Inmar Insights: Healthcare

Effectively Responding To A Recall Requires Proactive Preparation

Verifying “recall readiness” is not a passive endeavor. Effective pre-event preparation requires hands-on engagement across the organization and, for best results, the direct support of a knowledgeable, experienced recall manager.

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Expanding Pharmacists' Role In Rural Mental Health

By Angela Murray, Senior Director, Healthcare Product Marketing: The suicide rate in America is the highest it’s been since the 1950s. Rising feelings of anxiety and depression are being reported in multiple demographics.

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Providers Must Prep Now for Future Public Health Emergencies

By Rob Dewig, Vice President, Healthcare Solutions: Another natural disaster on the news. Buildings and homes destroyed. Flooded streets making safe travel impossible. Power and communications compromised. And, on top of all that, a public health emergency for which affected health systems are ill-prepared. It could be next year, next month or even sometime next week, but it’s a likely future scenario according to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists’ (ASHP) 2024 Pharmacy Forecast.

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There's No Single Cause Behind The Overdose Epidemic

There’s a reason you see and hear so much about fentanyl; its potency as an opioid is surpassed only by its ability to damage public health when illicitly manufactured, distributed and misused. But, with stories of fentanyl-fueled tragedy dominating the news, it’s easy to overlook the fact that our nation’s health faces a significant threat from another, very close-at-hand source -- the diversion of drugs stored at home. A look at available data, however, reveals how “loss of custody” of medications at the household level is contributing to the current health emergency.

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Challenges for Pharmacy in 2024

Last fall I joined Inmar Intelligence because of the great opportunity to work with an organization that is a healthcare, technology and media company uniquely positioned to help stakeholders successfully navigate the healthcare ecosystem. With the NACDS Annual Meeting drawing near, I’m compelled to share the key market forces that are informing Inmar’s strategy going forward. Our priorities will continue to evolve and I am excited to gain more insights from our customers and partners during NACDS Annual.

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A call for disruption and innovation in retail Rx

In preparing for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting this year, I find myself thinking about the myriad opportunities reshaping retail pharmacy, including overcoming declining margins, winning expansion of pharmacist provider status, and leaning into consumer needs and value-based care. As I do so, I keep coming back to the guiding principle that we have been entrusted by our investors to create value by delivering patient safety, access and affordability in health care.

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Understanding DSCSA: Insights for All Dispensers

The article discusses how the DSCSA impacts medication dispensers, emphasizing compliance to protect patient safety and maintain supply chain integrity. It covers pharmaceutical crime, counterfeit drug risks, key DSCSA measures like product serialization, and stresses technology's role in ensuring authenticity. Compliance with regulations is crucial for a secure healthcare environment.

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DIR reform in 2024: One step forward, two steps back

The article delves into the advancements and obstacles facing Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) reform in 2024 within the pharmacy sector. It outlines the move from retroactive to upfront DIR fees, the financial pressures on pharmacies, and initiatives to broaden the scope of pharmacy services. Despite certain improvements like clawback elimination, the transition has introduced cash flow difficulties and decreased transparency. The article underscores the significance of comprehending and managing these reforms to bolster pharmacy viability and promote value-based care endeavors.

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Transforming Drug Diversion Monitoring with AI

Drug diversion monitoring plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical supply chains, helping ensure patient safety and preventing illicit activities. It’s worth noting that approximately 1 in every 100 healthcare workers are estimated to divert drugs (Protenus, 2023 Diversion Digest). Relying solely on manual processes to detect anomalies and identify trends that point to drug diversion in the clinical space has proven to be time-consuming, error-prone, and costly. Enter AI — a game-changer that has revolutionized drug diversion monitoring with efficient pattern recognition, real-time insights, and enhanced accuracy.

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