This episode of Pharmacy Focus: Policy Edition focuses on the DRUG Act and PBM reform efforts with Greg Baker, RPh, CEO of AffirmedRx. The DRUG Act aims to address unfair PBM practices like revenue-based compensation models that incentivize higher drug prices. Baker provides an overview of the key provisions in the legislation and their significance, and the implications of D-linking PBM compensation from drug list prices are also explored. Baker emphasizes the need for transparency in the PBM industry and advocates for fair pharmacist compensation.

The podcast discusses how City of Hope Chicago fully integrates oncology pharmacists into care teams by positioning them in clinics, improving communication and collaboration to minimize delays for patients and enhance care delivery.

This episode of Pharmacy Focus features an interview with Cristin Hackel, MSN, medical director at Nurx Women's Health by Thirty Madison, about OTC contraception and the pharmacist's role in reproductive health. The discussion covers currently available OTC options, like condoms and emergency contraceptive pills, as well as recent developments like the approval of the Opill. She explains the differences in efficacy between OTC and prescription methods and how OTC options can increase accessibility but require self-screening. Further, Hackel addresses the potential public health benefits of improved access to contraception and the impact on reproductive rights. She also discusses strategies for pharmacists to promote education and awareness of contraception options within their communities, such as stocking these OTC products and being knowledgeable to advise patients.

Ron Lanton, esq, partner at Lanton Law, discusses California's Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act (AB 1286), which was signed into law in late 2023. He provides an overview of the key provisions of the new law, including authorizing pharmacists to make staffing decisions to ensure safety, requiring reporting of medication errors and unsafe conditions, and implementing enforcement measures if chains do not comply with the staffing and safety regulations. He also anticipates that this law will help improve patient safety by empowering pharmacy staff to speak up about unsafe environments and preventing fatigue or distractions that could lead to medication errors. It is seen as an important first step at the state level to address issues reported at understaffed chain pharmacies.

In this special episode of Public Health Matters, host Dr. Christina Madison interviews Mamie Shepherd, a program manager and advocate with the Ryan Seacrest Studios at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss the foundation's work in establishing Seacrest Studios in children's hospitals across the country and the impact of these studios on the well-being of young patients. Mamie Shepherd, Program Manager from Ryan Seacrest Studios at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN. Key Takeaways: The Ryan Seacrest Foundation has “Seacrest Studios” in different children’s hospitals throughout the country. The Studios provide patients with entertainment, education, and therapeutic experiences through radio and TV programming, which contribute to the healing process of patients and help create happy memories during hospital stays. Seacrest Studios collaborates with the Win Win Charity by bringing entertainers into the studios’ programming. Win Win Charity also brings child life specialists, who play a vital role in preparing and supporting pediatric patients through medical procedures and hospitalization. Kindness and positivity are essential for both patients and healthcare professionals in overcoming challenges and fostering healing environments. You can find Mamie Shepherd on LinkedIn and Instagram (@mamieshepherd). You can find the Ryan Seacrest Foundation on their website and Instagram (@ryanfoundation), and more information on the Seacrest Studios on their website. You can find Win Win Charity on their website and socials, including Instagram and Facebook (@winwincharity).

This episode highlights using celebrities and local advocates to promote public health initiatives and raise awareness of health topics. Experts shared examples of how Oprah Winfrey and the Ice Bucket Challenge raised awareness of issues like racial health disparities and ALS, respectively. Ensuring authentic connections between celebrities and health issues as well as coordination among stakeholders were highlighted as important factors for effective celebrity endorsements. The role of pharmacists in public health advocacy and screening efforts was also discussed. Experts Include: Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, the Public Health Pharmacist; Alfred L’Altrelli, PharmD, CFMC, MBA, the senior director of pharmacy at UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside; Andrew Mcnab, MD, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia; Troy Trygstad, PharmD, PhD, MBA, the executive director of CPESN USA; and Sean Young, PhD, executive director of the University of California Institute for Prediction Technology Key Takeaways 1. Celebrities can raise awareness of important public health issues through documentaries, music videos, and viral campaigns. 2. Leveraging local trusted figures like community leaders and healthcare providers may be more effective than pop culture celebrities for spreading health messages. 3. Involving patients and those with lived experiences can provide an authentic and relatable voice to promote issues. 4. Ensuring coordination between advocates, health care professionals, and stakeholders helps campaigns feel collaborative. 5. Authenticity and personal connection to the health issue are important for effective celebrity endorsements. 6. Pharmacists are well-positioned community members who could further support public health screening and education efforts. References 1. Isaac Sewornu Coffie, Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Koduah, Elikem Chosniel Ocloo, Victoria Mann, The moderating influence of celebrity endorsement on intention to engage in infection prevention behaviours, Health Promotion International, Volume 38, Issue 6, December 2023, daad150, https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daad150 2. Macnab AJ, Mukisa R. Celebrity endorsed music videos: innovation to foster youth health promotion. Health Promot Int. 2019;34(4):716-725. doi:10.1093/heapro/day042

Editor’s Note: This was recorded prior to Wegovy being approved for cardiovascular disease. View the story here. This podcast episode discussed the impact of celebrity endorsements on trends in weight loss drugs like Ozempic, body image issues, and the role of pharmacists in educating patients on appropriate use of GLP-1 medications for weight management and chronic diseases. Experts Include: Patricia Mars, MD, owner and medical director of Venus By Mars Cosmetic Surgery and La Paloma Surgery Center; Donna H. Ryan, MD, Professor Emerita at Pennington Biomedical Research Center; and Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, the Public Health Pharmacist. Key Takeaways 1. Celebrities have long shaped cultural ideals around aesthetics and beauty through their own appearance trends. 2. Social media promotion of weight loss journeys using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic by influencers increased public interest, but also risked unsafe practices without medical oversight. 3. While celebrity disclosure of personal experiences can boost awareness of obesity as a medical condition, it's important for endorsements to encourage safe and supervised use of pharmaceutical therapies. 4. Compounded versions of medications like semaglutide lack proper quality control and approval, posing potential dangers. 5. Pharmacists play a key role in educating patients on appropriate and regulated use of emerging weight loss therapies. References 1. Han SH, Safeek R, Ockerman K, et al. Public Interest in the Off-Label Use of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Agonists (Ozempic) for Cosmetic Weight Loss: A Google Trends Analysis. Aesthet Surg J. 2023;44(1):60-67. doi:10.1093/asj/sjad211 2. Arillotta D, Floresta G, Guirguis A, et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Related Mental Health Issues; Insights from a Range of Social Media Platforms Using a Mixed-Methods Approach. Brain Sci. 2023;13(11):1503. Published 2023 Oct 24. doi:10.3390/brainsci13111503 3. Quddos F, Hubshman Z, Tegge A, et al. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with obesity. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):20998. Published 2023 Nov 28. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-48267-2

On this episode, experts discuss the role of celebrity endorsements and trusted local figures in addressing vaccine hesitancy. Experts commented on studies examining how peer influencers and endorsements from figures like Dr. Fauci can increase vaccine acceptance by making the issues more relatable. However, they also noted the need to understand different factors contributing to hesitancy as well as ensuring endorsements match the right target audience and local context to be most effective. The podcast explored both the potential and limitations of celebrity marketing in vaccine promotion and uptake. Experts Include: Sean Young, PhD, executive director of the University of California Institute for Prediction Technology; Alfred L’Altrelli, PharmD, CFMC, MBA, the senior director of pharmacy at UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside; and Troy Trygstad, PharmD, PhD, MBA, the executive director of CPESN USA. Key Takeaways 1. The podcast discussed vaccine hesitancy and how celebrity endorsements can be used to address it. Experts commented on factors like personal beliefs, social networks, and online misinformation that contribute to hesitancy. 2. Pharmacists noted that conversations with patients have shifted from vaccine development to side effects and efficacy as awareness has increased. Misinformation remains a challenge. 3. Studies found that peer-led online communities and celebrity endorsements, like from Dr. Fauci, can increase vaccine acceptance and confidence. Experts emphasized matching the right celebrity to the target audience. 4. While celebrity endorsements may not directly drive people to pharmacies, they can make vaccination more relatable and impact attitudes. Local media personalities were suggested as alternative endorsers. 5. The podcast explored both the potential benefits but also limitations of celebrity endorsements in influencing public health decisions around vaccines. Understanding audience trust was a key consideration. References 1. Gallagher A. Celebrities Don’t Persuade Patients to Get Vaccinated; Pharmacists Do. Pharmacy Times. January 18, 2024. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/celebrities-don-t-persuade-patients-to-get-vaccinated-pharmacists-do 2. Bokemper SE, Huber GA, Gerber AS, James EK, Omer SB. Timing of COVID-19 vaccine approval and endorsement by public figures. Vaccine. 2021;39(5):825-829. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.048

The podcast discussed the impact and effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in the pharmaceutical industry. It covered how health care professionals are working to address misinformation through community outreach and multicomponent interventions. Regulation differences between prescription drugs, OTC medications, and dietary supplements were highlighted by Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, the Public Health Pharmacist. Celebrity endorsements were said to potentially contribute to misinformation if claims aren't verified. While endorsements can raise awareness, medical experts cautioned that popularity doesn't equal scientific merit, said Alfred L’Altrelli, PharmD, CFMC, MBA, the senior director of pharmacy at UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside. An interesting finding showed music videos being used as health education sources in Africa discussed by Andrew Mcnab, MD, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. While endorsements can begin conversations, pharmacists were identified as the trusted medical sources. They were urged to educate patients, especially on less regulated OTC products and supplements. The podcast emphasized pharmacists' important roles as gatekeepers and advocates for providing accurate health information and guidance to patients, Troy Trygstad, PharmD, PhD, MBA, the executive director of CPESN USA, said. Experts Include: Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, the Public Health Pharmacist; Alfred L’Altrelli, PharmD, CFMC, MBA, the senior director of pharmacy at UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside; Andrew Mcnab, MD, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia; and Troy Trygstad, PharmD, PhD, MBA, the executive director of CPESN USA. Key Takeaways 1. Multicomponent interventions like addressing specific populations, increasing knowledge, and engaging community leaders can effectively address vaccine misinformation. 2. It's important to differentiate between unintentional misinformation and intentional disinformation. 3. OTC supplements and vitamins are less regulated than prescription drugs and claims may not be evidence-based. 4. Celebrity endorsements can raise awareness, but claims should be verified, and patients need guidance from medical professionals. 5. Personal endorsements from celebrities affected by conditions may be more effective than endorsements unrelated to health. 6. Different media types impact message effectiveness. TV is broad but social media allows targeted messaging. 7. Music videos using repetition and visuals can be an effective health promotion tool. 8. Pharmacists serve as trusted medical sources and should educate patients, especially on OTC products. References 1. Peters MDJ. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and resistance for COVID-19 vaccines. Int J Nurs Stud. 2022;131:104241. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104241 2. Mospan CM, Alexander KM. Utilizing celebrity endorsements to teach over-the-counter medication and dietary supplement regulations. Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2018;10(11):1507-1511. doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2018.08.001 3. Macnab AJ, Mukisa R. Celebrity endorsed music videos: innovation to foster youth health promotion. Health Promot Int. 2019;34(4):716-725. doi:10.1093/heapro/day042

This podcast episode provided an oncology news roundup focusing on 4 updates related to non-small cell lung cancer treatment. It discussed the role of pharmacists in chemotherapy management for NSCLC patients and barriers like insurance coverage. It also reviewed two recent FDA drug approvals for advanced NSCLC and results from a phase 3 trial that did not meet its primary endpoint. The podcast aimed to break down the latest news in the oncology pharmacy space for listeners.

In this special episode of Public Health Matters, Dr. Christina Madison and special guest, Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon emphasize the steps that need to be made in improving both language and cultural competency in health care. They also discuss Dr. Cucalon Calderon’s advocacy work—particularly in vaccine advocacy—in public health, preventative health services, and health equities in underserved communities. About the Guest: Jose Cucalon Calderon MD FAAP is a Board-Certified Pediatrician practicing as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine after training in General Pediatrics at the University of South Alabama followed by working in Rural Alabama. Currently sited at Renown Children’s in Reno, Nevada, Dr. Cucalon Calderon is a well-known anti-tobacco and e-cigarette, preventive health services, minority health and health care access advocate both in his state of practice, at the national and international level. He serves as the Nevada Chapter of the AAP’s E-cigarette Chapter Champion and Vaccination representative as well as in multiple advisory and academic roles across our state. Being a native of Ecuador, Dr. Cucalon Calderon has experience on connecting non-English speaking families to preventive health services and among his special interests are tobacco related health care disparities, ethnic minority over representation of tobacco product use, chronic disease prevention, mental health destigmatization, mentorship and cultural humility in patient care and medical education. Key Takeaways: Trust in health care is crucial, and being a trusted messenger within a community can significantly impact health outcomes for patients. Understanding any cultural nuances and language barriers is essential for effective communication with patients while improving their access to and understanding of health care services. Collaboration among health care providers—including pharmacists—is necessary for holistic patient care and improving health outcomes within underserved communities. To promote health equity for minorities, health care providers should prioritize patient-centered care and cultural humility while addressing the social determinants of health to promote health equity.

This podcast episode discusses addressing social determinants of health through pharmacy practice with guest speaker, Amanda Ryan from the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA). She provides an overview of PQA's third edition Social Determinants of Health Guide and how it can help pharmacists and pharmacies address social determinants of health (SDOH) barriers in their communities. The discussion covers topics like the role of pharmacists in nutrition education and food insecurity screening, as well as strategies for developing comprehensive SDOH programs through collaboration with other health care professionals and community organizations. About The Guest Amanda Ryan, PharmD, serves as the Director of Education for the Pharmacy Quality Alliance where she leads the strategic direction of PQA’s educational activities. She is responsible for developing strategies, theme and topic ideation, and creating and managing program content, which is delivered through PQA’s Annual Meeting, Leadership Summit, Quality Forum Webinar series, continuing education programs, and other events. Links Mentioned SDOH Guide: https://www.pqaalliance.org/sdoh-resource-guide March Quality Forum Webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m1xqv0EuSBeZgfJOYlBojw Key Takeaways 1. Pharmacists can leverage PQA's SDOH Guide to improve medication use quality and address social needs through screening, referrals, and community partnerships. 2. Addressing social determinants of health requires a holistic approach involving training, targeted screening tools, data insights, and cultural competency. 3. Pharmacists play a supportive role in nutrition education by screening for food insecurity and referring patients to assistance programs. 4. Collaboration with other healthcare sectors and community organizations is essential for developing comprehensive strategies to address social determinants of health barriers. 5. Upcoming initiatives from PQA include training resources on SDOH screening and a webinar featuring nutrition/food security interventions from the SDOH Guide.

In this episode, we discuss 3 new pharmacy policies and initiatives across the United States as part of a new "RX rundown" format. First, California enacted the Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act to improve patient safety through mandatory error reporting, minimum staffing, and expanded technician roles. Then, E-prescribing was discussed as a way to enhance accuracy, safety, and reduce costs and errors, though national standards and privacy issues present challenges. Lastly, New Jersey is piloting anonymous dispensing of opioid antidotes from pharmacies under standing orders from health officials to help address the opioid crisis, with pharmacist education requirements. Key Takeaways: 1. California enacted the Stop Dangerous Pharmacies Act to mandate medication error reporting, minimum staffing requirements, and expand pharmacy technician roles like administering vaccines. 2. E-prescribing can improve accuracy, safety, and reduce costs by reducing errors and combating forged prescriptions while improving pharmacy workflow. However, it faces challenges around national standards and security/privacy. 3. New Jersey launched a pilot program allowing anonymous dispensing of opioid antidotes from pharmacies with standing orders from health officials, and pharmacists must provide overdose prevention education.

In this special episode of Public Health Matters for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Dr. Christina Madison and special guest Alsean Bryant discuss Bryant's work in addressing health and racial disparities within the HIV community. They also highlight Bryant’s journey to becoming a PrEP provider as well as the intersection of pharmacy, public health, and music in his life and career. Key Takeaways: Pharmacists play a vital role in public health, particularly in addressing health disparities within the HIV community, and their expertise in medication management and patient counseling are essential for improving health outcomes. Normalizing conversations about sexual health and HIV prevention in primary care settings is essential, and integrating these discussions into routine care can improve prevention and reduce barriers to testing. Despite advancements in HIV prevention, challenges such as access to care and medication adherence persist and addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among health care providers, policy-makers, and community organizations. Collaborative practice agreements and advocacy efforts are key to expanding the roles of pharmacists in public health and HIV care.

On this month's episode, Pharmacy Times provides a recap of the latest advancements in hematology and breast cancer, shared at the 2023 American Society of Hematology conference and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium conference.

In this special edition of Public Health Matters, your host, Dr. Christina Madison, takes you on an exciting journey through the wonders of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. As a public health pharmacist, Dr. Madison explores the cutting-edge developments in health tech, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence showcased at CES. Check out the video here. Key Innovations Highlighted Innovations: Vivoo: An at-home urine test kit allowing users to test for various conditions, providing color-coded results for easy interpretation. MyHixel: AI-assisted technology addressing male sexual health, offering an app and personal lubricant for climax control. Neurologic: A video-based health and wellness measurement solution enabling virtual health monitoring and data transmission to health care professionals. Bodylog: An award-winning wearable tech monitoring EKG and heart health, with a unique capability to record pre-and post-fall data for better emergency response. Assistive Technology: WIM Robotics: A Korean-developed exoskeleton assisting people with limited mobility, enabling walking, climbing stairs, and resistance training. LetinAR Wearable Glasses: A revolutionary device offering augmented reality capabilities, particularly in medical imaging. Dr. Madison shares her experience of viewing EKGs, chest X-rays, and CT scans through these wearable glasses. Health and Hygiene Innovations: Germ Pass: A company specializing in rapid germ-killing solutions, particularly targeting the virus causing COVID-19. HyperVSN: Known for 3D holograms, adding a futuristic touch to personal and business presentations. Automotive Innovations: Dr. Madison explores the safety features and AI integration in the automotive sector, highlighting Mercedes Benz's internal assistant and Hyundai's flying car.

On this episode, Dae Lee, Pharm.D., Esq., CPBS , and Harini Bupathi, Esq, attorneys at Frier Levitt, engage in a thought-provoking conversation on the evolving landscape of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) audit strategies, regulations, and enforcement. The discussion covers notable trends in PBM audit strategies, challenges and opportunities for pharmacies in 2024. Key Takeaways PBM audit strategies are continually evolving, and pharmacies should stay vigilant in adapting to emerging trends. The challenges and opportunities for pharmacies in 2024 are intricately linked to the dynamic regulatory landscape surrounding PBMs. Proactive measures, robust compliance programs, and thorough documentation are essential components for pharmacies to minimize risks and disruptions. Pharmacies should be mindful of common pitfalls when engaging with regulatory bodies post-PBM audit.

Anaïs Webster Mennuti, PharmD and Kristin Speer, PharmD, BCPS, discuss their new documentary that highlights the understaffed and overwhelmed reality of retail pharmacy.

In this episode of Pharmacy Focus, Deeb Eid, PharmD, RPh, founder and host of the RxPOSED podcast, discusses a comprehensive overview of independent pharmacists prescribing. As we step into 2024, Eid shares insights into the current landscape, the anticipated developments, and the evolving responsibilities and challenges that pharmacists may encounter due to updated state laws and regulations. Key Takeaways: Eid sets the stage by offering a brief but insightful overview of the landscape of independent pharmacists prescribing. Looking ahead, Eid discusses what pharmacists can expect in terms of developments and changes in independent pharmacists prescribing. Eid explores the positive impact on patients when pharmacists have prescribing authority, discussing the specific medications, disease states, and conditions that stand to benefit the most. Eid shares his perspective on how the continued expansion of independent pharmacists prescribing could reshape the broader healthcare landscape in states contemplating similar updates to their laws and regulations. Deeb D. Eid, PharmD, RPh currently serves as the founder and host of the RxPOSED podcast and a senior advisor of regulatory affairs working on regulatory and legislative efforts throughout the country. In 2024, Deeb will be enrolled in the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) yearlong fellowship to learn about practical politics, policy analysis, and effective governance. He formerly served as faculty at Ferris State College of Pharmacy and completed an executive residency with PTCB in Washington DC. Deeb also serves as the District IV NABP-AACP executive secretary & treasurer, maintaining a yearly budget and assisting with annual conference planning. He has served on various national, regional, and local boards, working on pharmacy law, public policy, volunteering for political campaigns, and conducting research to advance pharmacy practice. His focus areas include pharmacy team role advancements and evidence-based law-making.

Host Jack Mozloom, vice president of Public Affairs and Marketing at the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), speaks with Matthew Seiler, RN, Esq, general counsel at NCPA. The discussion spans recent legal developments, including a new class action lawsuit, updates on the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice's merger guidelines, insights into the NCPA Trust, and a crucial meeting with State Attorneys General. Key Takeaways A new class action lawsuit has potential implications for independent pharmacies, and Matthew Seiler provides insights into its details. The discussion sheds light on their potential impact of the updated merger guidelines from the FTC and DOJ. The NCPA Trust continues to be a crucial player in safeguarding the interests of independent pharmacies. Learn more here. Engaging with State Attorneys General can help address legal matters impacting independent pharmacies.