Seattle, WA, 2016-Aug-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) announced that the University of Washington School of Pharmacy (UWSOP), Bartell Drugs, and QFC Pharmacy will partner with Washington State Health Care Authority in a unique demonstration project that aims to foster healthcare collaboration across the care continuum to increase pharmacy-based immunizations.
The demonstration project is one of three that aim to fulfill the goals of an $800,000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant to NACDS. The project will examine innovative healthcare collaborations designed to demonstrate increased rates of pharmacy-based immunizations including influenza, pneumococcal, pertussis and herpes zoster. It also focuses on improving pandemic planning among pharmacies and state health departments and improving access to HPV vaccine resources and education for pharmacists.
The healthcare entities will work together to develop and implement a value-based payment model that is scalable and replicable to improve immunization rates for a targeted population that are recorded in the state registry. The models will innovate methods for sharing immunization information among the participating health plans or systems, accountable care organizations, community pharmacies and patients. The grant teams also will collaborate with public health agencies to improve pandemic vaccine preparedness.
Increasingly, pharmacists are recognized as the front line of health care in communities. “Legislators and regulators at the federal and state levels often reference pharmacists’ success in promoting the necessity of vaccines and in increasing access to them,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.
The state of Washington has lead the way when it comes to pharmacists practicing at the top of their license, thanks to the advocacy of UW pharmacy faculty. Pharmacist-provided vaccines were among the first of many practice innovations begun at the UW. This project brings together faculty researchers and practitioners who will tap into the diverse expertise at the UWSOP, from pandemic health to onsite coaching in patient care best practices.
“We are excited about this demonstration project that brings together top community pharmacy providers and faculty from the School of Pharmacy with expertise in implementation science and population health. This project will build on our legacy of improving community access to pharmacist-administered vaccinations and evaluating the impact of these important services on population health outcomes,” said Sean D. Sullivan, professor and dean of UWSOP.
“Bartell Drugs has been a regional leader in promoting and providing convenient, affordable access to immunizations and this project will further our ability to reach more audiences in need of immunization,” said Billy Chow, Bartell Drugs’ Vice President of Pharmacy Operations and Clinical Services.
“We are thrilled to continue to improve the shopping experience and add convenience for our patients through this NACDS project,” said Chuck Paulsen, pharmacy merchandiser for QFC Stores. “The increased awareness and transparency of community based will further our mission of improving the health of our patients and local communities we serve.”
NACDS showed its strong commitment to this $800,000 grant by contributing an additional $300,000 to execute the demonstration projects. The project will take place over a 13-month period beginning in August 2016. More information about NACDS’ engagement on related issues is available through the “vaccinations” and “preparedness” tags on NACDS.org.
NACDS represents traditional drug stores and supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate more than 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ chain member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ more than 3.8 million individuals, including 175,000 pharmacists. They fill over 2.7 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 800 supplier partners and nearly 40 international members representing 13 countries. For more information, visit www.NACDS.org.
The UW School of Pharmacy is a global leader in pharmacy education, research and service, committed to providing a transformative learning experience in a collaborative and diverse environment focused on improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Our mission is three-fold: inspiring education: developing exceptional, innovative and diverse pharmacy leaders and scientists; discovering solutions: advancing the science, development, implementation, and outcomes of safe and appropriate treatments; and serving people and communities: promoting the health and well-being of the public, locally and globally. For more information, visit sop.uw.edu.
Bartell Drugs: Family-owned since 1890, Seattle-based Bartell Drugs is proud of its more than 125-year history based here in the Northwest. Four generations of the Bartell family have continuously focused on the future – and how the drugstore chain could better serve its customers. Operating 64 locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, it is the nation’s oldest family-owned drugstore chain. For more information on Bartell Drugs, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.
QFC Stores: Founded in 1954, based out of Bellevue, Washington is a division of the Kroger Company. QFC has 64 stores throughout the Puget Sound, Southwest Washington, and Northwest Oregon. They currently operate pharmacies in 32 of their stores. For more information on QFC, visit www.qfc.com
Media Contact:
Ric Brewer
Senior Communications Manager
Bartell Drugs
206-933-9416
ric.brewer@bartelldrugs.com
Source: Bartell Drugs