The intersection of patient care quality, safety, and cost is paramount in healthcare, resonating across various healthcare domains, including pharmacy operations. Here are eight industry insights showcasing the symbiotic relationship between clinical excellence and financial performance in pharmacy settings, enhancing value for the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Clinical Programs

1. Pharmacy-Based Transitional Care Program Reduces Readmission Rates

A pharmacy-led transitional care initiative at a California hospital demonstrated a significant reduction in 30-day and 180-day readmission rates, as reported in the American Journal of Managed Care. This comprehensive program, offered by an independent retail pharmacy, encompassed medication reconciliation, adherence counseling, and behavior support, resulting in a 28% decrease in 30-day readmissions and a 32% drop in 180-day readmissions.

2. Expanded Capacity for Flu Vaccination

Retail pharmacies have the potential to administer 25 million flu vaccine doses weekly, reducing the time required to vaccinate 80% of the U.S. population by seven weeks. This projection, published in Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, underscores the critical role of pharmacists in pandemic vaccine response planning.

Medication Adherence

3. Value-Based Insurance Design Promotes Adherence

Value-based insurance design (VBID) mitigates medication adherence decline among employees transitioning to high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). A study in Health Affairs revealed that VBID incentives, such as waived deductibles and co-pays for medications, maintained adherence levels for employees with chronic conditions, countering the adverse effects of HDHPs on medication supply.

4. Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Veterans Health Facilities

The Veterans Health Administration's antimicrobial stewardship program yielded a 12% reduction in antibiotic usage across its medical centers, as reported in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. This initiative, implemented system-wide, emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts to optimize antibiotic prescribing practices.

Immunizations and Vaccines

5. Public Support for Childhood Vaccination

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that 82% of U.S. adults endorse mandatory measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination for healthy children. This overwhelming support underscores the societal value attributed to childhood immunization mandates.

6. Flu Vaccine Reduces Mortality in Children

A study in Pediatrics highlighted the efficacy of flu vaccination in reducing influenza-related mortality by 65% among healthy children. Increasing influenza vaccination coverage, particularly among high-risk pediatric populations, is essential for preventing flu-related complications and deaths.

Pharmacy Business

7. Projections for Specialty Drug Revenue

Pharmacy revenue from specialty drugs is anticipated to surpass $240 billion by 2021, constituting 42% of total prescription revenue. This projection, outlined in a report by Drug Channels, underscores the pivotal role of specialty drugs in driving revenue growth within the pharmacy sector.

8. Adoption of Prescription Home Delivery

Thirty percent of adults in upstate New York utilize pharmacy home-delivery services for prescription medications. This survey by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield underscores the growing demand for convenient and cost-effective medication delivery options, enhancing patient satisfaction and medication adherence.

By aligning clinical strategies with operational efficiency, pharmacies can optimize patient outcomes, financial performance, and overall healthcare value.