vs self-administered drugs
  • Biosimilar therapeutic insights
  • Dynamic pharmacy market forces shaping 2026–2030
• Guests:
  • Jeni Hayes, Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence
  • Heather Pace, Senior Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Care

01:09 — What Is the Spend Management Outlook (SMO)?

• Biannual Vizient publication projecting price trends across healthcare spend categories.
• Pharmacy headline:
  • Inflation slightly lower than last edition
  • Total spend still rising, driven by utilization growth and new technologies

01:49 — Top-Line Pharmacy Inflation Projection

• 2.84% projected drug inflation for purchases between July 2026 – June 2027.
• Down from 3.35% in the prior edition.
• Based on October 2024 – September 2025 wholesaler data.
• Heavily weighted toward highest-spend drugs.
• Contracted products show lower inflation; non-contract drugs still ~70% of spend.

02:45 — Inflation by Site of Care

Acute Care

• 3.03% projected inflation
• Driven by:
  • Sugammadex
  • Kcentra
  • Clotting factors

Ambulatory Care

• 2.85% overall, but with key divergence:
  • Provider-administered drugs: 3.35%
  • Self-administered drugs: 2.43%

04:02 — Provider-Administered Drugs: What’s Driving Growth

• Oncology infusions are the main drivers.
• Key agents:
  • Keytruda
  • Darzalex Faspro
• Continued growth due to:
  • Expanded indications
  • Increased outpatient infusion utilization
• Oncology split by site of care:
  • Inpatient: High-cost CAR T (e.g., Yescarta)
  • Outpatient: Infusions, bispecifics, emerging cellular therapies
• Emphasizes importance of site of care strategy.

05:14 — Self-Administered Drugs: Utilization Over Inflation

• Five key drivers:
  • Autoimmune / inflammatory: Skyrizi, Dupixent, Rinvoq
  • Diabetes / metabolic / weight loss: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound
• Spend growth fueled by:
  • Media exposure
  • Expanded indications
  • Increased patient demand
• Opportunity for:
  • Retail & specialty pharmacy optimization
  • Margin capture
  • Patient support (adherence, counseling, benefits investigation)

06:45 — New Section: Dynamic Pharmacy Market Forces (2026–2030)

Seven strategic forces influencing pharmacy practice:

1. Growth in specialty and cell & gene therapies
2. Expansion of value- and outcomes-based contracting
3. Siteofcare shifts toward ambulatory and home
4. Digital transformation & automation
5. Supply assurance and resilience
6. Expanded pharmacist clinical scope & workforce models
7. Regulatory and policy efforts to lower drug prices
   • 340B changes
   • IRA Medicare Part D negotiations

09:37 — Practical Takeaways for Pharmacy Leaders

• Use 2.84% inflation as a baseline — then customize using Vizient Pharmacy Analytics.
• Leverage segmented views to prioritize:
  • Acute vs ambulatory strategies
  • Provider-administered vs self-administered drugs
• Identify top spend movers and align them with long-term market forces.
• Consider:
  • Specialty pharmacy expansion
  • Site of care optimization

10:48 — Biosimilar Therapeutic Insights: 2025 Recap

Heather Pace highlights:

• Shift from biosimilar approval to active adoption management.
• Ustekinumab (Stelara) as defining example:
  • Multiple biosimilars
  • Uptake driven by payer and PBM strategy
• Utilization varies widely based on:
  • Formulary design
  • Benefit alignment
• Biosimilars now actively steered, not passively adopted.

11:50 — Why Stelara Was a Turning Point

• PBM-developed, private-label biosimilars drove adoption.
• Net cost and copay design outweighed:
  • Interchangeability status
  • Manufacturer differentiation
• Sets expectations for future biologic launches.

12:25 — Operational Impact for Health Systems

• Expect payer-specific product preferences.
• Frequent switching will become routine.
• Key considerations:
  • Siteofcare mandates
  • Product presentation
  • Supply chain logistics
  • Billing & reimbursement complexity
• Clinical barriers are decreasing; workflow flexibility is critical.

13:09 — What to Expect From Biosimilars in 2026

• Faster adoption timelines
• Earlier payer-driven switching
• Fewer preferred products
• Less reliance on reference product trial periods

13:45 — Biosimilars With Major 2026 Impact

• Eylea — multiple launches expected post-litigation
• Xolair — expansion into asthma/allergy and retail specialty
• Perjeta — oncology pathway disruption expected late 2026 / early 2027

15:01 — 2025 Biosimilars Impacting 2026

• Ustekinumab (Stelara): broader formulary shifts
• Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva): full year of impact; all interchangeable
• Eculizumab (Soliris): first rare-disease biosimilar entry

15:58 — FDA Biosimilar Guidance to Watch

• Late-2025 FDA guidance:
  • Reduced reliance on clinical efficacy trials
  • Greater emphasis on analytical similarity
• Aims to:
  • Reduce development cost
  • Accelerate market entry

16:26 — Interchangeability: Where Things Are Headed

• Moving toward expectation that all biosimilars are interchangeable.
• Shifts responsibility to:
  • Payers
  • Health systems
  • Pharmacists managing transitions and education

17:17 — Biggest Shift in the Biosimilar Landscape

• Faster launches
• Larger scale adoption
• Payer strategy more influential than timing of approval
• Success depends on:
  • Formulary fit
  • Channel alignment
  • Operational simplicity

17:41 — Final Biosimilar Insight

• Biosimilar strategies must be molecule-specific.
• One-size-fits-all approaches are no longer effective.

18:13 — Final Thoughts on the SMO

• Inflation projections are a starting point.
• Leaders should:
  • Focus on top spend drugs
  • Understand siteofcare and specialty drivers
  • Translate projections into actionable budgets

18:40 — Resources

• Winter 2026 Spend Management Outlook available on Vizient’s SMO Hub.
• Includes current and prior editions and related insights.

18:58 — Closing

• Carolyn thanks Jeni and Heather.
• Reminder to subscribe, like, and share feedback.
• Verified Rx is produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

Links | Resources:

• Vizient Spend Management Outlook webpage
• Vizient Winter 2026 Spend Management Outlook
• Vizient Biosimilars Therapeutic Insights

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John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information in Vizient's Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and Vizient's vaccine subject matter expert, joins host Stacy Lauderdale to discuss key updates to the CDC's childhood Immunization schedule and what they mean for practice.

Guest speaker: 

John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS 

Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information  

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Host: 

Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS 

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Verified Rx Host

Show Notes:

00:00 — Introduction

• Announcer welcomes listeners to Verified Rx, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

00:14 — Episode Overview

• Host Stacy Lauderdale introduces the topic:
  updates to the CDC’s U.S. Childhood Immunization Schedule, revised January 20, 2026.
• Goal of the episode: explain what changed, what didn’t, and what it means in practice for providers, pharmacists, and families.
• Guest: John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information at Vizient and vaccine subject matter expert.

01:16 — What Changed in the CDC Immunization Schedule

• CDC reorganized the schedule into three recommendation categories.
• Vaccines were reclassified, not removed.
• Number of diseases covered under “routine” recommendations decreased from 17 to 11 due to recategorization.

01:50 — Stated Rationale Behind the Changes

• Rationale provided in executive summary of scientific assessment.
• The supporting scientific assessment is available online and referenced for transparency (link in resources below).

03:19 — Were Any Vaccines Removed?

• No vaccines were removed from the CDC schedule.
• Some vaccines were shifted into different recommendation categories.

03:40 — Category 1: Routine Childhood Vaccinations

Vaccines still routinely recommended for all children include:

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Polio
• Tdap / DTaP
• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B)
• Pneumococcal
• HPV
• Varicella (chickenpox)

04:27 — Category 2: Vaccines for High-Risk Populations

Vaccines recommended for children who meet specific high-risk criteria:

• RSV monoclonal antibodies (mAb)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Quadrivalent meningococcal
• Meningococcal group B
• Dengue

05:19 — What Changed vs. Stayed the Same

• Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and quadrivalent meningococcal moved from routine to high-risk
• RSV mAb recommendations are effectively unchanged, as high-risk infants are defined as those born to mothers who did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine.
• Dengue remains risk-based.
• Meningococcal group B remains a mix of risk-based and shared clinical decision-making.

06:31 — Category 3: Shared Clinical Decision Making (SCDM)

• Defined by ACIP as an individualized decision made jointly by provider and parent/guardian.
• Allows vaccination when risk-based criteria are not met but benefit is still considered.

06:52 — Vaccines Under SCDM

Vaccines now include:

• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Rotavirus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Quadrivalent meningococcal
• Meningococcal group B

08:05 — What’s New in SCDM

• Influenza and rotavirus moved from routine to SCDM.
• Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and quadrivalent meningococcal also shifted.
• COVID-19 moved to SCDM in September 2025 for individuals ≥6 months.

08:28 — Insurance Coverage Implications

• No expected changes in coverage.
• Vaccines recommended by CDC as of December 31, 2025 remain:
  • Covered without cost-sharing under Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans.
  • Covered by Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

09:14 — Impact on Pharmacy Vaccine Access

• Pharmacists are considered healthcare providers under CDC SCDM definitions.
• Authority to administer vaccines primarily determined by state laws.

Standing orders, protocols, and collaborative practice agreements may need to be updated, as applicable, to address language related to ‘routine’ immunizations for children.

10:27 — Recommendations for Providers & Organizations

For providers:

• Become familiar with schedule changes.
• Be prepared for patient and parent education.
• Recognize differences between CDC and other professional guidelines.

For organizations:

• Review EHR documentation and order sets.
• Consult local state regulations to ensure compliance with vaccine administration practices. Review standing orders/protocols and collaborative practice agreements to determine if revisions are needed. Monitor vaccine utilization and adjust inventory accordingly.

11:24 — Resources & Closing

• Additional CDC and Vizient resources will be linked in the show notes.
• Announcer closes with subscription and feedback reminder.

Links | Resources:

HHS press release on changes to childhood immunizations schedule

Assessment of US childhood and adolescent immunization schedule

HHS fact sheet: CDC childhood immunization schedule

Revised CDC child and adolescent immunization schedule

ACIP shared clinical decision-making recommendations

Vizient resource

Minute Market Insight

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has finalized the 2026 Outpatient Perspective Payment System (OPPS) rule, with most policies taking effect on January 1, 2026. Jenna Stern, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy at Vizient, joins host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in Vizient's Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, to discuss key updates to payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions affecting Medicare beneficiaries receiving care in hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers.

Guest speaker:

Jenna Stern
Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy

Vizient

Host: 

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient

Show Notes:

00:05 — Introduction

• Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx.
• Host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director at Vizient, introduces the episode focus:
  the 2026 CMS Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Final Rule.
• Guest: Jenna Stern, VP of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy at Vizient.

01:12 — Overview of the OPPS Final Rule

• OPPS sets Medicare payment for most hospital outpatient services.
• Published annually (typically November), effective January 1.
• Covers payment rates, policies, quality programs, and compliance requirements.
• Note: CMS delayed enforcement of hospital price transparency requirements until April 1, 2026.

01:34 — Key Takeaways From the 2026 Final Rule

Jenna’s high-level insights:

• Hospitals will continue facing financial pressure in 2026.
• Modest payment rate increase combined with reimbursement-reducing policies.
• Expansion of site-neutral payment policies will be particularly impactful.
• Rule reflects emerging administration priorities shaping future policy.

02:21 — OPPS Payment Rate Update for 2026

• CMS finalized a 2.6% OPPS schedule increase factor for hospitals meeting quality reporting requirements.

02:40 — What the 2.6% Increase means

• Based on:
  • 3% market basket update
  • –0.7% productivity adjustment
• Results in a modest net increase.
• Slightly better than the proposed 2.4% increase, though still viewed as inadequate.
• CMS estimates $8 billion increase in total OPPS payments compared to 2025.

03:37 — 340B Remedy Offset: Background

• From 2018–2022, CMS paid for 340B drugs at ASP –22.5%.
• Prior Supreme Court decision from 2022 found that CMS lacked authority to vary rates as finalized in prior rulemaking (e.g., without using drug acquisition cost surveys to inform policy).

04:13 — 340B Remedy Offset in the 2026 Final Rule

• CMS considered increasing the remedy offset from 0.5% to 2%.
• Stakeholders strongly opposed the increase due to hospital financial strain.

05:10 — Final Outcome

• CMS retained the 0.5% offset for 2026.
• CMS signaled that larger offsets may be proposed for 2027.
• This marks the first year the remedy offset takes effect,

06:00 — Site-Neutral Payment Policy: What It Is

• Concept: same service = same payment, regardless of site of care.
• Hospital concern: policy reduces hospital reimbursement without accounting for site of care differences, patient acuity, overhead, or service complexity.

06:15 — Site-Neutral Expansion in the 2026 Rule

• CMS expanded site-neutral payment to include drug administration services at excepted off-campus provider-based departments.

07:08 — Financial Impact

• Reimbursement aligns with Physician Fee Schedule rates.
• CMS estimates $290 million reduction in outpatient spending for 2026.
• $220 million of savings accrue directly to Medicare.
• Not implemented in a budget-neutral manner.

08:14 — Non-Opioid Pain Management Payments

• Temporary additional payments began January 1, 2025.
• Authorized under the NO PAIN Act (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023).

08:28 — What’s New for 2026

• CMS finalized the renewal of:
  • 5 drugs
  • 13 medical devices
    eligible for separate payment in HOPD and ASC settings.
• Per statue, payments available through December 31, 2027.

09:32 — Process Improvements

• CMS will allow more frequent consideration of new qualifying products (not limited to annual updates).
• Quality criteria unchanged; timing flexibility added.
• CMS released guidance on how stakeholders can engage for inclusion.

10:58 — OPPS Drug Acquisition Cost Survey

• CMS finalized plans to survey hospitals on acquisition costs for separately payable OPPS drugs.

11:21 — Why CMS Is Advancing the Survey

• Addresses Supreme Court requirements from prior 340B litigation.
• Aligns with White House Executive Order on lowering drug prices.
• Positions CMS to use survey data for 2027 rulemaking.

12:47 — OPPS Packaging Thresholds for 2026

• Drugs and biologics: Threshold remains at $140.
• Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals: Increased to $655 (from $630).
• Products below thresholds retain Status Indicator “N” (packaged payment).

13:26 — Why Billing Packaged Drugs Still Matters

• Even though not separately payable, hospitals must bill for packaged drugs.
• Billing data feeds cost reports used to calculate future bundled payments.
• Failure to bill can result in inaccurately low reimbursement.

14:14 — Elimination of the Inpatient-Only (IPO) List

• CMS finalized a three-year transition to eliminate the IPO list by January 1, 2029.

14:32 — Why This Change Is Significant

• IPO list historically ensured certain services were provided inpatient only.
• CMS emphasizes provider judgment in determining site of care.
• Raises concerns about:
  • Patient safety
  • Payer coverage changes
  • Pressure to move services outpatient

16:28 — ASC Covered Procedure List Expansion

• CMS expanded the ASC Covered Procedure List.
• Enables more Medicare covered services to be performed in the ASC settings.

16:48 — Price Transparency: Still a Priority

• No major overhaul, but continued refinement.
• CMS exploring new uses of price transparency data beyond patient comparison.

17:46 — Most Critical Policies to Watch

Jenna highlights:

• Modest OPPS payment increase
• Site-neutral payment expansion
• 340B remedy offset
• Drug acquisition cost survey
• Broader regulatory activity beyond OPPS

18:43 — Available Vizient Resources

• OPPS Final Rule Summary
• Government Relations & Public Policy Summaries

Advocacy

19:20 — Closing

• Carolyn thanks Jenna for her insights.
• Reminder to subscribe, like, and share feedback.
• VerifiedRx is produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

Links | Resources:

• Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; Hospital Price Transparency; and Notice of Closure of a Teaching Hospital and Opportunity To Apply for Available Slots: Click Here
• CMS fact sheet on the Final Rule: Click Here
• Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Drug Acquisition Cost Survey: Click Here
• Vizient Office of Public Policy and Government Relations final rule summary: Click Here
• Final List of Qualifying Products for Separate Payment for non-opioid pain medications: (Table 136, pgs. 1138-1140)

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Pharmacy buyers play a critical role in keeping hospitals running—and their partnership with a GPO can make all the difference. In this episode of Verified Rx, Jackie Stokes sits down with Theresa Brown and Michelle Crump, two powerhouse pharmacy buyers and members of Vizient’s Pharmacy Technician Committee, to talk about the tools, programs, and peer networks that help them thrive in their roles. From leveraging pharmacy analytics to navigating shortages, maximizing NovaPlus value, and strengthening buyer-to-buyer collaboration, this episode is packed with insights to help pharmacy teams work smarter, save money, and support better patient care.

Guest speakers:

Theresa Brown
National Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist

Prospect Medical Holdings

Michelle Crump, ASBA, CPhT
National Certified Pharmacy Technician Buyer

Pharmacy

Host:

Jackie Stokes

Program Services Manager

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)

Vizient

Show Notes:

[00:48] — Guest Introductions

Theresa

• National pharmacy purchasing specialist
• Background: inventory control, home infusion startup, pharmacy technician educator

[01:14] — Michelle

• Nationally certified pharmacy technician since 2016
• Pharmacy buyer at a small independent county critical access hospital
• Transitioned from accounting into pharmacy purchasing

[01:26] — The Role of Vizient in Supporting Pharmacy Buyers

Theresa:

• Biggest benefit: relationship with pharmacy executive & sourcing team
• Uses Pharmacy Analytics (formerly VSAP) to evaluate spend and inventory control across 63 facilities

[02:16] — How Pharmacy Analytics Supports Buyers

Theresa:

• Data mining on spend increases/decreases
• Tracks product returns
• Identifies sharing opportunities to prevent waste

[02:59] — Michelle’s Experience

• Analytics helps mitigate waste
• Collaboration with other buyers has been essential — especially for someone new to the buyer role
• Learns navigation of Vizient systems and how to work with the local GPO
• Peer support helps demystify a “diverse and complex” buyer role

[04:02] — Value of the Vizient Pharmacy Technician Committee

• Provides national peer networking
• Helps buyers learn from subject matter experts
• Even highly experienced buyers (35+ years) learn from every call

[04:41] — Vizient Programs: NovaPlus, NES, Forum Calls, Hot Info

Bimonthly Forum Calls

• Provide regulatory updates
• Help expand buyer knowledge in real time

Hot Info Weekly Updates

• Keeps users informed on inventory, shortages, spend impacts

[05:31] — Michelle on Program Impact

• Calls and shared expertise were critical when she was new
• NovaPlus program especially valuable in critical access settings

[06:32] — Deep Dive: How the NovaPlus Program Works

Michelle explains:

• NovaPlus (Y-label) aligns with manufacturer-labeled products (M-label)
• Quarterly rebates provide significant savings
• Critical access hospitals benefit via 340B optimizer software that extracts outpatient utilization to qualify for discounted M-label purchasing
• Can result in “significant savings” depending on contract structure

[08:38] — What If NovaPlus Pricing Isn’t the Best Price?

Michelle:

• Buyer’s responsibility to identify price discrepancies
• Communicates with Vizient representative to reassess contracting needs
• Often resolved through rebates or future price adjustments

[09:30] — Theresa:

• Price challenges taken seriously
• Many result in price reductions visible in Hot Info the next week
• Demonstrates importance of strong GPO relationships

[10:07] — Understanding NES: NovaPlus Enhanced Supply

Theresa:

• Her hospitals are exploring NES participation
• Requires 90% compliance (higher than standard 80%)
• Benefits include prioritized product access during shortages
• Critical when national backorders exceed 200+ items
• Ensures better patient care continuity

[11:34] — Supply Assurance & Mitigation Strategies

Michelle:

• During the North Carolina hurricane, Vizient’s mitigation strategy was “imperative”
• Vizient engaged Baxter directly to resolve critical fluid shortages
• Small hospitals especially reliant on support in crisis situations

[12:36] — Theresa:

• Shortage team provides substitution guidance and clinical appropriateness information
• Vizient recommendations support discussions with local clinical teams
• Crucial during COVID start date — her first day in national role

[13:23] — Continuing Education (CE) Programs

Theresa:

• Vizient CE programs help maintain technician licensure
• Webinars are interactive, engaging, and more informative than generic CE resources

[14:07] — Networking and Pharmacy Aggregation Groups (PAGs)

Theresa:

• PAGs offer cost savings and peer collaboration
• Ability to share information and bring value back to her own network

[14:44] — Michelle’s Example of System-to-System Collaboration

• Shared compounded syringes (from a 503B facility) with another hospital to prevent waste
• Highlights real-world benefits of PAG networking

[15:52] — Addressing National Challenges Together

Theresa:

• PAG roundtables help uncover shared struggles (e.g., DSCSA serialization issues)
• Members provide actionable advice on what’s working in their systems
• Reinforces “we’re all in the same boat”

[16:50] — Supporting and Elevating Pharmacy Technicians

Jackie’s goal:

• Support technicians and recognize the value they bring
• Committee exists to uplift and empower pharmacy buyers/techs

[17:05] — Michelle:

• Worked with leadership to create a tiered technician level system
• Helps techs gain skills, feel valued, and earn raises
• Improves career satisfaction and retention

[17:46] — Closing Reflections

Theresa:

• Being part of Vizient is “an honor and a privilege”
• Values shared knowledge and strong relationships

[18:00] — Michelle:

• Gratitude for collaboration and guidance over the years
• Vizient connections were vital for adapting to the buyer role

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In Part 2 of the 2026 pipeline series, host Carolyn Liptak welcomes Dr. Amanda Frick, Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence at Vizient, to explore the advanced therapies pipeline: cell therapies, gene therapies, tissue-engineered products, and combination advanced therapy products.

The discussion explores major pipeline trends, six leading products to watch, and the growing innovation expected to shape clinical practice in 2026.

Guest speakers:

Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence

Spend Management

Vizient

Host:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm

Pharmacy Executive Director

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)

Vizient

Show Notes:

[00:05] — Introduction

• Announcer opens the episode.
• Host Carolyn Liptak introduces the focus on advanced therapies:
  cell & gene therapies, tissue-engineered products, and combination products.
• Guest: Dr. Amanda Frick, Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence at Vizient.

[01:07] — Defining Advanced Therapies

• FDA groups cell and gene therapies within advanced therapies.
• Total FDA-approved advanced therapies: 46.
• Amanda monitors 29 drug-like therapies within that group.

[02:01] — Pipeline Size and Approval Activity

• S. pipeline: 264 agents in development.
• About 10 agents approach FDA decision annually.
• Actual approvals: 5–7 per year on average.

[02:56] — Big-Picture Trends in Cell & Gene Therapy

Oncology dominates

• 40–50% of all CGTs in development.
• Expanding into autoimmune, neurology, and earlier-phase therapies for diabetes, angina, osteoarthritis.

Movement toward allogeneic ("off-the-shelf") therapies

• Designed to overcome limits of autologous cell manufacturing.
• Reduces wait time and manufacturing failures.

Resurgence of therapeutic vaccines

• Currently 3 approved (Sipuleucel-T, Talimogene, Papzimeos
• ).
• 20+ vaccines in the pipeline, largely targeted to cancer.
• CE program coming Jan 29.

[06:13] — Therapy #1: Tabelecleucel or Tab-cel (Allogeneic EBV-Specific T-Cell Therapy)

• First allogeneic T-cell therapy expected in the U.S.
• For EBV-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).
• “Off-the-shelf” and donor-derived.

[07:07] — Clinical Need & Outcomes

• Currentstandard of care: rituximab.
• After relapse, survival <1 month (HSCT) or <4 months (solid organ).
• Phase 3 data: 90% one-year survival.

Regulatory Status

• Prior FDA CRL due to manufacturing (third-party issues).
• Expected approval: January 10, 2026.

[09:00] — Therapy #2: Kresladi (Autologous Gene Therapy for LAD-I)

• Treats severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD-I), typically diagnosed in infancy.
• Could eliminate need for stem cell transplant (often limited by lack of matched donors).

[11:39] — Clinical Outcomes

• Phase 1/2 data (n=9):
  • 100% survival at one year
  • Major reduction in hospitalizations
  • Discontinuation of prophylactic antibiotics

Regulatory Status

• Multiple delays due to CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, controls) questions.
• Resubmitted Oct 2025; anticipated approval March 28, 2026.

[13:27] — Therapy #3: ORCA-T (Enhanced Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant)

• Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells + regulatory and conventional T cells (Tregs + Tcons).
• Designed to improve:
  • Graft-versus-tumor effect
  • Graft-versus-infection protection
  • Reduction in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)

[14:31] — Clinical Significance

• Could markedly improve quality of life after transplant.

Regulatory Status

• Anticipated approval: April 6, 2026.

[15:01] — Therapy #4: Vusolimogene oderparepvec (RP1) (RP1 — Oncolytic HSV-1 Virus)

• Off-the-shelf genetically modified HSV-1 oncolytic virus.
• For advanced melanoma after prior PD-1 inhibitor therapy.

[16:17] — Why It Matters

• Currently, poised to compete with Amtagvi (TIL therapy).
• TIL therapy is autologous and slow to manufacture; RP1 is ready-to-use and combines with nivolumab (Opdivo).

Regulatory Status

• PDUFA: April 10, 2026.

[16:34] — Therapy #5: INO-3107 (Therapeutic Vaccine for RRP)

• Targets HPV 6 and 11, which cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).
• Patients can require several surgeries per year to remove papillomas.

[17:34] — Vaccine Mechanism

• DNA plasmid (vs viral vector in PAP).
• Lower insertional oncogenesis risk.
• Potentially improved durability of response.

Regulatory Status

• Manufacturer aims to finish BLA by end of 2025.
• Expected approval (with priority review): mid–late 2026.

[19:17] — Therapy #6: Clemidsogene lanparvovec (Intracerebral Gene Therapy for Hunter Syndrome)

• One-time treatment for MPS II (Hunter syndrome).
• Designed to deliver therapy directly into the brain to address neurological progression.

[21:21] — Competing Agent Emerging

• New enzyme therapy tivedenofusp alfa crosses the blood-brain barrier — unlike current ERT (idursulfase).
• Expected approval: April 5, 2026.
• Raises payer & clinical sequencing questions:
  • One-time gene therapy vs repeat annual enzyme therapy
  • Durability vs cost (ERT ~$500K/year)

Regulatory Status

• Clemidsogene lanparvovec anticipated approval: February 8, 2026.

[22:45] — Cost, Value, and Durability Considerations

• Gene therapies may reach multi-million-dollar cost brackets.
• Durability becomes critical for payer adoption.
• Hospitals face long onboarding timelines for advanced therapies and must choose which to implement.

[22:56] — Where to Learn More

• Spend Management Outlook (formerly Pharmacy Market Outlook)
• Oncology and pediatric Vizient therapeutic web pages
• FDA cell/gene therapy webpage
• CE session on therapeutic vaccines (Jan 29)

[23:46] — Closing

• Carolyn thanks Amanda.
• Reminder to subscribe, send comments, and explore further resources from Vizient.

Links | Resources:

• Spend Management Outlook: Click here
• Therapeutic class insights: Click here
• FDA webpage: Click here

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If you're wondering which therapies may influence care delivery, budgets, and decision making in 2026, the pipeline offers an early preview and it points to a year defined by innovation. We're seeing new first in class treatments, thoughtful next generation agents, and a biosimilar market where fewer launches are offset by important competitive shifts driven by recent approvals. John Schoen and Heather Pace from the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence join Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information and your Verified RX program host to highlight pipeline agents worth watching and discuss what they may mean for care delivery and spend management in the year ahead.

Guest speakers:

John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS 

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information  

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Heather Pace, PharmD

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information  

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Host: 

Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS 

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:01] — Episode Scope

• The focus is non-CGT therapies; CGT pipeline will be covered in Part 2.

[01:50] — Therapeutic Areas With the Most Approvals

• Oncology leads the pipeline.
• Others include infectious disease, neurology, rare disease, endocrine, hepatology, dermatology, and rheumatology.

[02:37] — Biosimilars in 2026: Momentum or Headwinds?

• Discussion of potential “biosimilar void”—only 10% of expiring biologic patents have biosimilars in development.
• Emerging role of PBM private-label biosimilars.

[03:51] — FDA Draft Guidance on Interchangeability

• FDA exploring interchangeable designation for all biosimilars.
• Potential shift away from clinical efficacy studies in favor of analytical comparisons.
• Guidance still in draft and open for public comment.

[05:34] — John’s Top Picks for First-in-Class Agents

1. 06:11 — Orviglance
2. First manganese-based, oral MRI contrast agent.
3. Advantages for patients with kidney impairment.
4. Used for liver imaging.

[06:20] — Why Non-Gadolinium Matters

• Lower risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

[06:46] — Tabelecleucel

• First allogeneic EBV-specific T-cell therapy.
• For EBV-positive PTLD post-transplant.
• Could become new standard of care.

[07:42] — Tanruprubart

• First therapy specifically for severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
• Shows improved outcomes over IVIG and plasma exchange.

[08:20] — Comparing to Standard of Care

• Review of improved real-world data outcomes.

[09:03] — Therapies That May Shift Care Delivery

[09:32] — Icotrokinra: First oral IL-23 antagonist for plaque psoriasis.

[10:00] — Insulin Icodec

• First once-weekly basal insulin for type 2 diabetes.
• Resubmitted after safety concerns in type 1 diabetes.

[10:59] — Honorable Mentions

Camizestrant

• SERD for ER+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer.

Ensitrelvir (COVID-19)

• Oral option for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
• Also being evaluated for treatment.

Doravirine + Islatravir (HIV)

• Introduces new NRTTI class.

Cefepime + Zidebactam

• Active against metallo-β-lactamase–producing organisms.

14:05 — Key Biosimilar Launches

Omalizumab (Xolair)

• First biosimilars in asthma/allergy space.

Aflibercept (Eylea)

• High competition expected pending litigation.

Pertuzumab (Perjeta)

• First biosimilar anticipated in oncology.

[15:31] — Biosimilars Approved in 2025, Impacting 2026

• Ustekinumab (Stelara): first full year of competition
• Denosumab (Prolia/Xgeva): 10–15 biosimilars expected
• Eculizumab (Soliris): notable for rare disease market entry

[17:17] — John’s Closing Thoughts

• Strong mix of first-in-class advances and next-gen convenience therapies.

[17:36] — Heather’s Closing Thoughts

• 2026 will focus on speed and scale after the 2025 biosimilar wave.
• Pharmacists pivotal in ensuring smooth patient transitions.

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Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committees historically operated at the individual hospital level but have evolved into enterprise-wide governance programs due to health system expansion, unprecedented clinical and financial complexity of care, and the emergence of high impact and novel therapeutics.

To address this, the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence convened an expert panel that concluded health system enterprise P&T committees are uniquely positioned to balance clinical value with financial stewardship and minimize practice variation. They issued best practice considerations representing a dynamic framework designed to evolve alongside emerging therapies, evolving technologies, and the ongoing transformation of health systems.

Joining us today are two members of the expert panel. We have Conor Hanrahan, AVP, enterprise pharmacy services, medication outcomes and stewardship with Intermountain Health and Prabashni Reddy, who at the time of the panel was the executive director of medication use and policy at Mass General Brigham.

Guest speakers:

Prabashni Reddy, RPh, PharmD, MMedSc
(former) Executive Director of Medication Use and Policy

Mass General Brigham

Conor Hanrahan, PharmD, MHA, MS, BCPS, CPHQ
AVP, Medication Policy, Outcomes, and Stewardship

Intermountain Health, Enterprise Pharmacy Services

Host:

Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH 

Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)

Show Notes:

[01:02-03:38] The value Prabashni and Conor saw in joining the expert panel

[03:39-05:33] What Prabashni and Conor learned from interactions during the expert panel

[05:34-10:55] Intriguing actionable enterprise P&T program insights panelists brought to the table that listeners can use

[10:56-14:01] Use of criteria and principles to create successful and broadly applicable best practices

[14:56-16:00] How our listeners can put this panel's best practices into action

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Artificial intelligence, or, AI is on everyone's minds, and we're all still figuring out how to trust it, teach it, and use it responsibly. Today we take a deep dive into how AI is affecting the education of current and future pharmacy students. With us is Jennifer Trujillo, associate Dean for education and professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, and Logan Tinsen, the clinical pharmacy manager and residency program director at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana.

Guest speakers:

Jennifer Trujillo, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM
Associate Dean for Education

Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Logan Tinsen, PharmD, FMPA
Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Residency Program Director
Benefits Hospitals

Host: 

Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH 

Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)

Show Notes:

[01:02-03:45] Challenges with AI in pharmacy education

[03:46-05:59] The AI adoption spectrum: Pitfalls of extremes between full and limited adoption

[06:00-11:18] Approaches to pharmacy education in the early stages of AI

[11:19-14:55] Guardrails and safeguards

[14:56-16:29] Key takeaways about AI right now for pharmacy educators

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From CAR-T therapies to viral vectors, cell and gene treatments are redefining the boundaries of pharmacy practice—but with innovation comes complexity. Host Carolyn Liptak welcomes Dr. Mark Wiencek, Principal Microbiologist with the Technical Services Group at Contec, and Dr. Amanda Frick, Senior Clinical Manager of Market Intelligence at Vizient, to break down the challenges of compounding these advanced therapies.

Listen in as they discuss real-world risk assessments, biosafety considerations, and how hospital pharmacies can safely manage these groundbreaking yet high-risk treatments.

Guest speakers:

Mark Wiencek, PhD
Principal Microbiologist, Technical Services Group

Contec

Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence
Vizient

Host:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:02-01:51] Mark shares his background and experience in microbiology

[01:52-04:04] Overview of the types of cell and gene therapies (CGT) currently used in clinical practice

[04:05-05:14] Which CGT therapies are most applicable to pharmacy compounding and why

[05:15-10:29] Things not on the NIOSH list and the risks

[10:30-12:03] Evaluating whether viral vectors can penetrate intact skin and the true occupational exposure risks

[12:04-13:18] If hazards are not defined by the NIOSH list, how should these CGT hazards be classified

[13:19-15:03] Determining the safest environment for compounding CGT therapies

[15:04-20:14] Best practices for decontamination, disinfection, and viral vector handling

[20:15-20:59] Do you need a dedicated biosafety cabinet for CGT therapies

[21:00-22:55] Recommended resources for further learning

Links | Resources:

• Blind and colleagues (Nationwide): Click here
• Wang and colleagues (Stanford): Click here
• CONTEC HEALTHCARE WEBINAR Using Bugs as Drugs: Compounding Viral Vectors in Cell & Gene Therapy for Hospital Pharmacies, Mark Wiencek, May 13, 2025: Click here
• Blind, J.E., Ghosh, S., Niese, T.D., Gardner, J.C., Stack-Simone, S., Dean, A. and Washam, M., 2024. A comprehensive literature scoping review of infection prevention and control methods for viral-mediated gene therapies. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology, 4(1), p.e15. Click here
• Deramoudt, L., Pinturaud, M., Bouquet, P., Goffard, A., Simon, N. and Odou, P., 2024. Method for the detection and quantification of viral contamination during the preparation of gene therapy drugs in a hospital pharmacy. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 81(12), pp.615-621. Click here
• Korte, J., Mienert, J., Hennigs, J.K. and Körbelin, J., 2021. Inactivation of adeno-associated viral vectors by oxidant-based disinfectants. Human Gene Therapy, 32(13-14), pp.771-781. Click here (abstract only; full article available for purchase)
• Martino, J.G., McConnell, K., Greathouse, L., Rosario, B.D. and Jaskowiak, J.M., 2024. Cellular therapy site-preparedness: Inpatient pharmacy implementation at a large academic medical center. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 30(8), pp.1442-1449. Click here
• Penzien, C., 2023. Safe handling of BioSafety drugs and live virus vaccines. Pharm Purch Prod, 20(4), p.12. Click here
• Petrich, J., Marchese, D., Jenkins, C., Storey, M. and Blind, J., 2020. Gene replacement therapy: a primer for the health-system pharmacist. Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(6), pp.846-855. Click here
• Wang, A., Ngo, Z., Yu, S.J. and MacDonald, E.A., 2025. Implementing standard practices in the safe handling of gene therapy and biohazardous drugs in a health-system setting. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, p.zxaf026. Click here

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New data from the summer Vizient Spend Management Outlook show that in the inpatient space, high-cost drugs, especially CAR-T treatments like Yescarta and Breyanzi are major drivers of drug spend. To help offset these costs, certain therapies may qualify for additional reimbursement through the New Technology Add-On payment (NTAP), a program that supports innovations that substantially improve care for Medicare beneficiaries. Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence joins host Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information at Vizient to cover the purpose of this add-on payment, the criteria necessary for drugs to qualify and strategies to capture its full value.

Guest Speaker:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:
Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCP 
Associate Vice President
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes:

[01:02-03:38] Overview of NTAP and why CMS created the program

[03:39-05:02] How DRG recalibration depends on broad adoption

[05:03-07:17] Criteria for medications to quality for NTAP status

[07:18-08:24] Who determines whether a therapy represents substantial clinical improvement

[08:25-10:05] The value NTAP provides to hospitals

[10:06-11:51] How to locate products that are eligible for NTAP

[11:52-16:22] Best practices to ensure that NTAP payment is captured when the drug is used

[16:23-17:22] Resources for additional information

Links | Resources:

• Payment Updates: Preparing for 2026 - On Demand
• New Medical Services and New Technologies
• FY 2026 IPPS Final Rule Home Page
• MAC Implementation File 8 (ZIP) – FY 2026 New Technology Add-on Payment
• CMS Web Pricer

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As the Drug Supply Chain Security Act dispenser exemption period winds down, the Vizient Standards implementation team announced an important change to the Vizient Global Location Number (GLN) Management program. The data standards team will inactivate unmanaged GLNs, which will impact pharmacies and other providers who are not currently managing their Vizient assigned GLNs. Two experts leading that conversation, Carl Henshaw, Senior Director, Data Operations, Enterprise Information and Data Management, and Dawn Burtram, Lead Analyst, Standards Implementation at Vizient join host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence at Vizient to discuss implications.

Guest speakers:

Dawn Bertram, MBA

Lead Analyst Standards Implementation

Vizient

Carl Henshaw

Senior Director, Data Operations, Enterprise Information and Data Management

Vizient

Host: 

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm

Show Notes:

[01:08-01:59] Dawn and Carl’s background

[02:00-02:41] What exactly is a GLN and what does it mean to be self-managed

[02:42-07:26] Who creates and maintains GLNs in this data hub and the three different GLN products

[07:27-08:51] How to determine who actually enumerated the GLNs

[08:52-10:20] Educating and preparing providers for the DSCSA compliance deadline

[10:21-12:37] The recent decision to inactivate unmanaged GNS and why it's essential to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of GLN data

[12:38-15:05] What it means to participate in our program and who's eligible to participate

[15:06-17:51] Why the deadline of November 15th matters

Links | Resources:

Vizient GLN Learning Center

GLN Management Process Education Session (E-Learning)

VGMP Application

GS1 What is a GLN and How Do I Get One? 

Drug Supply Chain Security Act

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The Joint Commission’s updated accreditation manual is designed to simplify requirements, enhance clarity, and better support healthcare organizations in survey preparation. In this episode of VerifiedRx, host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Robert Campbell of the Joint Commission and Diana Scott of Vizient to unpack the most significant changes. From the shift to National Performance Goals and medication safety priorities to the latest challenges in compounding, labeling, and hazardous drug handling, the conversation highlights practical insights to help pharmacy leaders stay compliant and survey-ready.

Guest speakers:

Robert Campbell, PharmD, BCSCP

Sr. Director, Standards Interpretation, Accreditation Decision Management,Medication Safety Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations

Joint Commission

Diana Scott, MHA, RN, CPHQ

Principal, Regulatory and Accreditation Services

Vizient

Host:

Carolyn Liptak, , BS Pharm, MBA 

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:16-01:51] Diana and Robert Backgrounds

[01:52-02:43] Changes made to the hospital and critical access hospital manuals

[02:44-03:09] Changes to the chapters themselves

[03:10-04:08] National Performance Goals and elaborate on those that are relevant to medication safety and pharmacy services

[04:09-05:15] The top medication management challenges

[05:16-06:29] Pain management not being aligned and titration orders

[06:30-06:56] Insufficient communication between pharmacists, prescribers and nurses when it comes to medication orders

[06:57-08:02] Themes around labeling requirements for stored medications

[08:03-08:46] Anything different in removing expired meds from patient care areas and in the pharmacy this area than previous years

[08:47-10:58] Issues related to storing meds specifically per the package insert

[10:59-11:55] Common issues seen inside the pharmacy regarding sterile compounding, noncompliance include hand hygiene, garbing, PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting

[11:56-13:12] More specifics in those area the physical environment and facility cleanliness along with cleaning and disinfection practices

[13:13-14:55] Explaination of how joint Commission defines and evaluates immediate use compounding

[14:56-16:09] The minimum required elements for immediate use compounding competency

[16:10-17:12] Compounding competencies besides immediate use

[17:13-17:54] Expectations for environmental services training

[17:55- 20:14] Concerns around hazardous drugs

[20:15- 21:14] Additional information

Links | Resources:

Joint Commission: THE NEW STANDARD: Accreditation 360

For Members: On-Demand webinar and CE information

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Drug diversion threatens patient and staff safety—and preventing it requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. In this episode, Dr. Ruth Igwegbe and Shealee Mitchell of JPS Health Network join host Carolyn Liptak to share how their organization transformed a fragmented diversion process into a high-functioning, collaborative program. From building trust with frontline teams to using AI software and proactive data monitoring, Ruth and Shealee highlight how culture, consistency, and communication are essential to effective diversion prevention. Tune in for actionable strategies that elevate both patient safety and professional accountability.

Guest speakers:

Dr. Ruth Igwegbe PharmD, MBA,

Pharmacy medication safety officer

JPS Health Network

Shealee Mitchell, BS, RN, MJur

Pharmacy medication safety officer

JPS Health Network

Host:

Carolyn Liptak, BS Pharm, MBA 

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:02-02:32] Ruth and Shealee Backgrounds

[02:33-04:46] Background on diversion detection and prevention program at JPS

[04:47-06:55] Shealee's clinical background and how it shaped how she works with teams across the organization

[06:56-09:20] How the JPS diversion response team evolved

[09:21-13:55] Advice to our listeners to strengthen their own diversion prevention programs

[13:56-16:03] Where our listeners should go to get more information about drug diversion prevention and detection programs

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The Vizient Summer 2025 Spend Management Outlook (SMO) provides an integrated perspective on trends, factors and future expenses providers will face across the various dimensions of healthcare. In this episode, Dr. Carina Dolan and Dr. Jeni Hayes join host Carolyn Liptak to discuss pharmacy insights from the SMO including declining drug price inflation and how autoimmune conditions have surpassed oncology in total pharmacy costs. They also touch on pediatric spend drivers, biosimilar competition, and the impact of novel therapies. Tune in to VerifiedRx for practical insights to help pharmacy leaders plan for what’s ahead.

Guest speakers:

Carina Dolan, Pharm. D., MS Pharm, BCOP
Associate Vice President, Clinical Oncology, Pharmacoeconomics and Market Insights
Vizient

Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MS Pharm, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence
Vizient 

Host: 
Carolyn Liptak, BS Pharm, MBA
VerifiedRx Host

Show Notes:

[01:13-02:41] Key pharmacy trends emerging from the Summer SMO

[02:42-04:00] Current pharmacy trends

[04:01-05:55] Pharmacy spend for autoimmune conditions has exceeded that of oncology

[05:56-07:36] Key takeaways

[07:37-08:47] Significant trends in this latest therapeutic insights update

[08:48-10:04] Challenges in gene and cell therapy space

[10:05-11:33] The Therapeutic Insights webpage for pediatrics

[11:34-13:41] Other reflections from the SMO

[13:42-14:49] How to locate the SMO

Links | Resources:

Vizient Spend Management Outlook

Vizient Therapeutic class insights

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Drug shortages continue to be a significant issue in the healthcare system, affecting various aspects of patient care and imposing substantial costs on hospitals and health systems. According to Vizient's 2024 drug shortages survey, U.S. hospitals are spending approximately 20 million hours annually managing these shortages, resulting in nearly $900 million in associated labor costs. The survey highlights that 74% of facilities reported exceeding their pharmacy budgets due to drug shortages, with pediatric facilities facing particularly significant financial and labor strain.

Kyle Hoelting, director of pharmacy supply assurance and stewardship and Nikola Markoski, director of pharmacy sourcing strategic solutions and analytics join host Katie Korte, vice president Vizient Reserve to delve into the results of Vizient’s 2024 drug shortage survey.

Guest speakers:

Kyle Hoelting, Pharm.D, BCPS

Director, Pharmacy Supply Assurance & Stewardship

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Nikola Markoski, Pharm.D, MBA

Director, Pharmacy Sourcing Strategic Solutions & Analytics

Vizient

Host:

Katie Kortie, Pharm.D, MHA, BCPS, BCCCP

Vice President, Strategy & Program Lead, Vizient Reserve

Vizient

Show Notes:

[00:47-01:14] Kyle and Niko Backgrounds

[01:15-05:04] What's different about this year's survey and what made 2023 a critical year in the drug shortage landscape

[05:05-08:27] How data was collected, what did the mix of information tells us and the biggest insights or patterns that surfaced in the survey

[08:28-12:25] What Vizient’s built or enabled that’s made a difference in this space

[12:26-15:55] How best to prepare for and respond to shortages from an inventory perspective

Links | Resources:

• Beyond the Shortage: The Hidden Cost of Drug Supply Chain Disruptions
• Drug shortage stewardship: A novel solution for an old problem
• Vizient Key performance indicators for the management of drug shortages
• Vizient Essential Medications List

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We all know that clinician burnout negatively impacts the quality of patient care. That's why pharmacy residency accrediting bodies now emphasize resident well-being and professional sustainability as core components of residency training earlier in clinician careers. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Accreditation Standards for PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacy Residencies include a formal requirement for programs to address resilience, well-being, and burnout prevention, reflecting the increasing recognition of burnout in healthcare. Joining us to talk that out are Tony Huke, Senior Pharmacy Executive Director with Vizient Pharmacy Advisory Solutions and Kendra Gage, Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist and the PGY 1 Residency Program Director at UCHealth, University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.

Guest speakers:

Tony Huke, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP

Senior Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Pharmacy Advisory Solutions

Kendra Gage, PharmD, BCPS

Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist

PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director

UCHealth

Host:

Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH

Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)

Show Notes:

[01:11-03:25] What’s new at the national level in terms of pharmacy resident resiliency and well-being

[03:26-03:56] The intentionality of well-being in pharmacy residency programs

[03:57-05:12] Examples from Kendra’s program

[05:13-06:40] Program expectations to address resilience

[06:41-08:33] Assessment and potential metrics of resiliency programs

[08:34-11:06] The role of pharmacy leadership and residency program directors in resiliency

[11:07-12:34] Impact of resiliency programs so far

Links | Resources:

Accreditation Standards for PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacy Residencies

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Information on COVID vaccines is moving fast. On May 27th, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID vaccines will no longer be universally recommended for healthy children or healthy pregnant women. That's a big shift, and understandably, it's raised a lot of questions. We're going to cut through the noise and take a look at where things really stand, who's getting vaccinated, how current guidance is evolving, and what this means for both children and adults as we look ahead to the next respiratory season. Joining us to help sort it all out is Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at Vizient.

Guest speakers:

John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:38-05:32] What changed in the recent CDC update for healthy children

[05:33-09:32] Discussion of COVID-19 outcomes and vaccination in children

[09:33-11:47] Specific risk factors for pediatric patients

[11:48-12:47] Is the US an outlier for not universally recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and making no recommendation in healthy pregnant women?

[12:48-14:03] The FDA’s proposed regulatory framework for COVID-19 vaccine approval

[14:04-15:18] FDA’s approach to implementing revised requirements for randomized controlled trials

[15:19-16:57] Key discussion points from the May meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee

[17:00-18:27] Topics requiring further clarification about COVID-19 vaccine

Links | Resources:

Vizient resources:

• Minute Market Insight: Potential ACIP COVID-19 recommendation changes April 2025: https://www.vizientinc.com/download?342668
• Minute Market Insight: May 2025 COVID-19 vaccine recommendation and policy updates: https://www.vizientinc.com/download?352336

Additional resources:

• FDA perspective piece published in NEJM: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsb2506929
• ACIP meeting information: https://www.cdc.gov/acip/meetings/index.html
• CDC childhood immunization schedule: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/child-adolescent-age.html
• CDC adult immunization schedule by medical condition: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-medical-condition.html
• CDC RESP-NET: https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/
• WHO COVID-19 dashboard: https://data.who.int/dashboards/covid19/deaths
• MMWR - COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations and Maternal Vaccination Among Infants Aged <6 Months: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7338a1.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• MMWR – MIS-C, US 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7310a2.htm

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Pharmacy reverse distributors play a key role in making pharmaceutical returns more efficient, helping with processing, financial settlements and delivering helpful data. They're in a unique spot to support efforts to prevent diversion, speed up inventory returns, and even contribute to sustainability goals. Kyle Hoelting, director of pharmacy supply assurance and stewardship at Vizient, along with Paige Ivey, senior national accounts director, and Houston Blankinship, senior director of customer experience for healthcare product operations at Inmar Intelligence join host Carolyn Liptak, pharmacy executive director in Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and host for today's conversation.

Guest speakers:

Kyle Hoelting, Pharm.D, BCPS
Director, Pharmacy Supply Assurance & Stewardship
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Paige Ivey
Senior National Accounts Director
Inmar Intelligence

Houston Blankenship
Senior Director of Customer Experience for Healthcare Product Operations
Inmar Intelligence

Host:
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:05-03:33] Background for Kyle, Paige, Houston
[03:34-05:10] How the pharmaceutical supply chain works and how everything is interconnected
[05:10-09:32] How reverse distribution specifically supports pharmacy operations
[09:33-11:16] How data that comes from reverse distribution can offer some great insights for pharmacy leaders
[11:58-13:57] How data that comes from reverse distribution can give insight to drug shortages
[13:58-16:42] Inmar's role with insight into drug shortages
[16:43-21:05] Go-to resources for those wanting to explore more on stewardship and protective purchases

Links | Resources:

Drug shortage stewardship: A novel solution for an old problem

Vizient Essential Medications List

Vizient Key performance indicators for the management of drug shortages

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Recently, there has been a lot of interest generated by a new FDA approval. Suzetrigine (Journavx) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of pain. Although there is a lot of excitement about having a new tool in the toolbox, there are certain limitations that are important to consider. In this episode of Verified Rx, Dave Peterson, pharmacist and drug information specialist for the University of Utah Health joins us to discuss this exciting new non opioid medication.

Guest speaker:

Dave Peterson, PharmD, BCPS

Drug Information Specialist

University of Utah Drug Information Service

Host:

Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH

Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)

Show Notes:

[00:54-02:24] Information about Suzetrigine

[02:25-04:06] What distinguishes suzetrigine from other non-opioid analgesics

[04:07-05:09] What suzetrigine is indicated for

[05:10-06:14] How suzetrigine is being studied

[06:15-08:40] Surgical models and the endpoints that we commonly see in these studies

[08:41-10:25] Making sense of discordant study results

[10:26-12:02] Moving beyond the evidence to real world utilization of suzetrigine

[12:03-14:03] How cost factors into real-world utilization

[14:04-16:21] What Dave is keeping his eye on in terms of clinical concerns

[16:22-17:28] What Dave is excited about with the advent of suzetrigine

Links | Resources:

No pain, much gain?

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Traditional drug spending in the U.S. has surpassed specialty drug spending, and the primary force behind this trend is GLP-1 receptor agonists. These incretin-based therapies are transforming both the clinical and economic landscapes, from diabetes to obesity.

In this episode of the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence’s VerifiedRx podcast, host Tori Richie, Senior Consulting Director of Intelligence at Sg2 is joined by Vizient colleagues Stacy Lauderdale, AVP of Evidence-Based Medicine, Heather Pace, Senior Clinical Manager of Ambulatory Care, and Emily Fitt, Intelligence Consultant at Sg2. They delve into a comprehensive discussion on GLP-1s, covering topics from telehealth services and patient management strategies to the unique attributes that set these therapies apart.

Grab your coffee and get comfortable. This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a front-row seat to how GLP-1s are reshaping the future of obesity management.

Guest speakers:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

VerifiedRx Host

Heather Pace, Pharm.D

Sr. Clinical Manager of Ambulatory Care,

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Emily Fitt, MHA, MPH

Consultant

Sg2

Host:

Tori Richie

Senior Consulting Director, Intelligence

Sg2

Sg2 Perspectives Host

Show Notes:

[02:24-04:50] How GLP-1 medications differ from traditional treatments and shift from use in diabetes to obesity management

[04:51-05:54] The most common side effects of GLP-1 therapies and how clinicians can effectively manage patients

[05:55-08:49] Treatment teams for obesity management and the role of the pharmacist in the management of GLP-1 medications

[08:50-10:51] Challenges providers face integrating GLP-1 medications into practice

[10:16-13:20] Quality or outcome concerns with individuals who receive GLP-1 medications from telehealth providers

[13:21-15:01] Trends shaping this landscape

[15:02-21:14] Best practices that providers should deploy

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Widespread vaccination efforts declared measles eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, recent outbreaks have reignited public health concerns. The country is experiencing a growing number of measles cases with clusters reported in several states. A highly contagious virus, measles, poses serious risks, especially to unvaccinated individuals and vulnerable patient populations. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, discusses the current outbreak, measles vaccine strategies, and answers questions about prevention and public health impact with Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your VerifiedRx program host.

Guest speakers:

John Schoen, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:12-03:30] Are we in an unprecedented situation in the United States?

[03:31-05:49] A brief overview about measles

[05:50-08:03] Overview of the MMR vaccine

[08:04-10:15] MMR vaccination rate in the United States

[10:16-12:27] Is there a link between autism and MMR vaccine

[12:28-14:47] Does the MMR vaccine cause measles?

[14:48-18:04] 1 vs. 2 doses of the MMR vaccine in adults

[18:05-21:25] Measles postexposure prophylaxis

[21:26-23:40] Vitamin A and measles

Links | Resources:

Vizient Resources

Evidence Bites: 2025 Measles Outbreak

Resources

• Measles cases and outbreaks: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
• 2013 MMWR measles recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6204a1.htm#Tab3
• CDC measles vaccine recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html#cdc_generic_section_5-post-exposure-prophylaxis-for-measles
• HAN alert 2025 outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00522.html
• American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations: https://publications.aap.org/redbook/book/755/chapter/14079321/Measles?autologincheck=redirected
• Information about the MMR vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/hcp/about.htm

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Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are frequently used off label for the management of factor Xa inhibitor-associated major bleeding.

In 2018, accelerated approval was granted for andexanet alfa, a specific factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent, for reversal of apixaban and rivaroxaban in the setting of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding.

Following accelerated approval, some clinical practice guidelines were updated to include recommendations for andexanet alfa preferentially over PCCs for reversal of life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding due to rivaroxaban or apixaban. Other guidelines stated no preference of andexanet alfa over PCC.

In 2020, Vizient convened an expert panel to critically appraise the literature and provide consensus-based, expert opinions on the utilization of pharmacological reversal agents for factor Xa-related major bleeding. Since then, the body of literature evaluating these agents has expanded to include a randomized controlled trial, ANNEXa-I, the results of which were submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration to convert the approval of andexanet alfa from accelerated to full approval.

Dr. Lisa Baumann-Kreuziger, Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin and medical director of the Antithrombotic Therapy Management Program at Froedtert Health discusses the current status of management of factor Xa inhibitor-associated major bleeding with Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, and your program host.

Guest speakers:
Liza Baumann-Kreuziger, MD, MS
Investigator, Blood Research Institute, Versiti
Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical Director, Antithrombotic Therapy Management Program at Froedtert Health

Host:
Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D, MPH
Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:25-04:26] The current state of hemostatic management in the setting of factor Xa inhibitor-related major bleeding

[04:27- 05:35] Limitations of available evidence making clinical practice and formulary decision making so challenging

[05:35 – 10:52] Publication of the first randomized controlled trial, ANNEXa-I, comparing andexanet alfa to usual care

[10:52-14:49] Meeting of the FDA advisory committee and subsequent complete response letter

[14:50-16:45] How we can approach clinical management of patients and formulary decision-making in the current state

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Drug shortages continue to pose significant challenges for hospitals and health systems. While they gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy departments have managed them for decades. During high-profile shortages, institutions must rapidly establish command centers, engage stakeholders, and implement plans for frontline staff. Once resolved, shortages often recede from immediate focus until the next crisis emerges. However, pharmacy departments consistently manage shortages on a daily basis, often without recognition.

Dr. Kyle Hoelting, Sr. Clinical Manager of Drug Information and Drug Shortages at Vizient, Dr. Heather Warhurst, Director of Drug Use Policy, Quality Initiative and Regulatory at IU Health, and Dr. Chris Nagy, Medication Sourcing and Supply Pharmacist at Intermountain Health join us to discuss a Vizient workgroup project designed to measure the impact of drug shortages and highlight the crucial role of pharmacists in their management.

Guest speakers:

Heather Warhurst, Pharm.D, MHA

Director of Drug Use Policy, Quality Initiative and Regulatory

IU Health

Chris Nagy, Pharm.D, BCPS

Medication Sourcing and Supply Pharmacist

Intermountain Health

Kyle Holting, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:18-02:29] Heather and Chris introductions

[02:30-04:00] Vizient drug shortage key performance indicators (KPI) workgroup series

[04:01-10:04] Labor and Inventory drug shortage KPIs

[07:50-16:56] Patient Safety and Stress to Front Line Staff drug shortage KPIs

[16:57-18:32] Call to Action

Links | Resources:

Key performance indicators for the management of drug shortages

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The widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in children has dramatically lowered the incidence of pneumococcal disease through direct and indirect effects. Despite this progress, pneumococcal pneumonia still leads to more than 200,000 adult hospitalizations annually in the United States. Older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and certain racial groups continue to experience higher rates of pneumococcal disease. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, joins Program Host Stacy Lauderdale to discuss the newest adult pneumococcal vaccine, PCV21, and recent updates to age-based pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.

Guest speakers:

John Schoen, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:25-02:53] Background on PCV21

[02:54-07:56] Difference between PCV20 and PCV21

[07:57-16:15] Discussing the new ACIP recommendation to move the universal age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 years of age down to 50 years of age and older

[08:31-16:15] Why a healthy 50-year-old who has no risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease should get a pneumococcal vaccination

[16:16-17:57] Summary of other changes in the most recent MMWR

[17:58-19:34] What organizations consider when selecting specific pneumococcal vaccines

[19:35-21:18] What’s in the pipeline for pneumococcal vaccines

Links | Resources:

Publicly available resources

Previous VerifiedRx podcasts on pneumococcal vaccines:

• What’s pneu with pneumococcal vaccines? – March 29, 2022
• What’s pneu part 2: pneumococcal vaccines update – February 13, 2024

January 2024 MMWR - ACIP recommendations for the use of PCV in adults ≥ 50 years of age

Vizient client exclusive resources

2025 pneumococcal vaccines side-by-side comparison

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Prescription opioids continue to be the most frequently misused prescription drugs in the United States, having caused nearly 300,000 deaths over the past two decades. Signed into law in 2022, the No Pain Act expands Medicare reimbursement for specific non-opioid pain management options. Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, and Dr. Phil Mentler, Senior Consulting Director at Vizient join Program Host Stacy Lauderdale to discuss the implications of the No Pain Act, which took effect on January 1, 2025.

Guest speakers:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient

Phillipe Mentler, Pharm.D, BCPS

Senior Consulting Director

Vizient

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D, BCPS

Associate Vice President

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:49-03:48] Background on the No Pain Act

[03:49-05:03] What is new as of January 1, 2025

[05:04-05:37] The difference between a hospital outpatient department versus an ambulatory surgical center

[05:38-06:30] Other drugs and or devices that are on the list other than Exparel

[06:31-07:42] What specifically prevents multi modal drugs and therapy from being added to the list

[07:43-08:24] Specific language that needs to be included in the FDA labeling for non-opioids to be considered for reimbursement under the Act

[08:25-10:50] Reimbursement basics of the NO PAIN Act

[14:32-15:44] Reimbursement

[15:45-17:04] The importance of opioids in pain management

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Historically, Vizient has published the Pharmacy Market Outlook biannually. This year, we are introducing the Spend Management Outlook, which integrates the comprehensive insights from the Pharmacy Market Outlook with the Vizient Budget Impact Report. This new report enhances strategic planning by aligning pricing projections across the healthcare supply chain and providing key market insights. Dr. Carina Dolan, Associate Vice President of Clinical Oncology, Pharmacoeconomics, & Market Insights, and Jeff King, Director of Research and Intelligence at Vizient, join Program Host Carolyn Liptak to discuss the unique features and critical importance of the new Spend Management Outlook.

Guest speakers:

Carina Dolan, Pharm. D., MS Pharm, BCOP

Associate Vice President, Clinical Oncology, Pharmacoeconomics and Market Insights

Vizient

Jeff King

Research and Intelligence Director

Vizient

Host:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:06-01:56] Jeff’s background and role

[01:57-02:50] The transition from Pharmacy Market Outlook and Budget Impact Report to Spend Management Outlook

[02:51-03:28] Defining spend management

[03:29-04:43] Key insights into spend management categories med-surg and laboratory

[04:44-06:01] Key insights into spend management categories Capital equipment and physician preferences insights

[06:02-07:23] Enhancements to pharmacy projections of this edition

[07:24-08:39] Spend management projection methodology

[08:40-09:34] The spend management projections

Links | Resources:

Spend Management Outlook

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We anticipate there will be some policy changes and important issues to watch with the inauguration of the 47th president of the United States. Vizient’s office of public policy and government relations monitors, educates and advocates on key items of interest. They share informative updates, comment on proposed rules from agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and work with Congress on legislative priorities. Jenna Stern, Associate Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy at Vizient joins Program Host Carolyn Liptak to discuss the change over.

Guest speakers:

Jenna Stern

Associate Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy

Vizient

Host:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh

Vizient

Show Notes:

[00:56-01:15] Jenna’s background

[01:16-02:38] Anticipation in DC since November

[02:39-04:26] What we should anticipate with the new Congress

[04:27-08:10] Trade and Tariffs

[08:11-10:37] What we should anticipate with the Executive Branch

[10:38-12:48] Policies to watch during transition

[12:48-13:34] Where listeners go for more information

[13:34-16:12] What issues are important to the new Congress

Links | Resources:

Vizient Public Policy and Government Relations

Vizient advocacy letters and Congressional statements

Legislative and regulatory summaries

China Tariffs document

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Human rabies cases are fortunately rare in the US. Access to pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and domestic animal vaccination programs, drive this public health success. This comes at a financial and human resources cost. Dr. Kyle Weant, clinical assistant professor and an emergency medical clinical pharmacy specialist at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and Dr. Philippe Mentler, senior consulting director, join host Gretchen Brummel to discuss the use of rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine in patients who have been exposed and provide treatment pearls for frontline pharmacy practioners.

Guest speakers:

Kyle Weant, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCP

Clinical Assistant Professor and an Emergency Medical Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy

Philippe Mentler, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Consulting Director

Vizient

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

VerifiedRx Host

Show Notes:

[00:54-01:17] Kyle’s background information

[01:18-03:31] Rabies as a disease

[03:32-05:13] Public Awareness

[05:14-07:06] Options right now for post-exposure prophylaxis

[07:07-10:01] Thoughts on dose rounding

[10:02-10:13] Is rabies immunoglobulin considered an essential medication that everyone should stock in their hospital pharmacy

[10:14-11:30] Who should be administering these drugs? And who's ensuring follow up of these patients?

[11:31-14:31] Potential pitfalls in patient management

[14:32-18:12] What should our frontline pharmacy staff know about post-exposure prophylaxis

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Data dominate nearly every sector and drug shortages are an area to leverage data solutions. Stephen Colvill, Senior Policy Advisor for Medical Supply Chains, The White House Domestic Policy Council and Dr Nikola Markoski, Vizient Manager of Pharmacy Analytics and Clinical Insights, join host Gretchen Brummel to explore novel approaches and future implications for data use cases in drug shortages.

Guest speakers:

Stephen Colvill

Senior Policy Advisor for Medical Supply Chains, Domestic Policy Council The White House, Domestic Policy Council

This podcast was recorded in December 2023 prior to Stephen joining the federal government. The opinions expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States government or any agency thereof.

At the time of recording, Stephen was Executive Director of RISCS and Assistant Research Director at the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy.

Nikola Markoski, PharmD, MBA, DPLA

Manager of Pharmacy Analytics and Clinical Insights

Vizient

VerifiedRx Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Show Notes:

[00:36-02:23] Guest’s background information

[02:24-05:44] How using data can change the discussion of drug shortages

[05:45-09:23] Approaches that have been attempted so far in the data space

[09:24-12:01] Where things are going in the future

[12:02-15:23] How we get everybody on the same page

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Chemotherapy is a vital treatment for cancer patients, but high medication prices often cause issues and may even prompt patients to skip therapy. Various factors influence the cost of chemotherapy drugs, including research and development, manufacturing complexity, and regulatory compliance. Limited use implications further complicate the market. Dr. Michele Rice, Senior Pharmacy Executive with Vizient Pharmacy Advisory Solutions, joins us today to discuss these factors in depth.

Guest speaker:
Michele Rice, PharmD, MS
Senior Consulting Solutions Director
Vizient Pharmacy Advisory Solutions

VerifiedRx Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS 

Show Notes:
[00:47-01:31] Guest’s background information

[01:32-03:41 ] What’s happening in the industry now

[03:42-05:15] How this ultimately affects patients

[05:20-06:26] How pharmacists can assist patients with this difficult to navigate scenario or situation

[06:27-07:35] What patients should know about this issue

[07:36-08:09] How to improve the system

[08:10-08:44] What does the future hold

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Baxter's Intravenous Fluids North Cove Plant was impacted in September by Hurricane Helene. Although Baxter implemented a hurricane preparedness plan, a levy breach and bridge collapse forced a complete shutdown. Intravenous fluids are now on allocation as the plant remains shuttered. Multiple actions by the FDA and Baxter are in effect to improve supply for these fluids. Vizient colleagues Katie Korte, VP Assurance and Continuity Team and Kyle Hoelting, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information and Shortages join Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice president of Evidence-based Medicine today to discuss lessons learned from this and past supply disruptions, ongoing efforts by the FDA to improve supplies and the supply outlook for the next four to eight weeks

Guest speakers:

Katie Korte, PharmD, MHA

VP Assurance and Continuity Team

Vizient

Kyle Holting, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information and Shortages

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS

Associate Vice president of Evidence-based Medicine

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes:

[00:57-01:27] Guest’s background information

[01:28-04:33] Recent supply disruptions

[04:34-05:54] What Vizient has learned from past disruptions

[05:55-09:30] What providers have learned from these shortages

[09:31-13:42] What the FDA is doing to assist with this shortage

[13:43-18:23] What the trajectory of this shortage looks like over the next four to eight weeks

[18:24-19:45] Most important thing to emphasize to our listeners as they continue to handle this fluid shortage

Links | Resources:

Vizient’s IV push list: Click here

Vizient’s IV fluid conservation strategies: Click here

Baxter’s North Cove facility website: Click here

FDA’s Baxter North Cove facility website: Click here

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The Pharmacy Vision Awards at Vizient celebrate values and achievements of our program participants. Elham Amiri, pharmacy informatics project manager at UCSF Health, is a recipient of the professional excellence award, given to an individual who demonstrates leadership, strategic contribution and commitment to ongoing learning and development. Elham and Dr. Noelle Chapman, vice president, chief pharmacy officer and COO at UCSF Health, join us today to discuss their award-winning program.

Guest speakers:
Elham Amiri, CPhT, CSPT, BS
Pharmacy Informatics Project Manager
UCSF Health

Noelle Chapman, PharmD, MBA
Vice president, Chief Pharmacy Officer and COO
UCSF Health

Host:
Carolyn Liptak, BS Pharmacy, MBA 
Pharmacy Executive Director 
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes:

[00:52-02:07] Guest’s background information

[02:08-03:32] Their great work at UCSF Health

[03:33-05:49] How their work contributed to the Pharmacy Value Improvement Program

[05:50-07:27] Taking a roll and running with it

[07:28-09:25] How UCSF supports professional development

[09:25-10:24] How patients benefit from this model

[10:25-13:45] What does the future hold

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We emerged from the COVID -19 pandemic in 2022 to headlines about unseasonably early spikes in respiratory syncytial virus and concerns and threats of a triple pandemic of CV19, influenza, and RSV. Fortunately, there’s been no triple pandemic, but what has emerged is multiple first-time vaccine approvals for RSV. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Manager of Drug Information at The Vizient Center for Phamacy Practice Excellence joins his colleague and Program Host Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine to discuss the use of the RSV vaccines.

Guest speakers:
John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Manager of Drug Information
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:
Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS
Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence
VerifiedRx Host

Show Notes:

[00:55-01:46] John’s background

[01:47 -03:15] The RSV disease burden in older adults, and risk factors

[03:16-04:42] The relative disease severity of RSV versus influenza

[04:43-07:04] Vaccine uptake during the last RSV season

[07:05-8:35] Efficacy of the RSV vaccines in observational data compared to the clinical trials

[8:36-11:22] Changes in ACIP recommendations

[11:23-13:14] Potential benefits of RSV vaccination for ages older than 75

[13:15-15:32] Potential adverse reactions of RSV vaccines

[15:33-18:31] Comparisons of the RSV vaccines

[18:32-20:46] Are patients going to need more than one RSV vaccine?

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The Pharmacy Vision Awards at Vizient celebrate values and achievements of our program participants. The innovation award is granted to an individual or group who works with others to implement an innovative approach to a challenging patient care or operational practice issue. The 2023 winner, Ochsner Health, represented by Dr. Lisa Boothby, Director of Pharmacy at Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus, Dr. Johlee Odinet, System Medication Safety Officer and Veronica Theriot, Director of MedSurg/Tele Stepdown Unit discuss with host Gretchen Brummel their program aimed at expanding pharmacists’ responsibilities to include medication administration.

Guest speakers:

Lisa Boothby, PharmD, MBA

Director of Pharmacy

Ochsner Medical Center West Bank Campus

Johlee Odinet, PharmD, BCPS, CPPS

System Medication Safety Officer

Ochsner Medical Center West Bank Campus

Veronica Theriot, RN

Director of MedSurg/Tele Stepdown Unit

Ochsner Medical Center West Bank Campus

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

VerifiedRx

Show Notes:

[00:55-02:02] Guest’s background information

[02:03-03:17] Ochsner Information

[03:18-05:30] People not mentioned who were contributors to their success

[05:31-07:47] Need for pharmacists' expanded role in administering medications in the inpatient setting

[07:48-18:06] How Ochsner accomplishes pharmacist expanded role

[18:07-23:02] Other outcomes from their work

[23:03-26:00] What surprised them about the process

[26:01-28:42] Advice for others wanting to implement this innovative practice

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Clinical pharmacy optimization opportunities abound, and executing on them can be enhanced when collaborating with external partners. Dr. Nikolai Dahl, program manager for medication utilization and formulary at John Muir Health, and Dr. Tony Huke, senior consulting director at Vizient, join host Gretchen Brummel to share their partnership experience and the resulting successes.

Guest speakers:
Nikolai Dahl, Pharm D
Program Manager for Mediation Medication UtliazationUtilization
John Muir Health

Tony Huke, Pharm D, BCPS, FASHP
Senior Consulting Director
Vizient

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Show Notes:

[00:44-01:16] How partnership came about

[01:17-02:31] Nikolai’s and Tony’s initial thoughts about the partnership

[02:32-03:24] How their work together started

[03:25-3:49] Prioritizing a to-do list

[03:49-4:21] Early wins

[04:22-4:38] What surprised them about the engagement

[04:38-6:18] Positive stories

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievement of our pharmacy program participants. The Excellence in Integrated Transformational Practice award is given to a system that accelerates success in delivering high value care in the four domains of operations, quality, strategic growth, supply chain and pharmacy. Joining us from the winning organization, UCSF Health, are Drs. Desi Kotis, Chief Pharmacy Executive, Jessica Galens, Assistant Chief Pharmacy Officer of Business Services and Erin St. Angelo, Director of Pharmacy Procurement and Contracting. They join us to share his perspective on pharmacy leadership with program host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Desi Kotis, Pharm D
Chief Pharmacy Executive
UCSF Health

Jessica Galens, Pharm D
Assistant Chief Pharmacy Officer of Business Services
UCSF Health

Erin St. Angelo, Pharm D
Director of Pharmacy Procurement and Contracting
UCSF Health

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Verified Rx Host

Show Notes:

[00:56-03:41] Backgrounds and roles at UCSF

[03:42-07:14] UCSF’s overall approach

[07:15-08:53] Background for innovative and clinical practice

[08:54-10:19] Financial successes

[10:20-13:17] How UCSF has been able to expand their services

[13:18-14:35] Future for UCSF

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The Pharmacy Vision Awards at Vizient celebrate values and achievements of our program participants. The Executive Leadership Award is granted to an individual who provides strategic insight, advances leading clinical practices, and demonstrates business acumen for their entire organization. Our 2023 winner is Dr. Curtis Haas, Chief Pharmacy Officer at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He's joins us to share his perspective on pharmacy leadership with Gretchen Brummel, your program host.

Guest speakers:
Curtis Haas, Pharm D, FCCP
Director of Pharmacy
University of Rochester Medical Center

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Verified Rx Host

Show Notes:

[00:47-05:11] Curtis Haas background and why it’s important

[05:12-07:02] Why elevating pharmacy practice on a state and national basis is important

[07:03-08:59] Results of success by placing priority on providing resources and support and encouraging innovation

[09:00-12:36] What Curtis has been doing lately at the University of Rochester Medical Center that he would like to highlight

[12:37-14:53] Curtis’ volunteer work outside his organization

Links | Resources:

https://verifiedrx.podbean.com/e/transcendental-medication-management-transformational-practice-in-pharmacy/

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Vizient publishes our Pharmacy Market Outlook twice a year. The outlook features drug price projections and key market insights to help support members' strategic planning. Drs. Jeni Hayes and Amanda Frick, both Senior Clinical Managers for Market Intelligence, join Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your program host to give an early look.

Guest speakers:
Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MSPharm, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence
Vizient

Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence
Vizient

Host:
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:45-02:06] Hot Topics 2024 highlighted in this Pharmacy Market Outlook

[02:07-02:50] Pipeline section looks different. What are the updates?

[02:51-03:44] Looking forward to drugs being approved in 2024: afami-cel and obi-cel

[03:45-4:45] New and noteworthy medication approvals

[4:46 – 5:55] Cell and gene therapy agents

[5:56-10:32] Therapeutic area updates

6:45 Autoimmune and inflammatory

7:16 Cardiopulmonary

7:51 Endocrine and metabolic

8:05 Hematological agents

8:26 Infectious diseases

8:47 Neurology

9:10 Oncology

10:06 Plasma

[10:33 -11:29] What's the projection for this edition

[11:30-12:08] Where listeners go if they want more detailed information on the outlook

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook provider link: Click Here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights public version: Click Here

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievements of our pharmacy members. The Excellence in Performance Improvement Award is given to an organization that achieves performance excellence and exceeds expectations in clinical, operations, specialty, retail, or 340B pharmacy. Corewell Health won award in 2023. Stephanie Field, VP, Finance – Pharmacy Business Services, and Margo Bowman, Senior Director of Clinical Pharmacy, are here from Corewell Health to discuss their award-winning program. I'm Gretchen Brummel your program host.

Guest speakers:

Stephanie Field, MBA

Vice President Finance – Pharmacy

Corewell Health

Margo Bowman, PharmD

Senior Director of Clinical Pharmacy

Corewell Health

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

VerifiedRx Host

Show Notes:

[00:52-02:35] Background information Stephanie and Margo

[02:36 - 03:46] Situation before the team started their work

[03:47- 04:55] Coming up with a solution

[04:56 - 06:05] The program

[06:06 -09:20] Outcome improvements they have seen

[09:21 - 11:14] How frontline staff responded to the program

[11:15-12:18] Enhancing the program in the future.

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The Pharmacy Vision Awards from Vizient celebrate values and achievements of our program participants. The Excellence in Clinical Practice Award is granted to an organization that implements novel clinical practices to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of medication utilization. Doctors Jona Banzon, Director of Outpatient Operations for infectious disease, Pooja Cerrato, Clinical Pharmacist – Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases, and Kaitlyn Rivard, Infectious diseases Clinical Specialist all from the Cleveland Clinic, join host Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, to discuss their award winning travel clinic.

Guest speakers:

Jona Banzon, MD

Director of Outpatient Operations for Infectious Disease

Cleveland Clinic

Pooja Cerrato, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist – Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases

Cleveland Clinic

Kaitlyn Rivard, PharmD

Infectious Diseases Clinical Specialist

Cleveland Clinic

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:59-02:29] Guests background information

[02:30-03:23] Recognition of others for this award

[03:24-06:06] How Cleveland Clinic first identifed the need for a travel clinic

[06:107-12:33] Pulling the clinic together

[12:34-15:12] What services did the clinic eventually offer

[15:13-18:01] Impact of the clinic

[18:02-21:38] Barriers

[21:38-23:14] Expanding the clinic

[23:15-27:04] Advice for others wanting to start a travel clinic

Links | Resources:

Travelers' Health | CDC

What Vaccines Do I Need for Travel? (clevelandclinic.org)

Pharmacy Vision Awards

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Margins are tight everywhere in healthcare, and a health system pharmacy adds value especially when led by an established chief pharmacy officer. Jordan Dow, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Froedtert Health, Michael Oinonen, VP of Pharmacy Networks at Vizient, and our usual host Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director for the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence join guest host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence to discuss the importance of the CPO role.

Guest speakers:
Jordan Dow, PharmD, MS, FASHP, FACHE
Chief Pharmacy Officer
Froedtert Health

Michael Oinonen, PharmD
VP of Pharmacy Networks
Vizient

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:
Carolyn Liptak, BS Pharmacy, MBA
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:54-02:53] Mike Oinonen and Jordon Dow background information

[02:54-04:31] What exactly is a Chief Pharmacy Officer and how the CPO role differs from other types of health system pharmacy leaders

[04:32-08:17] Gretchen and Mike discuss their blog post on the CPO role

[08:18-07:46] Does the CPO role apply to all health systems in all hospitals big or small

[07:47-12:11] How prevalent is this CPO role, and its history

[12:12-15:42] Benefits of having a pharmacist at the C-suite level

[15:42-19:03] What an organization is mission without a CPO

[19:04-21:46] Where the CPO role is going in the future

Links | Resources:

A Chief Pharmacy Officer in your C-suite: Vital to health system success

Vizient Pharmacy Solutions

Pharmacy Network

HVPE

ASHP Statement on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Pharmacy Executive

Rationale for having a chief pharmacy officer in a health care organization | American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

The rise of the chief pharmacy officer

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Rural pharmacy practitioners are unique, and practicing in this setting takes a broad and deep understanding of pharmacy opportunities and challenges. Dr. Kyle Johniker and Dr. Samreena Rasheed, both pharmacy clinical coordinators at Northwestern Medicine overseeing small and rural hospitals join host Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence at ASHP Midyear in Anaheim to discuss their unique opportunity and challenges.

Guest speakers:
Kyle Johniker, PharmD
Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator
Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital

Samreena Rasheed, PharmD, BCPS
Regional Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator
Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:47-02:28] Dr. Johniker and Dr. Rasheed background information

[02:29-04:10] What attracted them to rural pharmacy

[04:11-05:32] Skill set necessary for rural pharmacy

[05:33-07:46] Recent pharmacy successes at their organization

[07:47-09:29] Where they would like to see rural pharmacy grow in the future

[09:30-10:48] Advice for students or residents thinking about a career in rural pharmacy

Links | Resources:

Antimicrobial and Diagnostic Stewardship Program: Northwestern Medicine

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The incredible staying power of drug shortages kicks the door open for full-time pharmacy roles designed to combat this issue. Dr. Austin Pytlowany, clinical pharmacist specialist in drug shortage management at Michigan Medicine and Vizient's Kyle Hoelting, senior clinical manager of drug shortages and drug information join host Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence to discuss drug shortages and drug information and share their perspectives.

Guest speakers:
Austin Pytlowany, PharmD
Pharmacy Manager – Inventory and Drug Shortage Management
Michigan Medicine

Kyle Hoelting, PharmD, BCPS
Sr. Clinical Manager of Drug Information and Shortages
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:48-01:53] Dr. Pytlowany background information

[01:54-02:52] Why Michigan Medicine created his position

[02:53-05:52] The overall impact of drug shortages right now

[05:53-07:12] National impact of drug shortages

[07:13-10:41] Austin’s position helping improving patient care at Michigan Medicine

[10:42-12:25] Organizational benefits of individuals or a teams dedicated to drug shortages

[12:26-16:41] Other kinds of positions out there

[16:42-20:40] Concepts and solutions coming out of this or to market

[20:41-22:11] Future for these types of roles in drug shortages

[22:12-25:38] Advice for people who want to get into this specialty

Links | Resources:

The One Thing You Need to Know about Drug Shortage Stewardship

Drug Shortage Stewardship: Calls to Action for the Interconnected Supply Chain

ASHP Current Drug Shortages

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Health system pharmacies are turning to outpatient infusion services to improve financial performance as margins shrink. Dr. Zinkeng Asonganyi, Director of Ambulatory Pharmacy and Infusion Services at University of Texas Medical Branch or UTMB Health discusses the program and it’s implications with host Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.

Guest speakers:
Zinkeng Asonganyi, PharmD
Director of Ambulatory Pharmacy Operations
UTMB

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:52-01:38] Dr. Asonganyi background information

[01:39-06:44] What’s happening in infusion at UTMB

[06:45-12:15] Complexities and logistics of the program

[12:16-15:13] Maintaining and growing reimbursement in this time of challenges

[15:14-18:33] Biggest opportunities for enhancement or growth

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A big part of total national drug spend is the continuing growth of the specialty drug market. Health systems depend on specialty pharmacy to make up margin losses from other areas. Dr. Vinay Eapen, Senior Manager of Specialty Pharmacy at University of Texas Medical Branch, joins Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your program to share a bold approach to starting specialty pharmacy services at an academic medical center.

Guest speakers:

Vinay Eapen, PharmD

UTMB Senior Specialty Pharmacy Manager

Lean Adjunct Faculty

UTMB Department of Pharmacy

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:46-01:09] Dr. Eapen background information

[01:10-01:52] History of the specialty drug market

[01:53-02:43] Categorizing specialty drugs

[02:44-03:26] When UTMB decided to start a specialty program

[03:27-04:18] Building the program

[04:19-05:25] Benefits of the program

[05:26-06:11] Unexpected issues

[06:12-06:54] Where specialty pharmacy is going

[06:55-07:37] Advice for other starting specialty pharmacy programs

[07:38-08:21] Reasons to start a specialty pharmacy

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Health system margins are shrinking making pharmacy spend a growing opportunity target. MultiCare Health System departs from historical methods with an exciting, multifaceted approach to the issue. Dr. Tyson Frodin, Assistant Vice President Pharmacy Supply Chain, Rev Cycle, Technology MultiCare Health System-Pharmacy Services, joins Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your program host to give his thoughts on this issue.

Guest speakers:

Tyson Frodin, PharmD, MHA, FACHE

Assistant Vice President

Pharmacy Supply Chain, Rev Cycle, Technology

MultiCare Health System-Pharmacy Services

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:46-01:31] Dr. Tyson Frodin background information

[01:32-02:39] What drove the need for MultiCare’s pharmacy spend initiative

[02:40-08:42] Multi-pronged plan for MultiCare’s pharmacy spend initiative

[08:43-10:20] What surprised MultiCare about the process

[10:21-11:25] Outcomes

[11:26-13:11] Advice they have for other pharmacies who may wanna attempt something like this

[13:12-15:06] What’s in the future for MultiCare

Links | Resources:

Coming soon – New Pharmacy Portal and Pharmacy Analytics platform

We're excited to announce the launch of our new Pharmacy Portal on March 25th, alongside the rebranding of Vizient Savings Actualyzer – Pharmacy (VSAP) to Pharmacy Analytics.

The Pharmacy Portal is designed to be a comprehensive hub, offering a wide range of pharmacy tools and metrics, all accessible in one convenient location. With the rebranding to Pharmacy Analytics, we're introducing upgraded features and functionalities aimed at optimizing contract management, benchmarking spend, evaluating drug shortages and much more.

Join our webinar on March 27, Navigating Vizient Pharmacy Analytics with PMO projections and data, to learn more about the features and benefits of our new Pharmacy Portal and rebranded Pharmacy Analytics platform.

Plus, we will be hosting deeper dive sessions March 18 through April 5 where you can experience the new tools and ask questions of our pharmacy analytics experts. Learn more and sign up for one or multiple sessions.

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The 1984 Hatch-Waxman Act codified the 505(b)(2) drug approval pathway and allowed the use of studies from a previously approved drug. To be clear, medications approved via this pathway are not generic molecules of the reference listed drug. They may have similar clinical effects and roles in therapy, but they also bring challenges. Dr. Tyler Wood, System Director of Pharmacy Oncology and Biosimilars, and Pharmacy Executive Director, Carolyn Liptak at Vizient, join Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your program host to give an early look.

Guest speakers:
Tyler Wood, PharmD, BCBBS
System Director, Pharmacy Oncology and Biosimilars
Providence St. Joseph Health

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BSPharm
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:55-01:34] Dr. Tyler Wood background information

[01:35-03:09] How the 505(b)(2) pathway is intended to work

[03:10-04:32] Comparisons can we draw from the biologics approval process

[04:33-05:53] What the FDA says about which pathway to use

[05:54-07:05] What's changed recently in the approval process

[07:06-08:09] Can a 505(b)(2) product be rated as a generic equivalent?

[08:10 -09:07] How CMS changes are impacting management

[09:08-11:23] What our providers can do to plan and act to address these issues

[11:24-12:27] What’s most concerning moving forward

Links | Resources:

Applications Covered by 505(b)(2)

Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System: January 2024 Update

MLN Matters® Articles Sign-up

CMS.gov ASP Pricing Files

CMS.gov What's a MAC

Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs

FDA: Overview of the 505(b)(2) Regulatory Pathway for New Drug Applications

HCPCS Level II Coding for 505(b)(2)-Approved Drugs or Biologicals – Frequently Asked Questions

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Pneumococcal vaccines have been instrumental in decreasing invasive disease since their introduction in the 1980s. 2021 brought regulatory changes and recent ACIP recommendations were published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, also known as MMWR. Dr. John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information shares his insights on these changes with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speaker: 
John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Host: 
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS 
Pharmacy Executive Director 
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes: 

Recorded in the Fall of 2023

[01:00-03:34] What’s new since March 2022 with pneumococcal vaccines

[03:35-06:51] Changes with the adult recommendations

[06:52-13:10] New recommendations from CDC as well as published recommendations for adults

[13:11-19:05] Recommendations for Pneumococcal vaccines in pediatrics

[19:06-21:46] The area of biggest risk moving forward

[21:47-24:07] What we are looking at for the future

Links | Resources: 

Vizient pneumococcal vaccine side-by-side comparison Click Here

ACIP pneumococcal vaccine recommendations Click Here

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Vizient publishes our Pharmacy Market Outlook twice a year. The outlook features drug price projections and key market insights to help support members' strategic planning. Drs. Jeni Hayes and Amanda Frick, both Senior Clinical Managers for Market Intelligence, join Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence and your program host to give an early look.

Guest speakers:

Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MSPharm, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence

Vizient

Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence

Vizient

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:42-03:08] Areas of focus 2024 highlighted in this Pharmacy Market Outlook

[03:09-05:35] The table of new and noteworthy approvals and some of the approvals that you were most excited to see

[05:36-07:05] Some drugs that you're looking forward to seeing approved in 2024

[07:06-08:25] What are you hearing from our members on their experiences and challenges with cellular and gene therapies?

[08:26-10:57] What else is going on in the specialty space

[10:58-12:14] Specialty pharmacy sustained growth that we've seen for patients in the acute care space

[12:15 -14:39] What's the projection for this edition

[14:40-14:24] Where listeners go if they want more detailed information on the outlook

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook provider link: Click Here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights public version: Click Here

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Anti-Microbial Stewardship Programs are critical to optimizing utilization, mitigating resistance, and improving patient outcomes. These programs are continuously refined, and recent updates to The Joint Commission standards provide an opportunity to enhance our approach. Dr. Ripal Jariwala, Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist, and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco, and Dr. Ethan A. Smith, Clinical Infectious Diseases Specialist at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, join host Gretchen Brummel to discuss the revised standards and implications for pharmacy.

Guest speakers:

Dr. Ripal Jariwala, PharmD, BCIDP, AAHIVP

Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist, and Assistant Clinical Professor UCSF

Dr. Ethan A. Smith, PharmD., BCIDP

Clinical Infectious Diseases Specialist

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:01-01:47] The guests background

[01:48-02:58] Brief update of the recent changes to Antimicrobrial Stewardship

[02:59-07:35] Interpreting the new EP-10 Joint Commission standard about financial and IT resources

[07:36-11:23] The current landscape on FTEs to support antimicrobial stewardship

[11:24-15:13] EP15 on evidence-based use of antibiotics considerations

[15:14-18:27] How do you approach meeting the revised standard on data collection analysis and recording for EP20

[18:28 -21:23] Other standards besides the joint commission standards that people need to be aware of

[21:24-23:34] Other related work going on in this space

[23:35-26:54] More information or other resources to find those items about antimicrobial stewardship

Links | Resources:

Knowledge on the Go Podcast: Updates for Antimicrobial Stewardship Standards

VHA directive 1031: Click here

CDC Updates on Antibiotic Stewardship and Required Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Reporting – On Demand: CDC Updates OnDemand2023 document and Click here to play recording

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The Drug Supply Chain Security Act was designed to ensure the safety and integrity of our nation’s drug supply and prevent counterfeit medications from entering the market. In this third of a four-part series, Carolyn Liptak and Dwight deVera share their insights on FDA final DSCSA guidance with host Gretchen Brummel and how member providers can be ready.

Guest speakers:
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BSPharm
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Dwight deVera
VP of Healthcare Intelligence
Inmar

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:44-01:14] Dwight’s background

[01:15-02:20] What Carolyn and Dwight are hearing in the market

[02:21-03:39] Carolyn and Dwight’s thoughts on taking that stabilization period as an opportunity to wait

[03:40-05:22] Meeting the deadline on GLN’s

[05:23-06:59] Issue with having duplicate GLNs for a single site

[07:00-07:43] How Dwight is advising clarity on a timeline with the quarantine process

[07:44-09:23] Other tools our members need to know about if they have a suspect product investigation

[09:24-10:30] Comments and advice from Dwight and Carolyn

Links | Resources:

Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) portal

FDA Requests Feedback on Enhanced Drug Distribution Security Implementation Progress

Enhanced Drug Distribution Security at the Package Level Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)

Wholesale Distributor Verification Requirement for Saleable Returned Drug Product and Dispenser Verification Requirements When Investigating a Suspect or Illegitimate Product—Compliance Policies

DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs Guidance for Industry

Enhanced Drug Distribution Security Requirements Under Section 582(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act – Compliance Policies

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RSV infections are not new and have devastating impacts. The recent advent of new prevention strategies has renewed the focus on the disease with a hopeful outlook. For the last 25 years, the only FDA approved product preventing RSV, lower respiratory tract disease, was palivizumab or Synagis, a monoclonal antibody indicated for use in high risk infants children and administered intramuscularly monthly throughout the RSV season.

In May, the first ever RSV vaccines were approved, Arexvy and Abrysvo. These two new RSV vaccines were approved for use in adults greater than or equal to 60 years of age. In August this year, one of the RSV vaccines, Abrysvo, also received approval for expanded use for maternal vaccination to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants.

Nirsevimab or Beyfortus, a new long-acting monoclonal antibody, was approved in July for prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants and children. Compared with palivizumab, nirsevimab is indicated for a much broader patient population including recommended use in all infants less than eight months of age, born during or entering their first RSV season.

The rollout of nirsevimab has proved challenging due to supply shortages, among other factors. Today we discuss the new RSV prevention strategies, focusing on the pediatric patient population, as well as the recent shortages with nirsevimab. Dr. Deb Bondi, Dr. Nikolai Dahl, as well as Dr. Kyle Hoelting from Vizient join guest host Vizient’s John Schoen for today's podcast.

Guest speakers:

Deb Bondi, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, BCPPS

Pediatric Clinical Coordinator, NICU Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, and PGY2 Pediatric Pharmacy Residency Program Director

UChicago Medicine, Comer Children's Hospital

Nikolai Dahl, PharmD

Utilization and Formulary Program Manager

John Muir Health

Kyle Hoelting, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Shortages and Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:

John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:39-04:09] Update on where everything currently stands with the Nirsevimab supply and what led to the shortage

[04:10-05:01] Information on whether or not there's going to be additional supply of either the 50 mg or 100 mg syringes later this season

[05:02-06:01] Resources related to mitigating this nirsevimab shortages

[06:02-10:29] What University of Chicago and John Muir Health are doing with these new RSV vaccines and the new monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus

[10:30-13:15] Formulary decisions University of Chicago and John Muir Health make around nirsevimab and palivizumab

[13:16-15:24] Organizational preference for the maternal RSV vaccine or nirsevimab

[15:25-20:33] Other logistical issues with either nirsevimab or the maternal RSV vaccines, such us scope of practice consideration, stocking of the VFC product in patient education, et cetera

[20:34-22:01] Payment of billing issues either University of Chicago or John Muir Health experienced for either nirsevimab or the maternal RSV vaccine

[22:02-24:57] Clinical pearls or advice related to these new prevention strategies

Links | Resources:

Vizient member RSV resources

RSV vaccines in adults side-by-side comparison

RSV monoclonal antibodies in pediatrics side-by-side comparison

FAQ pediatric RSV prevention strategies

Minute Market Insight on nirsevimab shortage

Mitigation strategy on nirsevimab shortage

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With healthcare complexity and workforce challenges increasing across the board, there's opportunity for pharmacies to take on new roles to improve patient care. Dr. Jill Michaud, system director of pharmacy at Aspirus Health, joins us to share their innovative approach to expanding pharmacy services with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Jill Michaud, PharmD, MS-HA
System Director of Pharmacy
Aspirus Health

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:49-01:55] Aspirus and Jill’s role there

[01:56-04:27] Activities that Jill’s staff is doing

[04:28-06:48] Work they are doing in the oncology space

[06:49-07:27] Making Aspirus Health’s approach to public relations and marketing activities with regards pharmacy a priority.

[07:28-09:17] Is that included in residency recruitment, or more of a surprise when they get there

[09:18-11:37] Advice do you have for other pharmacies who may be faced with challenges

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The Drug Supply Chain Security Act was designed to ensure the safety and integrity of our nation’s drug supply and prevent counterfeit medications from entering the market. In this second of a four-part series, Carolyn Liptak, Eric Marshall, and Josh Bolin share their insights on FDA final DSCSA guidance with host Gretchen Brummel and how member providers can be ready.

Guest speakers:

Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BSPharm

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Eric Marshall

Principal at Leavitt Partners

Executive Director of the Partnership for DSCSA Governance

Josh Bolin

Associate Executive Director, Government Affairs and Innovation

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

Host:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:55-02:27] Josh and Eric’s backgrounds

[02:28-03:36] What we need to know for DSCSA implementation on November 27th

[03:37-05:10] NABP view of FDA DSCSA guidance

[05:11-07:27] PDG view of FDA DSCSA guidance

[07:28-08:23] Next steps for DSCSA compliance that our members should be focusing on

[08:24-11:11] Why it is important to have documented policies and procedures to ensure compliance

[11:12-12:28] Where organizations that need help with creating those policies and procedures go

[12:29-15:24] How the 24-hour time frame is defined since medications are not traced within a hospital

[15:25-18:17] DSCSA regulatory responsibilities are shared between the FDA and state boards of pharmacy

[18:18-21:26] How we account for traceability across state lines and what should we expect in the future

[21:27-23:49] Some complexities here especially around 340B medications

[23:50-24:54] Where verification has to occur: data flowing from the manufacturer to the covered entity, but the product is flowing to the actual contracted pharmacy

[24:55-26:30] Last thoughts on how our members can be set for DSCSA

Links | Resources:

Enhanced Drug Distribution Security at the Package Level Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)

Wholesale Distributor Verification Requirement for Saleable Returned Drug Product and Dispenser Verification Requirements When Investigating a Suspect or Illegitimate Product—Compliance Policies

DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs Guidance for Industry

Enhanced Drug Distribution Security Requirements Under Section 582(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act – Compliance Policies

NABP Links:

https://nabp.pharmacy

https://nabp.pharmacy/pulse

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Intranasal administration of medications is on the rise for both on and off label uses. Dr. Mark Donaldson, Associate Principal and Dr. Philippe Mentler Senior Consulting Director, both at Vizient join host Gretchen Brummel for two episodes, sharing details on these drugs, their actions and indications.

Guest speakers:
Mark Donaldson, BSP, RPH, PHARMD, FASHP, FACHE
Associate Principal
Vizient

Philippe Mentler, PHARMD, BCPS
Senior Consulting Director
Vizient

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:33 - 02:50] Why you would choose intra-nasal administration of an agent over some of the other non-oral or non-IV routes

[02:51 - 6:05] Some practical considerations people should be aware of, particularly when not to use these agents

[6:06 - 7:12] Some of the implications for the pediatric population

[7:13 - 12:10] What we have to look forward to in the future in this space

[12:11 - 13:46] What our frontline pharmacy staff should know about these medications

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Intranasal administration of medications is on the rise for both on and off label uses. Dr. Mark Donaldson, Associate Principal and Dr. Philippe Mentler Senior Consulting Director, both at Vizient join host Gretchen Brummel for two episodes, sharing details on these drugs, their actions and indications.

Guest speakers:
Mark Donaldson, BSP, RPH, PHARMD, FASHP, FACHE
Associate Principal
Vizient

Philippe Mentler, PHARMD, BCPS
Senior Consulting Director
Vizient

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:16 - 03:46] Why the nose is a good target for medication administration

[03:47 - 5:49] Some things you need to consider when administering medications intra-nasally

[5:50 - 8:13] Some of the labeled and off-label intra-nasal medications and their indications

[8:14 - 9:15] What we should be thinking about in terms of safety

[9:16 - 10:06] Wrong route, have you seen that in your practice, or have there been reports of that in the literature

[10:07 - 15:10] How some of these drugs are used in dental medicine

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Pharmacy residents can experience burnout during their training, and as preceptors, it is our responsibility to work to prevent this. Practicing Mindfulness can help. Glenn Kuz, Clinical Pharmacist at UW Medicine and certified mindfulness meditation practitioner joins Gretchen Brummel to discuss a formal training program he developed for the residents at UW Medicine, providing a safe patient care environment and improving their own wellbeing.

Guest speakers:
Glenn Kuz, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
UW Medicine

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:49 - 01:37] Glenn’s background

[01:38 - 3:50] How Glenn got interested in using Mindfulness Practice to help pharmacy residents during their training

[3:51 - 5:48] Glenn’s training program

[5:49 - 8:54] Literature that supports Glenn’s program

[8:55 - 10:51] The impact of the program

[10:52 - 12:22] Future plans

[12:23 - 13:13] Glenn’s recommendations for other pharmacy programs looking to start a similar program

Links | Resources:

https://www.rickhanson.net/

Resilient by Rick Hanson, PhD

gkuw@uw.edu

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Vizient recently published a paper on the impact of oncology drug shortages for patients and provider members. Drs. Carina Dolan and Jeni Hayes share their insights of the causes and how to improve things moving forward with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Carina Dolan, PharmD, MS, BCOP
AVP of Market Intelligence
Vizient Pharmacy Solutions

Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MSPharm, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager, Market Intelligence
Vizient Pharmacy Solutions

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:48-01:52] Drugs included in shortage of cancer drugs report

[01:53-02:58] How we define drug shortages

[02:59-04:03] Specific event that precipitated the oncology drug shortage

[04:04- 05:39] Overall impact on the sales for these medications

[05:40-07:25] What demand are we seeing for these medications

[07:26-08:23] How Vizient Pharmacy Program participants have been affected

[08:24-09:59] Looking at the shortage severity and its impact on Vizient Pharmacy Program participants

[10:06-12:13] How we improve things moving forward

[12:14-13:49] What front line pharmacy staff should know about these shortages

Links | Resources:

Evaluating the impact of the oncology drug shortage white paper

Evaluating the impact of the oncology drug shortage fact sheet

Vizient: Lack of Information Across Supply Chain Exacerbating Oncology Drug Shortage press release

Webinar: Oncology insights: new therapies and drug shortages

Drug shortage: Oncology agents mitigation strategy

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The Drug Supply Chain Security Act was designed to ensure the safety and integrity of our nation’s drug supply and prevent counterfeit medications from entering the market. Carolyn Liptak shares her insights on DSCSA with host Gretchen Brummel and how member providers can be ready.

Guest speakers:
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BSPharm
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Host:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:01-02:32] The DSCSA at its core

[02:33-06:25] The different responsibilities of manufacturers, repackagers, wholesalers, and distributors

[06:26-08:47] What things should have been taken care of already

[08:48-10:34] What is a GLN? How do I get one, who needs one?

[10:35-11:39] What Vizient has done to help our provider members get ready for this

[11:40-14:26] What happens on November 27th, 2023

[14:27-16:11] The impact of the recent FDA announcement

Links | Resources:

Vizient DSCSA page - Click Here

How to obtain GLNs - Click Here

DSCSA SBS - Click Here

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In our last episode of VerifiedRx, Lisa Hanlon, Medication Safety and Compliance Specialist at Penn State Health, Hershey Medical Center and Heart Rhythm Meditation practitioner, shared the connection between medication safety and meditation by exploring the science, methods and rationale around cultivating stress resilience strategies such as meditation and their impact on not only personal but also professional performance. Today, Gretchen welcomes Lisa back to explore meditation for newcomers and lead an example meditation session.

Guest speakers:

Lisa M Hanlon, BS Pharm, RPh

Medication Safety and Compliance Specialist

Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:33 - 13:17] Lisa’s guides a meditation session

Links | Resources:

iamHeart website

Connecting With Heart - iamHeart

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Medication safety is top of mind for all pharmacy professionals, and being present and resilient is integral to safe and effective patient care. Lisa Hanlon, Medication Safety and Compliance specialist at Penn State Health, Hershey Medical Center and Heart Rhythm Meditation practitioner joins Gretchen Brummel to walk us through the methods, science and reasoning behind mindfulness and meditation as key tools for providing a safe patient care environment and improving our own wellbeing.

Guest speakers:

Lisa M Hanlon, BS Pharm, RPh

Medication Safety and Compliance Specialist

Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:45 - 02:13] Lisa’s background

[02:14 - 3:57] How Lisa started meditation and applied it in her work

[3:58 - 5:37] How Lisa connects mindfulness and medication safety

[5:38 - 8:06] The differences between meditation and mindfulness

[8:06 - 9:47] Key things Lisa shares about meditation and mindfulness

[9:48 - 12:04] Examples of things that we could avoid just by being more present in our work

[12:05 - 13:11] Lisa’s recommendations on how to get started with a practice

[13:12 - 13:51] What Lisa wants frontline pharmacy staff to know about meditation

Links | Resources:

iamHeart website

Connecting With Heart - iamHeart

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievements of our pharmacy members. 3 winners of the 2022 Excellence in Public Policy Award, Jacqueline Blake, Drs. Leeann Miller and Marjorie Lazarre, all from Yale New Haven Health, join Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence at Vizient, and your program host to discuss advancing pharmacy practice through public policy.

Guest speakers:

LeeAnn Miller, PharmD, MS, CPEL

Vice President, Chief Pharmacy Officer

Yale New Haven Health

Marjorie Lazarre, PharmD, MBA

Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer

Corporate Pharmacy Services

Yale New Haven Health

Jacqueline Blake, Esq Senior Government Relations Officer

Yale New Haven Health

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:42-01:48] Amber, Marie and Steph backgrounds

[01:49-03:11] Why advocacy is so important

[03:12 - 05:06] How to justify focusing on advocacy

[05:07- 06:36] How to get started in advocacy

[06:37-08:31] Getting away from, "We've always done it this way

[08:31 - 12:43] Changes in advocacy over their careers

[12:44 - 13:54] Maintaining momentum

[13:55 - 17:33] Real world wins and examples of successes

[17:34 - 21:05] Partners to propel their messages forward

[21:06 - 23:34] Things folks should look out for

[23:35 - 25:42] Their advice around advocacy

[25:43 - 26:25] Future plans

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards

Overview document

About the program

2022 award winners

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievements of our pharmacy members. 3 winners of the 2022 Excellence in Public Policy Award, Drs. Amber Zaniewski, Steph Luon, and Marie Renauer, all from Yale New Haven join Gretchen Brummel, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence at Vizient, and your program host to discuss advancing pharmacy practice through public policy.

Guest speakers:

Steph Luon, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP

Manager, Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Services

Yale New Haven Hospital

Marie M. Renauer, PharmD, MBA, BCACP Associate Director, Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Services

Yale New Haven Hospital

Amber Zaniewski, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP System Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services

Yale New Haven Hospital, Corporate Pharmacy Services

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:43-01:28] Amber, Marie and Steph backgrounds

[01:29-5:17] Identifying the need for public policy changes

[5:18 - 06:36] Key stakeholders they partnered with

[06:37-11:58] How the process unfolded and results

[11:59-12:55] Challenges along the way

[12:56 - 15:59] Positive impacts

[16:00 - 18:12] Advice for Pharmacy Professionals

[18:13 - 18:41] Future plans

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards

Overview document

About the program

2022 award winners

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Jeni Hayes and Shannon Holden share insights on the Summer 2023 Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook with host Gretchen Brummel. Jeni, and Shannon discuss the outlook’s projection, and ways that frontline staff can use the report.

Guest speakers: Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MSPharm, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager for Pharmacy Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Shannon Holden, PharmD, BCACP, CACP Senior Clinical Manager for Ambulatory Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:45-01:37] Enhancements and improvements in the Pharmacy Market Outlook this summer

[01:38-02:24] Hot topics for this edition of the PMO

[02:25-03:36] Expectations of adalimumab biosimilars

[03:37-5:03] Spending impact on medications to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

[5:04-6:50] Insight into the new cardio-metabolic and neurology sections

[6:51-8:43] Should we expect to see continued growth in spending on oncology agents

[8:44-10:31] Final projection number for this edition

[10:32-12:38] How frontline staff can use PMO in their work

[12:39-13:05] Where to get more detailed information on PMO

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook Member link: Click Here

Click here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights public version: Click Here

Semaglutide: weighing the pros and cons for use in pediatrics

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievement of our pharmacy members. The winner of the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award implements novel strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of medication utilization. Christine Collins, Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Lifespan, this year’s winner of the Executive Pharmacy Leadership Award, joins Vizient’s own Dan Kistner, Group Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions and host Gretchen Brummel to discuss advanced leading clinical practices, and business acumen for an entire organization.

Guest speakers: Christine Collins, MBA, RPh, FASHP Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer LifeSpan

Dan Kistner, PharmD Group Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[10:07 - 10:06] How we are doing with succession planning, and preparing the next generation of leaders

[10:07 - 13:12] What we have to look forward to in the future

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards

Overview document

About the program

2022 award winners

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievement of our pharmacy members. The winner of the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award implements novel strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of medication utilization. Christine Collins, Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Lifespan, this year’s winner of the Executive Pharmacy Leadership Award, joins Vizient’s own Dan Kistner, Group Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions and host Gretchen Brummel to discuss advanced leading clinical practices, and business acumen for an entire organization.

Guest speakers: Christine Collins, MBA, RPh, FASHP Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer LifeSpan

Dan Kistner, PharmD Group Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:28 - 03:01] Christine’s background

[03:02 - 04:22] Dan’s Background

[04:23 - 09:35] Programs and expansion at LifeSpan

[09:36 - 19:18] Trends in executive pharmacy leadership

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Every year, the Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievements of Vizient member pharmacies. In 2022, the MD Anderson Pharmacy Division won the Excellence and Performance Improvement Award for working toward a just culture through education and evaluation of adverse events. Dr. Marisa Mendoza and Dr. Ali-Reza Shah-Mohammed provide the details of their successful program.

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Guests: Marisa Mendoza, PharmD, CHCP, CPHQ Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Pharmacy Continuing Education Program MD Anderson Cancer Center

Ali-Reza Shah-Mohammadi, PharmD, MS, FISMP, CMQ Medication Safety Consultant Department of Patient Safety MD Anderson Cancer Center

Show Notes:

[02:21] Just Culture and the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire

[04:11] First steps

[05:40] Importance of the gap analysis

[06:22] Educating all staff, not just leadership

[07:43] Passion counts

[09:03] Three misconceptions about Just Culture

[11:19] Staff response and implementation

[12:44] How to get started

[14:49] Future plans

Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards

Overview document

About the program

2022 award winners

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievement of our pharmacy members. The winners of the Excellence and Innovation Award implement an innovative approach to challenging patient care or operational practice issues with other departments or disciplines. Dr Kelsey Waier, director of operations; Dr. Jon Hutchinson, senior pharmacy supervisor; and Dr. Stephanie Kang, COVID vaccine coordinator from UCSF Health join host Gretchen Brummel to discuss their award-winning program.

Guest speakers: Kelsey Waier, PharmD Director of Operations UCSF Health

Jon Hutchinson, PharmD Senior Pharmacy Supervisor UCSF Health

Stephanie Kang, PharmD COVID Vaccine coordinator UCSF Health

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:55 - 02:40] Kelsey, Jon, Stephanie roles at UCSF

[02:44 - 04:00] Others integral to the award

[04:01 - 06:19] Innovative approach to COVID vaccines

[06:20 - 07:49] What else differentiates their efforts

[07:50 - 09:28] Demonstrating Success

[09:29 - 11:22] Future plans for the program

[11:22 - 12:17] What would you like frontline pharmacy staff to know

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards

Overview document

About the program

2022 award winners

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Over the last century, delivery models and business practices in community pharmacy drastically changed. In recent years, we’ve seen this trend accelerate significantly. Dr. Randy McDonough CEO-Co-Owner of Towncrest Pharmacy discusses the challenges, positive opportunities within community pharmacy and how to take back the profession with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speaker: Randy McDonough, RPh, PharmD, MS, BCGP, BCPS, FAPhA CEO/Co-Owner Towncrest Pharmacies, Towncrest LTC, and Towncrest Wellness Apothecary

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:45 - 03:37] Randy’s background

[03:38 - 13:21] Challenges facing community pharmacy right now and how to address those challenges

[13:22 - 19:56] Shifting the pharmacy narrative towards entrepreneurialism

[19:57 - 22:04] Vision for the future

[22:05 - 22:53] Where people learn more about Randy’s approach to community pharmacy

[22:54 - 25:14] What recent new practitioners, graduates and pharmacy students should know about community pharmacy and how can they contribute

Links | Resources:

CPESN USA

Towncrest Pharmacy

Randy McDonough: LinkedIn profile

Advancing & Transforming Pharmacy

Blueberry Pharmacy

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The expanding market for long-acting, injectable bupivacaine gives clinicians multiple, additional anesthetic options. Dr. Kerry Schwarz and Dr. John Schoen both Senior Clinical Managers in the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, join Gretchen Brummel to discuss a recent Vizient Expert Panel on the topic.

Guest speakers:
Dr. Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH
Senior Clinical Manager
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Dr. John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Clinical Manager
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:50 - 01:40] Kerry’s background

[01:40 - 05:26] What's happening in the long-acting bupivacaine market

[05:27 - 07:00] Why Vizient wants to look at this

[07:01 - 11:36] Details on the expert panel process

[11:37 - 13:07] What evidence Vizient reviews

[13:08 - 14:21] Questions John reviewed in the comparative effectiveness assessment

[14:22 - 16:25] What Kerry assesses in the expert opinion section

[16:26 - 17:08] How these findings can be put into practice

Links | Resources:

Long-acting bupivacaine products: full report (member link)

Long-acting bupivacaine products: panel summary (member link)

Expert panels (member link)

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Managing pharmaceutical spend is a high priority of every health system pharmacy. The road to success is smoother when traveled with trusted partners. Wendy Talley, director of pharmacy and Dr. Ashley Wilson, pharmacy manager from St. Tammany Health System, as well as Dr. Tony Huke, pharmacy executive director and advisory solutions at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence discuss their collaboration with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Wendy Talley, RPh
Director of Pharmacy
St. Tammany Health System

Ashley Wilson, PharmD, MHA
Pharmacy Manager
St. Tammany Health System

Tony Huke, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director and Advisory Solutions
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:58 - 01:55] Wendy, Ashley and Tony’s and backgrounds

[01:56 - 02:58] Challenges and successes at St. Tammany around pharmaceutical spend

[02:59 - 04:21] How Tony added to their efforts

[04:22 - 06:00] Opportunities Tony saw and his approach to providing support

[06:01 - 08:16] Some of the wins that came out of this collaboration

[08:17 - 09:42] What do you want frontline pharmacists to know about when consultants are engaged with an organization

[09:43 - 11:30] Barriers or challenges with this project

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Consulting

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievement of our pharmacy members. The winner of the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award implements novel strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of medication utilization. Dr. Eric Teye Matey, Clinical Pharmacogenomics Pharmacist and Residency Program Director of the PGY-2 Pharmacogenomics program from Mayo Clinic Rochester discusses the forward thinking of the pharmacogenomics program at Mayo with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Eric Teye Matey, PharmD, RPh, MBA
Clinical Pharmacogenomics Pharmacist and Residency Program Director of the PGY-2 Pharmacogenomics program
Mayo Clinic Rochester

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:51 - 04:54] Eric’s role at Mayo and background and integral pharmacogenomics team members

[04:55 - 06:16] Origins of the pharmacogenomics program at Mayo

[06:17 - 07:33] How the program has expanded

[07:34 - 08:35] Accomplishments of the program

[08:36 - 10:08] What frontline pharmacy staff should know about applied pharmacogenomics

[10:09 - 11:08] Future plans for the program

Links | Resources:

ASHP statement

CPIC

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievement of our pharmacy members. Dr. Travis Dick, director of clinical pharmacy practice, research and education and Dave Webster, director of acute care operations, both at the University of Rochester Medical Center discuss URMC’s award winning transformational practice programs with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Dr. Travis Dick, PharmD, MBA
Director of clinical pharmacy practice, research and education
University of Rochester Medical Center

Dr. David Webster, BPharm, RPh, MSBA
Director of acute care operations
University of Rochester Medical Center

Moderator:MBA
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:00 - 01:46] Travis and David’s roles at URMC

[01:47 - 02:58] Integral Team Members to URMC’s Success

[02:59 - 05:32] Supply Chain Success and Recent Wins for the Team

[05:33 - 08:08] Advice for Others Looking to Duplicate URMC’s Success

[08:09 - 09:13] How URMC is Leveraging Technology

[09:14 - 11:11] How is URMC Approaching their Practice Model

[11:12 - 12:01] How Staff Received this Process and Recruiting Impact

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards

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Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards celebrate the values and achievement of our pharmacy members. Dr. Katie Korte, Senior Director and Dr. Steven Lucio, Senior Principal, both at Vizient, discuss importance and the ease of applying for the third year of the Pharmacy Vison Awards with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Dr. Katie Korte, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, BCCCP
Senior Director
Vizient

Dr. Steven Lucio, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Principal
Vizient

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:44 - 01:14] Katie’s background

[01:15 - 02:08] What are the Pharmacy Vision Awards (PVA)

[02:09 - 04:06] Surviving and Thriving in Clinical Practice

[04:07 - 07:37] Specific Categories within PVA

[07:38 - 08:19] Who can apply for PVA

[08:20 - 09:06] When are submissions accepted

[09:07 - 09:34] Winners announcements

[09:35 - 11:13] Considering Applying

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards

Overview document

About the program

2022 award winners

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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted almost every sector imaginable in health care, especially pharmacy practice. Dr. Julie Cunningham, Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer of clinical practice at Mayo Clinic Midwest region, and Dr. Dmitry Walker, Assistant Director, Pharmacy Oncology in Investigational Drug Services at West Virginia University Medicine discuss stopping and starting pharmacy services due to COVID with Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:
Julie Cunningham, PharmD, R.Ph
Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer of clinical practice
Mayo Clinic Midwest Region

Dmitry Walker, PharmD, MS
Assistant Director, Pharmacy Oncology in Investigational Drug Services West Virginia University

Moderator:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:26-03:51] Background of Julie and Dmitry

[03:52-04:47] Understanding impacts of COVID-19 on pharmacy practice

[04:48-09:20] Focus of the Survey

[09:21-16:05] How practices have been impacted from the beginning

[16:06 -18:01] Other shifts in staffing or hiring

[18:02-19:35] Challenges of pediatric RSV and influenza surge

[19:36-22:49] Learning from where we've been through this process

[22:50-25:48] Future predictions

Links | Resources:

Infographics

https://groups.vizientinc.com/amcpn/PDW/PDW%20and%20EC_TechRecruitmentRetentionPulseSurvey_2022.pdf (member link)

https://groups.vizientinc.com/amcpn/PDW/PDW_PharmacyNetwork_PharmacyTechnicianInfographic_2022.pdf (member link)

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For decades, an ultimate solution to drug shortages has eluded healthcare professionals. A new concept that holds promise to get us closer to ending this pervasive problem is drug shortage stewardship (DSS), and on this episode, Steven Lucio takes the host role, with Gretchen Brummel and Kyle Hoelting as the guest experts, to discuss this new and exciting approach.

Moderator:
Steven Lucio, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Principal, Pharmacy Solutions
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Guests:
Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Kyle Hoelting, PharmD, BCPS
Senior Manager for Drug Information
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:36] Defining drug shortage stewardship (DSS)

[03:33] Flattening the curve

[03:53] The story behind drug shortage stewardship

[05:18] A deeper view into the demand side and a more holistic approach

[06:04] Example of how shortages happen

[07:29] A preferable alternative

[09:59] Stewardship of all drugs

[10:35] DSS in the future

Links | Resources:

The one thing you need to know about drug shortage stewardship: Click here

BCG White Paper: Click here

Gretchen Brummel’s email: gretchen.brummel@vizientinc.com

Kyle Hoelting’s email: kyle.hoelting@vizientinc.com

Steven Lucio’s email: steven.lucio@vizientinc.com

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Drug shortages continue to plague patient care and cause significant disruption at all points of the medication use process. Laura Bray, Chief Change Maker at Angels for Change, joins host Gretchen Brummel to address how positive change can be made with drug shortages.

Guest speakers:Laura Bray, BSBA, MBAChief Change MakerAngels for Change

Moderator:Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPSPharmacy Executive DirectorVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:38-04:53] Laura’s story

[04:54-07:55] End Drug Shortages Alliance

[07:56-12:39] BCG white paper

[12:40-13:54] What factors supported the quick process turnaround for the BCG paper

[13:55 -19:17] What frontline pharmacy staff should know about Angels for Change and the End Drug Shortages Alliance

[19:18-21:59] Future plans for EDSA and Angels for Change

Links | Resources:

Angels for Change

End Drug Shortages Alliance

BCG White Paper

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Dr. Shannon Smallwood, senior pharmacy executive, and Dr. Steven Lucio, senior principal in the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence join host Gretchen Brummel to discuss dynamism in the biosimilar market and how pharmacists are compensating by evolving their interactions in a market where third-party payers seem to hold all the cards to provide the best options for patients.

Guest speakers:

Shannon Smallwood, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Pharmacy Executive

Vizient

Steven Lucio, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Principal, Pharmacy Solutions

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:26-02:51] Approaching launch of Adalimumab biosimilars

[02:52-06:27] Conversations hospitals need to be having to prepare

[06:28-011:31] What the voice of the payer saying

[011:32-14:55] Priority list for providers

[14:56-15:43] How Vizient can help

[15:43-20:15] What the future holds

Links | Resources:

Supply resiliency during unprecedented times

Expedited drug reviews in the time of COVID-19 (Part 1)

Expedited drug reviews in the time of COVID-19 (Part 2)

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act: The road to patient safety

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Biosimilars have been around in the U.S. since Zarxio was approved by the FDA in 2015, and the vernacular can get confusing. Dr. Shannon Smallwood, Senior Pharmacy Executive and host Gretchen Brummel address the basics of biosimilars for the masses.

Guest speaker:

Shannon Smallwood, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Pharmacy Executive

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:40-01:25] Biosimilar definition

[01:26-01:52] Comparisons to generic medications

[01:53-02:42] Difference in biobetters and biologics

[02:43-05:18] History of biosimilars

[05:19 -07:05] Payer responsive model

[07:06-08:16] What frontline staff should know about biosimilars

[08:17-09:18] What Shannon is watching for next year

Links | Resources:

nccn.org Click here

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Drs. Shannon Holden and David Bragin-Sanchez share new developments in heart failure pharmacotherapy and guidelines, while stressing the importance of the role of the clinical pharmacist as part of a collaborative team.

Guest speakers:Shannon Holden, PharmD, BCACP, CACPSenior Clinical Director of Ambulatory PharmacyVizient

David Bragin-Sanchez, MD, FACC, FESC, FISCCardiologist MultiCare Pulse Heart Institute

Moderator:Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPSPharmacy Executive DirectorVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:27-04:07] The increased focus on cardiology lately

[04:08-06:47] Recent updates to the guidelines

[06:48-09:05] What clinicians need to know about guidelines moving forward

[09:06-10:47] How guideline changes impact patients and workflow

[10:48-13:42] Other ways pharmacy staff can contribute and what is their role in your clinic

[13:43-16:37] Additional thoughts on role of a pharmacist in this type of clinic

[16:38-19:31] Initiating SGLT2 inhibitors prior to discharge in some heart failure patients

[19:32-23:07] Future roles for pharmacists in this kind of setting

[23:08-25:09] Advice for pharmacists getting involved with this type of clinic setting and these types of patients

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook Member link: Click Here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights public version: Click Here

AHA/ACC/HFSA 2022 Guidelines

CHARM trial

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Carina Dolan, AVP, Clinical Oncology, Pharmacoeconomics & Market Insights at Vizient, and her teammates Jeni Hayes and Shannon Holden share insights on the Winter 2023 Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook with host Gretchen Brummel. Carina, Jeni, and Shannon discuss the outlook’s projection, and ways that frontline staff can use the report.

Guest speakers:Carina Dolan, PharmD, MS, BCOPAVP of Clinical Insights and ForecastingVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MSPharm, BCPSSenior Clinical Manager for Pharmacy Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Shannon Holden, PharmD, BCACP, CACPSenior Clinical Manager for AmbulatoryVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Moderator:Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPSPharmacy Executive DirectorVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:53-02:46] Changes in the Pharmacy Market Outlook this year

[02:47-03:32] Theme for this edition of the PMO

[03:33-07:05] Impact of shift of care to acute care segment

[07:06-9:46] Opportunities for growth in the outpatient space

[9:47-11:33] The year Humira gets first biosimilar on the market

[11:34-12:15] Final projection number for this edition

[12:16-13:01] How frontline staff can use PMO in their work

[13:02-13:30] Where to get more detailed information on PMO

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook Member link: Click here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights public version: Click here

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Drs. Rachel Myers and David Hoff address how to use the KIDs List to help with issue of potentially inappropriate medications and excipients in pediatric patients.

Guest speakers:Rachel Meyers, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, FPPAPediatric Clinical PharmacistRutgers University, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

David Hoff, PharmD, BCPPS, FCCP, FPPAPharmacy Director, Acute CareChildren’s Minnesota

Moderator:Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPSPharmacy Executive DirectorVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:13-03:45] What is the KIDs List?

[03:46-05:43] Why the KIDs List is needed

[05:44-09:26] Putting the KIDs List together

[09:27-11:54] Comparing the KIDs List to Beers Criteria and STOPP/START

[11:55-13:25] Ways clinicians can use KIDs List

[13:26-16:49] Ways clinicians should not use the KIDs List

[16:50-17:39] Future plans for the KIDs list

[17:40-20:16] Unique projects of changes that have come from the KIDs List

[20:17-21:38] How frontline pharmacy staff can leverage use of the list

Links | Resources:

Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics

https://meridian.allenpress.com/DocumentLibrary/PPAG/KIDS-List.pdf

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Dr. Bryan Shaw, Senior Director of Pharmacy Analytics and Informatics. Dr. Purvi Patel, Pharmacy Informatics and Supply Chain Leadership fellow, and Dr. Brian Ortega, Pharmacy Informatics and Supply Chain Leadership PGY2 resident address training the next generation of pharmacy informatics professionals.

Guest speakers:Bryan Shaw, PharmD, DPLA Senior Director, Pharmacy Analytics and Informatics Vizient

Purvi Patel, PharmD, PISCLFellow Vizient

Brian Ortega, PharmD, PISCL PGY2Pharmacy ResidentVizient

Moderator:Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPSPharmacy Executive DirectorVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:51-04:50] Vizient Pharmacy Informatics Training Program

[04:51-06:38] What Interested Brian and Purvi in the Program

[06:39-08:21] What sets Vizient program apart from others

[08:22-11:55] What did the program work on this year

[11:56-15:34] Advice for Pharmacy learners in informatics

Links | Resources:

PGY2 Pharmacy Informatics Residency Program (vizientinc.com)

Clinical Database | Healthcare Database Records (vizientinc.com)

Operational Data Base (vizientinc.com)

UDI fact sheet (vizientinc.com)

Vizient Analysis Shows Ending Unapproved Drugs Initiative Could Save Between $7.52 Billion and $26.59 Billion

PISCL Program application deadline is January 3rd, 2023, please apply at this link:

PISCL Application Link

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Kathryn Merkeley, program director with the Vizient PSO addresses how Patient safety organizations, or PSOs, improve patient safety and quality through the reduction of adverse events.

Guest speakers:Kathryn Merkeley, MHSA, RN, CPPS, PMPPI Program DirectorVizient

Moderator:Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPSPharmacy Executive DirectorVizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:15-02:13] What is a PSO?

[02:14-02:59] Benefits of PSO membership to organizations

[03:00-03:41] How common is it for organizations to belong to a PSO

[03:42-04:37] ROI for health system leaders for belonging to a PSO

[04:38-05:27] How PSOs can support specifically medication safety efforts

[05:28-06:34] Standardizing approach with multiple members to your PSO

[06:35-07:16] Where are PSOs going in the future

[07:17-07:58] How frontline pharmacy staff can get involved in PSOs

Links | Resources:

Vizient Patient Safety Organization

Vizient PSO Blog: Empathetic and Effective Response to Sentinel Events and Root Cause Analysis

Vizient PSO Fact Sheet

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Drs. Meghan Swarthout and Michael Alwan share their challenges around technician recruiting and retention in the current landscape for health care organizations.

Guest speakers: Meghan Swarthout, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, FASHP Director, Pharmacy Patient Care Services and Population Health Johns Hopkins Heath System

Michael Alwan, PharmD, MS Director of Pharmacy Services University of Washington Medical Center

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[02:00-04:27] Setting the stage for the current pharmacy technician landscape

[04:28-06:07] How technician recruiting and retention impacts patient care and organizations

[06:08-10:25] Other strategies to address the issue

[10:26-11:38] Contrast between a career ladder and a career lattice

[11:39-15:14] Other novel approaches

[15:15-17:12] How to track success rate

[17:13-19:55] Progress seen after making changes

[19:56-21:48] How frontline staff can contribute and help improve situation

[21:49-23:03] Advice for folks struggling with the issue

Links | Resources:

Recruitment, Selection, and Retention of Pharmacy Personnel (ashp.org)

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Dr. Lorie Gull, Manager of Pharmacy Operations at UMass Memorial Medical Center and Dr. John Folstad, Pharmacy Operations Manager at Mayo Clinic Health System share their insights on the accelerating shift of eligible patient care out of an in-patient setting, pre and post COVID-19. They also discuss how treating acute care patients through hospital at home programs early adopters are demonstrating success.

Guest speakers:

Lorie Gull, BSPharm, MBA, DPLA

Manager, Pharmacy Operations

UMass Memorial Medical Center

John Folstad, PharmD

Pharmacy Operations Manager

Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:35 -2:47] What is a Hospital at Home program

[02:48-4:35] How patients are admitted to H@H programs

[04:36-5:46] How pharmacy services are incorporated in H@H

[05:47-07:15] How Mayo and UMass programs have developed

[07:16-07:52] Why are these relatively new programs

[07:53-09:22] Pharmacy specific challenges

[09:23-10:00] How payers are managing Hospital at Home patients

[10:01-10:51] Approaches to dispensing controlled substances

[10:52-11:13] Challenges that preclude admitting patients

[11:14-12:01] Position of regulatory agencies

[12:02-12:45] What should frontline pharmacists know about H@H

[12:46-15:10] Pearls for success

[15:11-16:09] The future of H@H programs

Links | Resources:

Hospital-level care for adult patients where they live | Hospital at Home (hahusersgroup.org)

Acute Hospital Care at Home (cms.gov)

Hospital-at-Home (ashp.org)

CMS Announces Comprehensive Strategy to Enhance Hospital Capacity Amid COVID-19 Surge | CMS

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Dr. John Schoen and Dr. Emily Diehl share the complexities and very real potential for errors of the various COVID-19 vaccines. Multiple platforms, volumes, indications, as well as the dilution and storage instructions all contribute to the risk.

Guest speakers: John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information Vizient

Emily Diehl, PharmD, BCPPS Pharmacy Executive Director for CHA Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:53-02:22] Emily and John’s backgrounds

[02:23-07:04] What’s been happening with COVID-19 Vaccines

[07:05-14:53] The concerns right now for adults and children vaccines

[14:54-21:07] What can be done to mitigate the risks

[20:08-22:34] Go to resources when you need clarity

Links | Resources:

Verified Rx: What’s new with pneumococcal vaccines?

CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States

ISMP Errors with COVID Vaccines Lead ISMP’s of Medication Safety Concerns from 2021

Additional risk of age-related mix-ups now that our youngest patients are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines

Age-Related COVID-19 Vaccine Mix-Ups

FDA – EUA page for CV19 Click Here

ASHP – American Society of Health-System Pharmacy Click Here

AAFP – American Academy Family Physicians CV19 resources Click Here

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Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director at Vizient shares her expertise on Medication diversion in today’s health care environment. Diversion is a complex and pervasive issue that challenges health systems and creates significant impacts.

Guest speakers: Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:11-02:35] Why drug diversion is an important issue

[02:36-05:47] Drug diversion technology over the years

[05:48-08:11] How drug diversion software assists in the process

[08:12-10:30] Other gaps in detection

[10:31-12:06] What frontline staff should know about diversion

[12:07-13:21] DEA Drug Take Back Day

Links | Resources:

DEA Drug Takeback Day

HeathcareDiversion.org

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Susan Wescott, MBA, Executive Lead of Clinical Services at Alluma discusses her insights on how clinical collaboration between a health plan and ambulatory pharmacists is an effective equation for improved outcomes and savings.

Guest speaker: Susan Wescott, RPh, MBA Executive Lead of Clinical Services Alluma

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:45 - 05:02] Why Mayo Clinic ventured into this space

[05:03 - 08:00] What about biosimilars

[08:01 -10:18] What differentiates Alluma’s approach

[10:19 -12:35] How the pandemic impacted Alluma’s patients

[12:36 -15:30] How can Frontline Pharmacy staff utilize this in their daily work?

[15:31 -17:38] Where this is moving in the future

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Dr. Mandy Leonard, Senior Director of Drug Use Policy and Formulary Management at Cleveland Clinic and Steven Lucio, Senior Principal in Pharmacy Solutions at Vizient discuss their insights on the approval, role, and coverage of Aducanumab, the first drug in a new class approved for Alzheimer’s by the FDA’s accelerated approval process.

Guest speakers: Mandy Leonard, PharmD, BCPS Senior Director of Drug Use Policy and Formulary Management Cleveland Clinic

Steven Lucio, PharmD, BCPS Senior Principal in Pharmacy Solutions Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:47 -3:06] Other factors driving aducanumab formulary decision making

[03:07-6:35] How CMS is managing this medication

[06:36-9:04] What should patients and families know about this medication?

[09:05-12:33] What frontline pharmacists should know about this medication

Links | Resources:

To use Aduhelm or not to use Aduhelm- that is the question…now what is the evidence? Part 1

EMERGE and ENGAGE

American Academy of Neurology statement

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Dr. Mandy Leonard, Senior Director of Drug Use Policy and Formulary Management at Cleveland Clinic and Steven Lucio, Senior Principal in Pharmacy Solutions at Vizient discuss their insights on the approval, role, and coverage of Aducanumab, the first drug in a new class approved for Alzheimer’s by the FDA’s accelerated approval process.

Guest speakers: Mandy Leonard, PharmD, BCPS Senior Director of Drug Use Policy and Formulary Management Cleveland Clinic

Steven Lucio, PharmD, BCPS Senior Principal in Pharmacy Solutions Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:20 -4:16] How aducanumab fits into the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

[04:17-8:29] Accelerated Approval process and Aducanumab

[08:30-14:38] Aducanumab trials and efficacy

[14:39-17:24] Aducanumab trials and safety

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EMERGE and ENGAGE

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Dr. James Braun, Neurosciences Pharmacy Clinical Specialist at SSM Health St. Louis, and Dr. Kyle Hoelting, Senior Manager of Drug Information at Vizient, continue to share their insights on the use of TNK vs Alteplase for treating acute ischemic stroke. They also discuss the nuances of this therapeutic area and share recent work from an expert panel led by Vizient.

Guest speakers: James Braun, PharmD, BCCCP Neurosciences Pharmacy Clinical Specialist SSM Health

Kyle Hoelting, PharmD, BCPS Senior Manager of Drug Information Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:30-3:59] Medication safety risks associated with thrombolytics

[04:00-4:42] Using one drug over another

[04:43-6:48] How frontline pharmacy staff can utilize this information

[06:49-11:44] What Vizient can add to the discussion

[11:45-11:55] When report will be released

Links | Resources:

Tenecteplase vs alteplase in acute ischemic stroke: Vizient expert panel

Verified Rx: Evidenced based medicine Click here

Verified Rx: Show me the data! Updates on the evidence of thrombolytic use in ischemic strokes Click here

Verified Rx: Information overload: tips and tricks for staying on top of the literature, part 1 Click here

Verified Rx: Information overload: tips and tricks for staying on top of the literature, part 2 Click here

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Carina Dolan, Editor in Chief of Vizient’s Pharmacy Market Outlook and Senior Director of Clinical Oncology and Pharmaceutical Outcomes at Vizient, shares insights on the Summer 2022 Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook with host Gretchen Brummel. Carina discusses the outlook’s projection, impact of inflation, and ways that frontline staff can use the report.

Guest speakers: Carina Dolan, PharmD, MS, BCOP Senior Director of Clinical Oncology and Pharmaceutical Outcomes Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:45-1:21] Final Projection for this issue

[01:22-1:57] Highlights from this issue

[01:58-2:48] How inflation currently impacts drug prices and projections

[02:49-3:34] How frontline staff can use outlook

[03:35-4:16] Unexpected trends emerging

[04:17-5:03] Key forecast issues

[05:04-5:35] Where listeners can go for more detailed information

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook Member link: Click Here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights public version: Click Here

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Dr. James Braun, Neurosciences Pharmacy Clinical Specialist at SSM Health St. Louis, and Dr. Kyle Hoelting, Senior Manager of Drug Information at Vizient, share their insights on the use of tenecteplase vs alteplase for treating acute ischemic stroke. They also discuss the nuances of this therapeutic area and share recent work from an expert panel led by Vizient.

Guest speakers: James Braun, PharmD, BCCCP Neurosciences Pharmacy Clinical Specialist SSM Health

Kyle Hoelting, PharmD, BCPS Senior Manager of Drug Information Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:58-3:00] James’ background and his role in the treatment of stroke patients

[03:01-5:09] History of tenecteplase and alteplase for ischemic stroke

[05:10-6:56] Information about trials of alteplase

[06:57-8:11] Where Tenecteplase fits in discussion

[08:12-9:51] Differences with tenecteplase and alteplase to clinicians

[9:52-12:00] What studies say about potential, practical advantages of tenecteplase

[12:01-19:55] Making the switch between agents

Links | Resources:

Verified Rx: Evidenced based medicine Click here

Verified Rx: Show me the data! Updates on the evidence of thrombolytic use in ischemic strokes Click here

Verified Rx: Information overload: tips and tricks for staying on top of the literature, part 1 Click here

Verified Rx: Information overload: tips and tricks for staying on top of the literature, part 2 Click here

Identifying errors and safety considerations in patients undergoing thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke Click here

EXTEND-IA TNK Click here

Australian-TNK Click here

Meta-analysis NIHSS outcomes Click here

NOR-TEST Click here

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Dr. David Aguero, Director, Medication Systems and Informatics, and Dr. Ben Moore, Pharmaceutical Data Analytics Coordinator at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital winners of the Vizient Pharmacy Vision Award for excellence in pharmacy analytics, discuss their program that used analytics to design a program that positioned pharmacy as an internal service line with defined business goals with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers: David Aguero, PharmD, MSTL, dPLA Director, Medication Systems and Informatics St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Ben Moore, PharmD, MS Pharmaceutical Data Analytics Coordinator St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:13-2:42] Background information on pharmaceutical services, informatics, analytics team at St Jude

[02:43-5:23] Building the governance structure at St. Jude

[05:24-7:39] The problem that needed solving

[07:40-10:00] Ultimately, what did they want to accomplish

[10:01-13:58] Approaches that address the issues

[13:59-16:25] Deliverables they were able to reduce as part of this work, and who are their end users

[16:26-18:03] Discovering other opportunities

[18:04-19:48] Outcomes from the work

[19:49-20:44] Role of analytics in health care, specifically in pharmacy

[20:45-21:29] Future plans

[21:30-22:37] Advice for frontline pharmacy staff

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards: Click here

Video

All winners

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Dr. Shirley Wong, Clinical Program Pharmacist, and Dr. Stephanie Hsia, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at UCSF, winners of the Vizient Pharmacy Vision Award for Excellence in clinical practice, discuss their program helped UCSF to reach a system wide goal of 73% blood pressure control in our African American population and close the disparity in hypertension control with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers: Shirley Wong, PharmD, CGP Clinical Program Pharmacist UCSF

Stephanie Hsia, PharmD, MAEd, BCPS, BCPP Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy UCSF

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:01-2:15] What were they trying to accomplish

[02:16-6:14] Approach to address the problem

[06:15-6:55] What's included in their collaborative practice agreement

[06:56-08:37] Pharmacist training requirements to provide these services

[08:38-09:55] Impact of the work on patient outcomes

[09:56-11:49] Other opportunities discovered along the way

[11:50-12:58] Are successes going to encourage other tele-pharmacy programs

[12:59-14:18] Other ways this program influenced patient satisfaction

[14:19-14:50] Future plans

[14:51-15:54] Advice for frontline pharmacy staff

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards: Click here

Video - https://youtu.be/HHtD-83ld0E

All award winners

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In the third and final part of this series on cyber preparedness, Michael Ostrander, AVP of Data Governance, and Randy Gerwitz, Senior Consulting Director in Pharmacy Solutions, both at Vizient, talk about data governance and insuring appropriate access to information and how data mismanagement compromises system security.

Guest speakers: Michael Ostrander AVP of Data Governance Vizient

Randy Gerwitz, RPh Senior Consulting Director Pharmacy Advisory Solutions Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:40-3:10] Michael’s definition of data governance

[03:11-6:11] Data governance interplay with data integrity

[06:12-8:55] Importance of limiting data access

[8:56-12:04] Data governance in pharmacy and frustrations of frontline practitioners

[12:05-15:24] Legal ramifications

[15:25-20:21] Frontline practitioner strategy and where they go for assistance

[20:22-22:30] 6 days as opposed to 6 hours downtime

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In part two of this three-part series on cyber preparedness, Peter Giordano, Vice President of Security and Compliance, and Randy Gerwitz, Senior Consulting Director in Pharmacy Solutions, both at Vizient, share their thoughts on the challenges that face organizations during a prolonged event, including providing pharmacy services and managing patient care during that downtime.

Guest speakers: Peter Giordano, MS, MIS Vice President of Security and Compliance Vizient

Randy Gerwitz, RPh Senior Consulting Director in Pharmacy Solutions Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:27-2:22] Landscape of cyber security and threats to health systems

[02:23-4:25] Educating staff about risks and actions of leadership teams

[04:26-5:11] Phishing attacks and other illicit strategies

[5:12-7:20] Implications for frontline staff and patient care

[7:21-9:13] Issues and impact of mergers and acquisitions

[9:14-10:16] HIPAA implications

[10:17-10:45] Carrying insurance against events

[10:46-11:49] Implications for Pharmacy

[11:50-13:33] How staff can help protect system

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In this first part of a three-part series on cyber preparedness, Dr. Colleen Malashock, Clinical Pharmacy Manager at Nebraska Medicine, and Randy Gerwitz, Senior Consulting Director in Pharmacy Solutions at Vizient, share their firsthand insights on the impact of cyberattacks to health care facilities and the preparations necessary to providing pharmacy services and managing patient care during the downtime.

Guest speakers: Colleen Malashock, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA Clinical Pharmacy Manager Nebraska Medicine

Randy Gerwitz, RPh Senior Consulting Director in Pharmacy Solutions Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:59-3:24] Colleen’s experience with cyber attack

[03:25-4:00] Advance preparations

[04:01-5:18] Most effective approaches during and after event

[05:19-6:07] What surprised them most about the event

[6:08-6:43] How did clinical services fare

[6:44-7:46] How prepared are systems for this kind of intrusion

[7:47-9:45] Impact on pharmacy staff

[9:46-11:52] Advice for pharmacy and frontline staff

[11:53-13:41] Transitioning to a paper system

Links | Resources:

"Clinicians' experiences and reflections from a health system cyber attack." Click here

Ransomware attacks on hospitals 2022 Click here

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John Schoen, Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information, at Vizient, shares his insights on the history and current state of pneumococcal vaccines within the practitioner community. He also discusses the complexity of ACIP recommendations after the recent addition of two newer vaccines, PCV 20 and PCV 15, and what the future holds for the vaccines.

Guest speaker: John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:51-1:51] John’s background

[01:52-4:22] Pneumococcal vaccines history and current

[04:23-7:30] Significance of vaccines

[07:31-9:33] What’s new with Pneumococcal vaccines

[09:34-12:00] How expanded serotype coverage changes things

[12:01-15:37] Efficacy data points from recent studies

[15:38-16:26] Safety concerns from trials

[16:27-18:51] Current ACIP recommendations

[18:52-23:10] How to deal with the different combinations of vaccines

[23:11-24:37] Safety implications of vaccine combinations

[24:38-25:43] How frontline staff positions itself for appropriate support

[25:44-27:50] What to expect for the future of pneumococcal immunizations

Links | Resources:

Side-by-side comparison for the pneumococcal vaccines

Public access link: Click Here

Member only (comprehensive) link: Click Here

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Stacy Lauderdale, Senior Director of Drug Information, and Kyle Hoelting, Senior Manager of Drug Information at Vizient, share their insights on the history and current state of evidence-based medicine within the practitioner community. They also discuss how to reverse the trend of using anecdotal experience and swing the pendulum back to increased reliance on evidenced based medicine.

Guest speakers: Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS Senior Director of Drug Information Vizient

Kyle Hoelting, PharmD, BCPS Senior Manager of Drug Information Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:55-2:18] Kyle and Stacy’s backgrounds

[02:19-3:45] Evidence Based Medicine definition and history

[03:46-5:54] Current state of EBM

[05:55-10:45] Basic tools of EBM

[10:46-14:29] Difference between clinical and statistical significance

[14:30-15:56] Outcomes

[15:57-18:28] Role of FDA in promoting EBM

[18:29-20:27] How pharmacy and therapeutics committees incorporate EBM

[20:28-21:15] EBM Resources

Links | Resources:

Seigfried RJ, Corbo T, Saltzberg MT, Reitz J, Bennett DA. Deciding which drugs get onto the formulary: a value-based approach Value Health. 2013 Jul-Aug;16(5):901-6.

Riegelman RK, Nelson BA. Studying a Study & Testing a Test: Reading Evidence-Based Health Research. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.

Gehlbach SH. Interpreting the Medical Literature. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 2006.

Malone PM, Malone MJ, Park SK. Drug information: a guide for pharmacists. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 2014.

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Paul Szumita, Clinical Pharmacy Director at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shares how to participate in publishing research by working to fill gaps in the literature. Paul discusses with host Gretchen Brummel different types of publications that pharmacists get involved, some past projects of his own, training you need to publish, and how to get started in publishing work.

Guest speaker:

Paul Szumita, PharmD, FCCM, FASHP, BCCCP, BCPS Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services Brigham and Women's Hospital

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:47-2:10] Paul’s background and current position

[02:11-2:47] Number one piece of advice to start publishing

[02:48-4:42] Fitting publishing into day-to-day work

[04:43-5:56] Different publications to get you involved

[05:57-7:05] Paul’s own projects

[07:06-9:08] Barriers to publishing

[09:09-10:04] Training needed

[10:05-12:59] Process of submitting

[13:00-14:41] Small scale ways to get started

[14:42-18:43] Advantages to solo and team publishing

[18:44-20:23] Future of pharmacy-based publication

Links | Resources:

How-to guide for overcoming barriers of research and scholarship training in Pharm.D. and pharmacy residency programs Click here

Residency research training: Need to rethink the prescription for success? Click here

Barriers to publishing in biomedical journals perceived by a sample of French researchers: results of the DIAzePAM Click here

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Carina Dolan, Editor in Chief of Vizient’s Pharmacy Market Outlook and Senior Director of Clinical Oncology and Pharmaceutical Outcomes at Vizient, shares insights on January’s Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook with host Gretchen Brummel. Carina discusses the outlook’s accuracy, ways that frontline staff can use the report, and the values members can get out of the results.

Guest speakers: Carina Dolan, PharmD, MS, BCOP Senior Director of Clinical Oncology and Pharmaceutical Outcomes Vizient

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:49-1:24] Outlook refresher

[01:25-2:14] What is different in this version

[02:15-3:51] Grading past projections

[03:52-4:33] How frontline staff can use outlook

[04:34-5:28] What surprises are in this version?

[05:29-7:00] New topics in this version

[07:01-10:39] The future forecasts and other useful resources

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook Member link Click here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights public version Click here

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Sara J. Hyland, Clinical Pharmacist at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, returns in Part 2 to share tools, expertise and strategies on how to stay ahead of the overwhelming volume of contributions to in this information age. Sara discusses with host Gretchen Brummel how to develop a multi-pronged system for limiting the workload of keeping up, skimming and drilling strategies and maintaining your system so it stays current.

Guest speaker: Sara J. Hyland, PharmD, BCCCP Clinical Pharmacist OhioHealth Grant Medical Center

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:41-3:25] Ways to limit the workload associated with staying current

[03:26-11:26] Skimming and drilling strategies

[11:26-13:42] Maintaining your system

Links | Resources:

Haines Answer final - ACCP: Click here

How to keep up to date with medical information using web-based resources: a systematised review and narrative synthesis Click here

Keeping Up With the Medical Literature: Why, How, and When? | Stroke Click here

Staying Up to Date and Managing Information Overload Click here

Keeping Up with the Medical Literature: How to Set Up a System - American Family Physician - American Academy of Family Physicians Click here

Learn Like a Pro: Barbara Oakley, PhD: 9781250799371: Amazon.com: Books Click here

50: How to read the medical literature like a journal editor - The Curbsiders Click here

Evidence-Based Strategies to Better Remember What You Learn - learntrepreneurs Click here

Seventy-five trials and eleven systematic reviews a day: how will we ever keep up? - PubMed Click here

Scientific literature: Information overload | Nature Click here

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Erin Fox, Senior Pharmacy Director at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics and winner of the Vizient Pharmacy Vision Award for Excellence in Public Policy, discusses her advocacy with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers: Erin Fox, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP Senior Pharmacy Director University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:05-1:55] What got Erin interested in advocacy

[01:56-2:43 ] How advocacy became a goal

[02:44-3:20] How has Advocacy work progressed and expanded over the years

[03:21-4:18] What Erin is most proud of

[04:19-4:49] What has been most challenging

[04:50-5:45] Advice Erin would give herself 20 years ago

[05:50-6:16] Collaborating with peers

[06:17-7:39] How front-line pharmacy professionals can get involved

[07:40-8:29] Biggest issues over next 5-10 years

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards: Excellence in Public Policy Click here

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards Click here

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Sara J. Hyland, Clinical Pharmacist at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, shares tools, expertise and strategies on how to stay ahead of the overwhelming volume of contributions to in this information age. Sara discusses with host Gretchen Brummel how to develop a multi-pronged system for identifying relevant literature to your practice, automating, and organizing that literature and balancing reading with work and personal time.

Guest speaker: Sara J. Hyland, PharmD, BCCCP Clinical Pharmacist OhioHealth Grant Medical Center

Moderator: Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:47-1:43] Sara’s background and current practice

[01:43-3:10] Problem in keeping up with medical literature

[03:10-4:05] Where do you start?

[04:06-7:40] Tools Sara uses for keeping up

[07:41-10:39] Leveraging other professionals

Links | Resources:

How to keep up to date with medical information using web-based resources: a systematised review and narrative synthesis Click here

Keeping Up With the Medical Literature: Why, How, and When? | Stroke Click here

Staying Up to Date and Managing Information Overload Click here

Keeping Up with the Medical Literature: How to Set Up a System - American Family Physician - American Academy of Family Physicians Click here

Learn Like a Pro: Barbara Oakley, PhD: 9781250799371: Amazon.com: Books Click here

50: How to read the medical literature like a journal editor - The Curbsiders Click here

Evidence-Based Strategies to Better Remember What You Learn - learntrepreneurs Click here

Seventy-five trials and eleven systematic reviews a day: how will we ever keep up? - PubMed Click here

Scientific literature: Information overload | Nature Click here

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Dr. Jason Goodchild, Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Premier Dental Products Company, and Dr. Mark Donaldson, Associate Principal in Pharmacy Advisory Solutions at Vizient discuss the merits of a recent statement on antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:

Jason Goodchild, DMD

Vice President of Clinical Affairs

Premier Dental Products Company

Mark Donaldson, BSP, ACPR, PHARMD, FASHP, FACHE

Associate Principal, Pharmacy Advisory Solutions

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:53-1:55] Antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis as an important tool

[01:56-2:48] Risks of over- or underutilization of this treatment modality

[02:49-4:52] History of the guidelines

[04:53-5:48] New statement impacts moving forward

[05:49-8:49] Doxycycline as alternative to clindamycin in penicillin-allergic patients

[08:50-9:47] The rationale to abandon clindamycin

[09:48-11:49] How clindamycin compares to other agents

[11:50-12:59] The bottom line

Links | Resources:

Prevention of Viridans group Streptococcal infective endocarditis: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association: Click here

Prevention of infective endocarditis: guidelines from the American Heart Association: Click here

Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines: is there new information for 2021? Click here

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Megan LaBreck, Antiarrhythmic Clinic Pharmacist at OhioHealth and winner of the Vizient Pharmacy Vision Award for Excellence in Innovation, discusses her program that transfers the management of nearly 1,400 patients on an antiarrhythmic drug and their monitoring from the exclusive management of a physician to a pharmacist-led service with host Gretchen Brummel.

Guest speakers:

Megan LaBreck, PharmD, BCPS, CACP

Antiarrhythmic Pharmacist

OhioHealth

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:00-2:30] Transferring the management of nearly 1,400 patients on antiarrhythmic drugs and monitoring from a physician to a pharmacist-led service

[02:32-4:05] Solving the problem from the pharmacy point of view

[04:06-5:00] Identifying complexities and fixing issues

[05:01-6:06] Where did the idea come from for this program

[06:07-6:49] Designing the collaborative practice agreement

[06:50-7:41] Training necessary to offer these services

[07:42-10:09] Discovering other opportunities

[10:10-11:53] Impact of shifting this activity to an outpatient setting

[11:55-13:01] How the program influenced patient satisfaction

[13:02-14:03] Future plans

[14:04-15:38] Advice for new practitioners or frontline staff

Links | Resources:

2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Click here

Comparison of QT Interval Readings in Normal Sinus Rhythm Between a Smartphone Heart Monitor and a 12-Lead ECG for Healthy Volunteers and Inpatients Receiving Sotalol or Dofetilide: Click here

2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: Click here

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards: Excellence in Innovation: Click here

Vizient Pharmacy Vision Awards: Click here

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The pressures and stress of traumatic clinical events affects everyone in the room including pharmacists. Two pharmacists, Jennifer Mando-Vandrick, Clinical Pharmacist in Emergency Medicine at Duke University Hospital and Philippe Mentler, Consulting Director of Pharmacy at Vizient, discuss the emotional impact pharmacist may have when witnessing the distress of others when traumatic events happen in the clinical workplace.

Guest speakers:

Jennifer Mando-Vandrick, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Medicine

Director, PGY2 Emergency Medicine Residency

Department of Pharmacy

Duke University Hospital

Philippe Mentler, PharmD, BCPS

Consulting Director, Pharmacy

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[3:31] Secondary traumatic stress or compassion fatigue is a state of emotional distress that results from indirect exposure to traumatic events

[4:00] How secondary traumatic stress differs from burnout

[6:15] How to manage your stress level

[9:23] Acknowledge and accept that you are feeling stress and be open to listening to other people’s feelings

[9:50] How leadership can help their employees deal with stress

[12:00] Peer support

[13:07] Talking to your learners and applicants about how your organization’s culture manages employee stress

Links | Resources:

CDC: Mental Health articles

Psychology Today

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The debate on whether to use sugammadex or neostigmine has heated up dramatically in recent years. Two industry experts, Eric Johnson, perioperative critical care pharmacist at UK HealthCare, and Stacy Lauderdale, senior director for drug information at Vizient, discuss the many considerations involved in choosing between the two agents.

Guest speakers:

Eric Johnson, PharmD, BCCCP

Perioperative Critical Care Pharmacist

UK HealthCare

Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Director, Drug Information

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:11] Neuromuscular blockers play two main roles in the perioperative setting.

[01:52] The ability to reverse neuromuscular blockade is important for prevention or decreased incidence of adverse effects.

[03:07] In 2013, neostigmine received FDA approval, eliminating all other non-FDA-approved versions from the market.

[03:32] The sole supplier of neostigmine raised the cost ~450%.

[03:52] In 2015, sugammadex received FDA approval and hit the market at a cost similar to neostigmine.

[04:13] Neostigmine’s cost has dropped since 2015, causing member hospitals to question the added value of sugammadex.

[04:37] One institutional use was 90% sugammadex vs. 10% neostigmine.

[05:07] Via Pharmacy Market Outlook, Vizient has found that sugammadex is the number-three top-spend drug in the acute care setting.

[06:01] One benefit of sugammadex is its ability to reverse at a deeper level.

[06:24] Another benefit of sugammadex is its lack of cardiovascular effects.

[06:55] Sugammadex displays more optimal pharmacokinetics.

[07:58] Important safety and quality factors to consider.

[08:53] Studies cannot conclusively determine if sugammadex reduces postoperative respiratory complications.

[09:10] The cost difference between sugammadex and neostigmine continues to grow.

[09:50] Vizient assembled an expert panel of 12 multidisciplinary specialists to review the comparative effectiveness of sugammadex vs. neostigmine.

[10:32] The focus of the panel was to look at outcomes that have a measurable impact on patient quality, safety and cost.

[11:45] The panel used the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review Matrix to rate the comparative effectiveness of sugammadex and neostigmine.

[12:21] The ICER Matrix assisted the panel in determining the magnitude of difference between the two therapies.

[14:46] Anesthesiologists’ concern about the lack of resident training with neostigmine

[15:39] Final report, that will include many more findings, to be published in the fourth quarter of 2021.

[16:08] Importance of train-of-four monitoring

Links | Resources:

National Library of Medicine, “Sugammadex versus Neostigmine for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (STRONGER): A Multicenter Matched Cohort Analysis,” Anesthesiology, 2020 June 1 Click here

National Library of Medicine, “Postoperative Pulmonary Complications' Association with Sugammadex versus Neostigmine: A Retrospective Registry Analysis,” Anesthesiology, 2021 June 1 Click here

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Historically there have been countless paths to recovery following colorectal surgery. However, having a well-rounded, evidence-based enhanced recovery program is critical to patient success. Two Vizient experts, Mark Ninno and Karen Smethers discuss the details and the power of these programs.

Guest speakers:

Mark Ninno, PharmD

Senior Consulting Solutions Director

Vizient

Karen Smethers, PharmD, BCOP

MSS Pharmacy Network

Senior Director

Vizient Pharmacy Member Services

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:21] Enhanced recovery programs are specific programs designed to help patients after surgery

[01:59] Strong recovery programs involve four pillars to achieve its goal of patient discharge: patient-centered, multi-modal, multidisciplinary and evidence-based approaches

[03:29] Vizient observes that health systems have a wide variety of practices following colorectal surgery

[03:56] Vizient gathered a panel of experts to assess and evaluate recovery programs

[04:16] The expert panel focused on two specific domains: literature review and expert opinion

[05:33] Vizient evidence review includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions

[06:09] Early introduction of oral feeding proved to have the strongest support in recovery

[06:24] Studies involving alvimopan contain many factors that hinders its application in an enhanced recovery program

[07:10] Vizient found many systems are supporting alvimopan use in minimally invasive surgery even though the evidence may not fully support this practice

[07:46] Non-drug regiments such as chewing gum and caffeine have been handed down for many years, yet these therapies have minimal benefits

[08:33] It’s critical for front line pharmacists to collaborate with all health care professionals

[08:59] Education of prescribers, patients and family members provide many benefits

Links | Resources:

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA): Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Click here

Scott MJ, Baldini G, Fearon KCH, et al. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) for gastrointestinal surgery, part 1: pathophysiological considerations. Act Anaesthesiol Scand. 201559(10):1212-1231 Click here

Gustafsson UO, Scott MJ, Hubner M, Et al, Guidelines for perioperative care in elective colorectal surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations: 2018. World J Surg. 2019 ;43(3):659-695 Click here

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The ability to chronically anticoagulate a patient has prevented significant morbidity and mortality from thromboembolic events. Over time, our anticoagulation choices for oral use have evolved, but the need for reversal agents still persist. Two Vizient pharmaceutical experts weigh in on the clinical implications and latest standings of reversal agents.

Guest speaker:

Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Director, Drug Information

Vizient

David Reardon, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Director, Pharmacy Networks

Northeast Purchasing Coalition (NPC)

Pharmacy Member Services

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:15] Warfarin has been the cornerstone of oral anticoagulant therapy since the 1950s but has many limitations including causing bleeding and thrombosis if not managed properly.

[01:45] In 2011, a new class of oral factor 10a inhibitors was approved which drastically changed the oral anticoagulant landscape.

[01:45] Most common: apixaban and rivaroxaban. They have fewer drug-drug interactions and fewer drug-food interactions than Warfarin.

[02:26] In May 2018, FDA approved andexanet alfa. It has an accelerated biologic license conditional approval based on some surrogate markers in the trials. Clinical trials are underway.

[03:41] In January 2021, Vizient published a consensus-based document regarding the expert task force’s findings on how to manage the pharmacological reversal agents for factor 10a inhibitor-related bleeding.

[05:27] What the literature says regarding the factor 10a inhibitors

[06:53] Task force compared the clinical effectiveness of andexanet versus pro-hemostatic agents using the ICER Evidence rating Matrix tool.

[08:37] Task force recommends that institutions have an anticoagulation reversal policy. The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal for anticoagulation therapy provides guidance for that organizations should have on hand.

[09:06] Policy should address standard of care, radiographical and laboratory studies, as well as appropriate pharmacological interventions. Anticoagulation reversal agents will not correct hemodynamic instability, so you’ll need to start other therapies.

[09:35] Pharmacists can drive the protocols and adoption of prothrombin complex concentrates

[10:43] Expert panel is in consensus that use of pro-hemostatic agents for reversal of a factor 10a inhibitor-related bleed is ethically and legally justified, despite the fact that andexanet is FDA approved for it.

[12:42] Budgetary considerations with the two agents, the prothrombin complex concentrates or PCCs and andexanet alfa

Links | Resources:

Consensus statement on use of reversal agents for factor Xa inhibitor – related bleeding, December 2020, Vizient Click here

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Vizient publishes the Pharmacy Market Outlook twice a year to project drug prices and key market trends for the next 18-months. Pharmacists use this information to budget and project their supply needs. Carina Dolan, Senior Director for Clinical Oncology and Pharmaceutical Outcomes at Vizient shares details revealed in the summer 2021 edition of the Pharmacy Market Outlook.

Guest speaker:

Carina Dolan, PharmD, MS, BCOP

Senior Director for Clinical Oncology and Pharmaceutical Outcomes

Pharmacy Solutions

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[1:16] The Pharmacy Market Outlook is a bi-annual report that projects drug prices for 18 months, and reviews the trends of the various market segments.

[2:08] How the report is calculated

[2:45] Purchases made through 340B program and direct or outsourced purchases made by hospitals are not included in the Pharmacy Market Outlook.

[3:02] Prediction of the drug price inflation rate for January – December 2022

[3:38] How the Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook compares to other drug forecasting reports.

[4:01] The estimate drug price inflation rate for the upcoming calendar year is anticipated to have a moderate price increase.

[4:30] The largest contributor to drug price increases is at Adalimumab and will remain that way until 2023.

[4:49] The Vizient Drug Price Forecast Report in the Vizient Savings Actualyzer can help you with your budget. It pulls your wholesale purchase data and self-populates the projections of the report. It has the capability to use your institutes direct purchases.

[5:25] Closer Look features the different segments of the market including acute care, non-acute care, specialty pharmaceuticals and pediatrics.

[5:34] The report has a projected timeline graphic that shows investigational medications likely to be approved and other events likely to happen during the 18-month timeframe.

[6:40] The current, high-priority advocacy topics include 340B pricing for contract pharmacies, white-bagging for provider-administered medications, the unapproved drugs initiative (UDI) and changes to the FDA enforcement of Action.

[7:25] Accelerated Approval Pathways

[7:25] Example: Aducanumab, brand name: Adulhelm, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

[9:10] New topic highlighted is therapeutic class (i.e. diabetes and related medications)

[9:52] Vizient members can access the report online through the website at Vizientinc.com/pharmacysolutions.com, then go to My Dashboard to access the Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook report.

[10:06] Non-Vizient members can access a public version on the VizientInc.com

[10:15] The drug budget report may be accessed through the Vizient Savings Actualyzer Pharmacy.

[10:20] If you have issues accessing the report or other questions, please email PharmacyQuestions@Vizientinc.com

Links | Resources:

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook - member version Click here

Vizient Pharmacy Market Outlook highlights - public version Click here

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Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, taking the lives of 140,000 people each year. Historically, the thrombolytic alteplase has been the mainstay of drug therapy, but now the FDA is looking at tenecteplase as a treatment option for ischemic strokes.

Guest speaker:

Philippe Mentler, PharmD, BCPS

Consulting Director, Pharmacy

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:03] The treatment of ischemic strokes prior to alteplase

[01:46] Controversies in the original clinical trials of alteplase, including the 1995 NINDS trial

[02:45] The advances in imaging and patient care since the initial trials

[03:58] The difficulties of administering alteplase – including estimating a patient’s weight

[04:50] The consequences of under-dosing

[06:00] Tenecteplase: A potential alternative to alteplase

[06:47] Variances of tenecteplase and alteplase in clinical trials

[07:37] Determining the choice of one drug over the other

[08:41] Clinical outcomes of tenecteplase vs. alteplase

[10:37] Determining when to convert from alteplase to tenecteplase

[12:17] Anticipating tenecteplase will eventually get FDA approval

Links | Resources:

American Heart Association: Stroke, AHA/ASA Guideline, December 2019 Click here

AHA Journals, Tenecteplase Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Click here

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The Drug Supply Chain Security Act was enacted in 2013 to protect patients from counterfeit, stolen or contaminated medications. It allows for the detection and removal of these drugs from the marketplace. In this podcast, we explore how frontline pharmacy staff can support compliance.

Guest speaker:

Joseph Alessandrini, RPh, FASHP

Vice President, Clinical Services

Inspira Health Network

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[1:03] Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) was enacted on November 27th, 2013 as a patient safety measure to avoid contaminated medications from entering marketplace

[2:34] Pharmacists are the last defense in protecting the patients. After manufacturers and wholesalers

[3:10] Pharmacists must verify product, serial number, vendor and patient

[3:34] Check all avenues of distribution: inpatient, retail and specialty pharmacies, physician practices, Surgi-Centers, urgent care, paramedics

[5:00] Work with a software company to collect data in a repository that is retrievable within 24 – 48 hours.

[7:52] FDA delayed enforcement of a portion in 2020, but may start enforcing compliance anytime

[10:00] U.S. organizations are about 50% compliant.

[11:43] The future will be more technology using 2D barcodes to capture data

Links | Resources:

Pharmacy Times: “What are the Drug Supply Chain Security Act’s key provisions?” Click here

FDA: Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) Click here

ADENTS: DSCSA: Serialization requirements and deadlines Click here

NCPA: DSCSA pharmacy checklist 2019 Click here

FDA: Pharmacists: Utilize DSCSA requirements to protect your patients Click here

FDA: Drug Supply Chain Security Act Law and Policies Click here

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Summertime means snakebite time, and with it comes the critical decisions pharmacists and clinicians are faced with when choosing antivenins. In this episode, we will look at the differences and similarities between the two latest antivenins for snakebites.

Guest speaker:

Philippe Mentler, PharmD, BCPS

Consulting Director, Pharmacy

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[00:54] A quarter of all snakebites are dry bites

[01:24] Venomous snakes are everywhere in the United States except in Alaska and Hawaii

[01:24] Most common venomous snakes in North America are pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths)

[02:00] Clinical manifestations of snakebites

[02:40] In 2019, American poison control reported more than 4,000 pit viper snakebites

[02:55] History of antivenins

[03:50] The development of a new antivenin, CroFab

[04:55] In 2019, FDA approved Anavip for North American Rattlesnakes, and in April 2021 FDA updated its approval for all North American pit vipers

[05:26] Variances between antivenins Anavip and CroFab

[06:13] Clinical trials focusing on blood dyscrasias for Anavip and CroFab

[07:15] The original approval for Anavip was exclusively in rattlesnakes and did not consider copperheads and cottonmouths because of the limited incidence of blood dyscrasias in those species in the trial

[07:58] Cottonmouths and copperheads typically don’t cause blood dyscrasias and tissue injury. This was not specifically addressed in the original study. Now, Anavip updated their information to the FDA, and with that the FDA approved antivenin for all pit viper snakes

[08:45] Should a hospital carry both products?

[09:25] There’s no national guidelines for antivenins. The American Academy of Emergency Medicine published a clinical statement about antivenin drugs, but that’s obsolete now that the FDA has updated its antivenin approval

Links | Resources:

ANAVIP, crotalidae immune F(ab)2 (Equine): Click here

CroFab crotalidae polyvalent immune fab (ovine): Click here

American Association of Poison Control Centers: National Poison Data System Click here

NCBI: Rattle Snake Toxicity Click here

USDA, Forest Service: “Snakes” Click here

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: “Venomous Snakes” Click here

Alaska Department of Fish and Game: “No snakes in Alaska” Click here

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The Coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on drug supply and the approval process for new medications. In this episode, we will define the different expedited drug approval processes, and take a closer look at how successful these programs are in identifying drug efficacy.

Guest speaker:

Steven Lucio, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Principal, Pharmacy Solutions

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:25] Four mechanisms used by FDA to expedite approval of medications: Fast Track, Breakthrough, Accelerated Approval and Priority Review

[01:54] Fast track and breakthrough help drug developers increase communications with the FDA to make approval process flow smoothly

[02:14] The “Fast Track” designation

[2:42] A “Breakthrough” designation – FDA will talk to you more, give advice

[3:18] Example of an Accelerated Approval

[4:00] Accelerated Approval looks at a surrogate indicator of a disease state’s ultimate outcome

[4:33] “Priority Review” – FDA reviews drug within six months

[5:19] Three reasons why pharmacists need to be aware of the approval programs

[6:07] Expedited approvals are used for serious diseases

[6:15] Analysis: In 2018, 81% of new molecular entities took advantage of at least one expedited program

[6:38] Drugs that use expedited programs have fewer clinical studies and a smaller profile of how they work

[7:20] Survey: 3/4th physicians didn’t know what Breakthrough Therapy meant

[7:57] Analysis of “Accelerated Approval” between 1992 - 2017

[8:44] Why you should know about the expedited drug approval processes

Links | Resources:

JAMA Network: FDA Approval and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, 1983 – 2018, Click Here

JAMA Network: Physicians’ Knowledge About FDA Approval Standards and Perceptions of the “Breakthrough Therapy” Designation, Click Here

JAMA Network: Assessment of the Clinical Benefit of Cancer Drug Receiving Accelerated Approval, Click Here

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The Coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on drug supply and the approval process of new medications. In this episode, we will discuss what frontline pharmacists need to know to about the drug approval process.

Guest speaker:

Amanda Melton, PharmD, BCPS

Senior Clinical Manager

Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:20] Patients accessing drugs through clinical trials

[02:29] Pharmacists should familiarize themselves with the inclusion and exclusion criteria of clinical trials in order to help clinicians identify good patients candidates

[03:00] ClinicalTrials.gov

[3:17] Patients that don’t qualify for a clinical trial can apply for access through an Expanded Access Program (EAP)

[3:35] What Pharmacists need to know about Expanded Access Programs (EAPs)

[4:26] Goal of the EAP is to get the drug to the patient

[5:03] Step by step process for accessing a drug under the Expanded Access Program (EAP)

[5:42] Investigational New Drug (IND) application

[6:30] Four stakeholders: manufacturer, FDA, patient and Institutional Revenue Board (IRB)

[6:50] Getting access to the FDA by using Form 3926

[7:54] Timing for submitting an EAP

[9:00] How Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) differ from Expanded Access Programs (EAPs)

[10:00] How long an EUA lasts

[10:41] When an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is issued, it does not mean the drug is approved

[11:15] Why apply for an EUA, instead of a biologics license

[12:07] Issuance of an EUA for a product doesn’t preclude the manufacturer from seeing approval for the product

Links | Resources:

FDA: Emergency Use Authorization Click here

FDA: Expanded Access Click here

NIH U.S. Library of Medicine: ClinicalTrials.gov Click here

Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA: COVID-19 Hub Click here

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The Coronavirus pandemic reveals how vulnerable the drug supply chain can be. In this episode, we will discuss what frontline pharmacists need to know to ensure essential medications are available and the drug supply remains resilient.

Guest speakers:

Doug Kucera

Associate Vice President

Contract Services, Pharmacy

Vizient

Mittal Sutaria, PharmD

Vice President

Contract and Program Services, Pharmacy

Vizient

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:31] Demand for Propofol for COVID ventilated patients skyrocketed to 272%

[01:52] Private label programs provides resiliency to the market

[02:41] How to strengthen pharmacy supply chain

[03:55] Drug shortage task force objectives

[06:00] Essential Medication Lists

[06:57] Labor cost for managing drug shortages

[08:10] Prioritize Essential Medication List and educate others

[08:35] Elevate the transparency, accountability and resiliency of the pharmaceutical supply chain

[10:08] Frontline pharmacist advocacy plays a huge role

[10:45] Ask questions to make sure the solution is in the best interest for your pharmacy

Links | Resources:

Vizient’s Novaplus Enhanced Supply Program Enabled Access to 676,000 Additional Units of propofol as COVID-19 Cases Surged, Click here

Essential Medications for Patient Care, Click here

Drug shortages and labor costs: Measuring a hidden cost of drug shortages on U.S. hospitals, Click here

Essential medications review (November 2020), Click here

Vizient Identifies Essential Medications in Hospitals and Highlights Fragility of the Supply Chain, Click here

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The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on clinicians across the country. As the surge persists, staff stressors increase, and the relentless pressure compounds the seriousness of the problem. This episode reveals how the pharmacy director at Capital Health in New Jersey supports his staff and boosts their resiliency.

Guest speaker:

Daniel T. Abazia, PharmD, BCPS, CPPS

Director of Pharmacy

Capital Health

Moderator:

Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Executive Director

Vizient

Show Notes:

[01:37] Home life turned upside down for staff

[02:20] COVID cases continue to increase

[02:50] Listen to staff and identify their stressors

[04:08] Daily huddles to check in with staff

[05:02] It’s turning from stress to burnout

[05:55] Resiliency and the ability to adapt helps

[06:18] Rewards to help staff cope

[07:12] The four A’s: Acknowledge, Appreciate, Acceptance, Accommodate

[07:47] Employee assistance programs

[09:30] What to do at the system level

[10:30] The future

Links | Resources:

American Psychological Association: Building your resilience Click here

CDC: Stress & Coping Click here

AMA Creating a resilient organization Click here

American Academy of Pediatrics: TheResilienceProject - We can stop toxic stress Click here

Harvard Medical School: Strengthening Resiliency in Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Click here

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