VAWD-Y MERRY NEWS

In November 2012, Shamrock Medical Solutions made an initial submission to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to become a Verified Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD).

VAWD is an accreditation for pharmaceutical wholesale distribution facilities, such as Shamrock Medical Solutions. Wholesale distributors that achieve accreditation are in compliance with state and federal laws and NABP's VAWD criteria. Twenty-two states, including Maryland, Indiana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, require VAWD accreditation.

Accreditation is a long, but worthwhile process. In part, we will undergo a criteria compliance review which includes a rigorous review of our operating policies and procedures, licensure verification, survey of our facility and operations, background checks, and screening through the NABP Clearinghouse. Once accredited, we will be reviewed annually and we'll undergo a site survey every three years. The journey to accreditation typically takes 6 to 12 months. It's rigorous, but we believe it's the right thing to do.

So, why is VAWD accreditation such a big deal for Shamrock Medical Solution customers? Well first, it plays a pivotal role in preventing counterfeit drugs from entering the United States drug supply. Second, it helps protect the public from drugs that have been contaminated, diverted, or counterfeited. Keep in mind that the US supply of prescription drugs is produced and delivered to patients via a complex distribution path, and VAWD accreditation helps ensure that the wholesale distribution facility operates legitimately, is licensed in good standing, and is employing security and best practices for safely distributing prescription drugs from manufacturers to pharmacies and other institutions.

VAWD became a "good idea" when NABP convened a task force in 2003 on counterfeit drugs and wholesale distributors. The task force recommended revisions to NABP’s Model Rules for the Licensure of Wholesale Distributors that would make it difficult for illegitimate wholesalers to become licensed and transact business. The task force also proposed the creation of an accreditation program and clearinghouse for wholesale distributers – a plan that was immediately supported by Food and Drug Administration – to further combat counterfeit drugs. The resulting accreditation program, VAWD, was established in 2004.

We are as concerned as you are for the health and safety of your patients. That's why we've taken this proactive step to become VAWD-accredited. I believe it's a good way to start 2013 off on the right path! Of course, as we enter into 2013, we'll keep you updated on our progress along this path.

Here's to better solutions, 

Dave Bystrom

REAL-TIME NETWORKING STILL HAS INCREDIBLE VALUE

This week, I'm going to turn this post into an interview with John Reichard, president of Shamrock Medical. John and Mike Cummins, vice president of sales, were invited to speak at the VHA Mid-America Service Solutions (MSS) First Annual Meeting and Product Fair held on October 25 and 26, 2012, in Kansas City.

Dave: John, for those who don't know and for those who didn't attend, can you explain the purpose of the VHA MSS?

John: VHA MSS is a group purchasing organization that is co-owned by 8 hospitals in the Midwest region, with a total of 107 member hospitals. Attendees included directors of pharmacy, supply chain and finance.

Dave: Can you give me an idea of the topics covered?

John: Guest speakers for the hospital pharmacy covered topics that included Chargemaster Oversight, Coding and Reimbursement, Inhaler Optimization, High Risk Medication Containment and Employee Surveillance, Beyond Use Dating Extension, and similar topics of interest to hospital pharmacists.

Dave: What topic did you discuss?

John: Well, naturally, we discussed Repackaging - 3rd Party Solutions.

Dave: Can you provide a general idea of what you discussed?

John: Shamrock Medical was asked to present our repackaging services to the pharmacy group and to highlight the benefits that our service offers. We talked about standardization of label formats, abbreviations and content; compliance assistance with NIOSH, RCRA and ISMP; and our unique repackaging solutions that bring efficiencies to the pharmacy such as placing 5 or 10 oral syringes into a ziplock bag to speed carousel restocking or placing 50 robot-ready pouches on a cardboard tube to speed the restocking of the robot. Of course, we showed Shamrock Medical's cost-savings compared to other repackaging solutions.

Dave: What was the biggest "aha" moment you got out of the VHA MSS Annual Meeting?

John: Of course, there was a wealth of information to learn and share. But for me the biggest takeaway was that, despite the technology that allows us to talk via email, Skype, and other web-based technology, how important it is to have the human touch in a business relationship.  The event gave us a chance for old-time networking, where we could talk face-to-face, feel their reaction, have a meaningful dialog over lunch or dinner, exchange ideas, and interact on a human level.

Dave: Any closing remarks?

John: I just want to say “Thanks” to the organizers of the VHA-MSS Annual Meeting and Product Fair for inviting Shamrock Medical Solutions to share the important operational and quality improvements, as well as allowing us to present the value that our repackaging service offers to  owner and member hospitals. Since the meeting, many of the attending pharmacists have started using our services for bar-coded unit dose repackaging. 

Here's to better solutions, 

Dave Bystrom

SAYING THANK YOU

The month of November and Thanksgiving. It seems natural that we begin to think about all the things we're thankful for in November.

By now, it's my hope that everyone has recovered from the devastation brought on by Mother Nature last week. No matter how hard we plan things, natural occurrences will ultimately laugh at our humble plans. My thoughts are with those who've lost possessions or loved ones in the storm.

Hospitals in areas devastated by this recent storm deserve our thanks for caring for people injured or broken from the ravages of Sandy. And along the same line of reasoning, I'm also thankful that hospitals continue to pursue the implementation of electronic medical records (EMR), and the barcode scanning of medications at the bedside. This is a significant safety net for patients. A nursing executive I once worked for stated that the scanning of medications at the bedside as truly a "gift to nurses."

I also want to hand out gratitude for hospital pharmacists who are taking a leadership role in medication safety initiatives in their institutions. They are vital to the success of implementation of medication safety systems such as barcode scanning and the programming of IV "smart pumps." Both help reduce medication errors and provide data used to improve care of patients.

And finally, I am thankful that the election is now over. Regardless of the candidate we hoped would win, let's be grateful we live in a country that allows freedom to express our thoughts and choose among those who throw their hat in the ring to lead us.

Here's to better solutions, 

Dave Bystrom