PILL-Rx Offers Collaboration and Growth for Community Pharmacists
PILL-Rx, the Practice Innovation Learning Lab, launched in June 2023 as a learning community for community pharmacists in Minnesota. In order to expand clinical programs and advance community pharmacy practice state-wide, this initiative provides opportunities for pharmacists to connect and learn from and with one another.
The first series of seven sessions concluded at the end of November. Topics included non-DIR reimbursement opportunities, MTM in community pharmacy practice, medication synchronization, an immunization touchpoint, a test and treat program, and facilitating an innovation conversation. Most sessions were recorded, and are available on the PILL-Rx website.
After the conclusion of the fall series, feedback showed that participants valued the time with other pharmacists participating in similar work to themselves, and hearing firsthand from pharmacists engaging in new and innovative practices. “There can be a large step between rule or law changes and implementation of a new clinical service. The hope is that PILL-Rx can be one venue to help narrow that gap, and continue to expand the role of all pharmacists in Minnesota,” said Dr. Alison Knutson, special projects lead, Center for Leading Healthcare Change.
The second series is underway, starting with sessions on pharmacist dispensing and prescribing, and expedited partner therapy. Any community pharmacist in Minnesota is invited and encouraged to join these sessions, in order to spark collaboration and continue growing the role of community pharmacy. Registration links can be found on the website or individuals can reach out to PILLRx@umn.edu for more information.
Align Summit Returns in 2024
For a second consecutive year, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and the Center for Leading Healthcare Change will host the Align Summit. This year’s summit is scheduled for Sept. 16-18 at McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities campus. It will again convene leaders in medication management and regional partnership development as a learning community to engage in dialogue and generate action.
“Last year’s summit illuminated the engagement and trust among stakeholders sharing a common goal of improving value and patient outcomes,” said Dr. Todd Sorensen, senior executive associate dean for strategic initiatives and faculty affairs. “Together, we convened a new community rich with diverse perspectives on the alignment of pharmacist service delivery producing value for patients and health plans. We are committed to nurturing this community.”
The summit’s planning team is currently accepting ideas for 45-minute breakout session presentations.
“We are particularly interested in topics related to challenges that may live across the summit themes of partnerships, metrics, program design and implementation, such as health information technology,” said Dr. Andie Larson, senior strategic initiatives lead and Align Summit organizer. Those interested in submitting breakout session ideas are encouraged to do so by June 7, 2024.
More information can be found at z.umn.edu/CoPAlignSummit. Registration for the 2024 Align Summit will open soon.