In an industry as fast paced as pharmacy, it can be hard to keep up.
Breaking news, updates, and other important information come out every day, many of which directly affect your pharmacy and the way you do business.
With so much to know, and so little time to do it, you may find it hard to stay up to date.
To accommodate your busy life and busy schedule, you should be selective about where you choose to get your information — relying on leading voices in the pharmacy industry to give you the news you need.
Finding a reliable source of information can help you in several ways.
For one, it allows you to stay connected with the events happening in your local hometown and beyond.
Second, it provides you with resources that can help your pharmacy run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Third, and finally, it positions you to make meaningful changes on the issues that affect you and your patients.
If you’re looking to improve your independent pharmacy, your first step is to stay informed. Here are a few of our favorite news resources to do it:
1. NCPA qAM
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is one of the most influential organizations in independent pharmacy — educating and advocating for pharmacists everywhere, especially at the legislative level.
Every morning from Monday to Thursday, NCPA sends out a newsletter called qAM.
qAM covers a variety of issues and is an excellent resource to find out the latest news about pharmacy policies and changes, whether it be in your community or on Capitol Hill.
Sign up for qAM here.
2. NCPA America’s Pharmacist
In addition to qAM, NCPA also publishes a monthly magazine.
This magazine, America’s Pharmacist, reaches over 20,000 pharmacies across the country and attracts thousands of readers.
It discusses topics from PBM reform to vaccination strategies to spotlights on community pharmacies, offering a more comprehensive view of some of the most pressing issues in pharmacy care.
America’s Pharmacist is available for NCPA members, both online and in print.
3. CPESN Newsroom
The Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network, or CPESN, is a nationwide network of local independent pharmacies that provide evidence-based and patient-centered care.
CPESN is made up of thousands of pharmacies in nearly every state, who depend on it to provide fast and accessible information.
In its online Newsroom, CPESN publishes daily content — not just covering CPESN-specific concerns, but anything relevant to pharmacy in general.
All CPESN articles are available to read online, free of charge.
4. APhA Pharmacy Today
With nearly 150 years in service, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) works to promote health and wellness in all people.
For pharmacists specifically, APhA publishes journals, articles, and stories on its Pharmacy Today website.
It explores matters like drugs and diseases, practice and trends, health systems, and laws, regulations, and rulings — making it one of the most robust news sources available.
Pharmacy Today is available to all readers online.
5. Pharmacy Times
An independently-ran news source covering all things pharmacy, Pharmacy Times is one of the leading voices in the industry.
Because it isn’t affiliated with any outside corporation or organization, it provides unbiased, trustworthy news and resources that can’t be found elsewhere.
Pharmacy Times boasts thousands of articles — with new information being added every hour — that can enhance almost every area of your practice.
All articles on Pharmacy Times can be accessed online for free.
6. Drug Topics
Drug Topics is a branch of Pharmacy Times that provides a closer look at clinical services.
Instead of highlighting legal issues like rules and regulations, it zooms in on patient health and provides resources for your pharmacy to make a difference.
Like Pharmacy Times, Drug Topics posts new content every hour, ensuring that you get the most up-to-date information on health data, trends, and more.
All publications from Drug Topics are free to access online.
7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a primary source of information on drug safety and public health warnings.
Through its Drug Safety Communications, the FDA provides timely updates on medication recalls, new drug approvals, and important safety information.
This information enables you to make informed decisions that protect your patients and enhance the quality of care your pharmacy provides.
You can access updates on the FDA’s website and subscribe to get email alerts.
8. Pharmacy Practice News
Pharmacy Practice News is a specialized publication that covers the latest trends, research, and clinical practices in the pharmacy world.
It is particularly useful for pharmacists who want to dive deeper into specific areas like oncology, infectious diseases, and compounding.
Pharmacy Practice News is published every month and offers a comprehensive look at the latest advancements and challenges in the field.
Subscriptions are available for both print and digital editions, which you can access here.
9. Your Pharmacy Software Vendor
A final source that can provide you with helpful news and information is your pharmacy software vendor.
In addition to helping you run your pharmacy, many software companies regularly update their websites with pharmacy-related news and resources
Consider looking into their blogs, press releases, and other online content to get up to date.
Don’t know where to start or who to pick? Pharmacy Software Reviews’ unbiased, in-depth software comparisons can help you find the system that’s right for you — and get the news that you need.
Conclusion
As the world of pharmacy continues to grow and evolve, you should stay informed.
This will allow you to be a better provider, pharmacy contributor, and industry change-maker.
With the help of these resources, you can get the latest news and inspire the change you want to see.
