Errors encouraged by fast pharmacy pace
A new investigation by USA Today suggests that corporate policies for retail pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS--which together fill almost one-third of all U.S. prescriptions--could promote errors by encouraging pharmacists to work at the highest possible speed. The newspaper, which looked at policies and alleged errors at the two retail chains, found related lawsuits and pharmacy board disciplinary actions in 10 states. In its analysis, it found that in cases of alleged errors, there were some common factors, including high prescription volumes, a shortage of pharmacists, reliance on technicians, incentive awards for pharmacists if they increase the volume of scripts filled, and a lack of face-to-face counseling for the majority of customers. In response to the investigation, Walgreens noted that it has spent almost $1 billion over the last 10 years on safety training and technology, and CVS noted that its error rate had been cut to "a small fraction of 1 percent" and was still falling.
To learn more about this investigation:
- read this USA Today piece
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By Anonymous | Posted 3:46pm | February 13, 2008
When managed pharmacy benefits began, the burdon of informing the patient of their limited benefits was shifted to the pharmacist. Some states pushed the carriers to take back the responsibility; they neither did that nor did they improve reimbursements to a level which would allow for more pharmacists to be hired.
This led to hiring more pharm techs to take up the load, but they don't have the skill sets. And despite the tv ads, it is rare for the pharmacist to be able to take time with worried patients to explain or explore.
What is considered improved efficiency in industry is often disruptive in human services.
Competition causes reduced services, not better services.
The number of pharmacy students is dropping as it becomes clear how lousy is the life of most retail pharmacists.
The public will blame the pharmacists for the errors, but they are driven to the exreme by the way the system is 'cutting costs'.
By Concerned Walgreens Customer | Posted 7:56pm | February 16, 2008
Does presidential candidate Barack Obama have the guts to eliminate affirmative action policies in his quest to change America and to launch our Nation in a better direction: on an "Obama Trajectory"?
Why?
Because I want to know that the "minority" pharmacist dispensing my prescription medicine is there because he/she is intelligent and not due to a governmentally imposed quota/mandate.
For instance, when Walgreens employs an African-American female pharmacist in the role of District "Manager" in Central New Jersey is that individual there because she's the "best and the brightest" or rather because Walgreens faced a racial discrimination suit (refer to March 2007 Wall Street Journal front page) and the corporation felt compelled to hire additional minorities in managerial positions?
How does such governmental pressure influence Corporate decision-making which ultimately impacts the safety of the consumer of Pharmaceutical products at the retail level?
Is the consumer put at risk by unfair, unjust Affirmative Action policies? What is the cost to the U.S. economy resulting from such policies?
Is Senator Obama sincere in wanting "change" in America?
Why not create a truly color-blind system wherein our Minority brothers' and sisters' are liberated from the question, "Is he/she there because of her skin-color? or because of her racial/ethnic heritage"?
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