Notice ID: 36C25022Q0371
“Background
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are required to obtain a specific number of hours of continuing education every so many years based on the state they are licensed in and/or the requirements of any certifications they maintain. Some of this education is required to be in topics such as patient safety, law, and specific disease states.”
“Scope
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio (VISN 10) requires an online subscription that provides up to date, practice-changing, evidence-based information in an easy to read, and understand format along with specific recommendations on what to do with the information. The recommendations must provide advice that will guide practice versus summarize information found elsewhere. The subscription should also include vetted treatment guidelines, med-guide finder, a variety of comparison charts, patient education resources, and continuing education tools. The continuing education provided should be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).”
“Additionally, the subscription should include a monthly letter directed towards pharmacists or pharmacy technicians. The information in the pharmacist’s letter should provide brief and succinct recommendations that anticipate patient needs and provide practical advice for pharmacists in 30 lines or less. The letter geared towards the technician would provide the same information but provide a greater focus on workflow. Both letters should information specific to the profession of pharmacy (drug therapy and medication management) such as issue facing pharmacists and technicians in practice.”
“All of these options should be combined into one user-friendly online resource available to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians throughout VISN 10 while at the workplace or home through an established account.”
“Pharmacists
- Provide new and current drug therapy developments
- Provide advice that is evidence-based – not based on influence from pharmaceutical companies – that has been peer-reviewed by front-line healthcare professionals
- Access to practice drug tables and comparison charts
- Answers to frequently asked questions on medications, dietary, and supplements
- Access to practice and disease-related guidelines
- Access to a comprehensive library with numerous online courses
- Obtain and track continuing education credit required to maintain professional certification”
“Pharmacy Technician
- Tutorials that explain essential skills
- Access to easy-to-understand charts and guides
- Medication information
- Practice resources geared towards the pharmacy technician
- Concise articles that provide the bottom-line up front quickly
- Resources that assist in the prevention of errors
- Obtain and track continuing education credit required to maintain professional certification”
