In an industry as fast-paced and ever-changing 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. With so much to know, and so little time to do it, you may find yourself unable 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 on a regular basis.
Finding a reliable source of information can help you in several ways. First, it allows you to stay connected with the events happening in your local area and beyond. This helps you to be aware of, advocate for, and make informed decisions about the future of your pharmacy.
Second, it provides you with resources that can help you run your pharmacy as smoothly and efficiently as possible. And, finally, it positions you to make meaningful changes on the issues that affect you and your patients — whether it be fighting against PBMs, reducing common health problems in your area, eliminating health inequality.
If you are looking to improve your community pharmacy, your first step is to stay informed. Here are a few of our favorite news resources to get you started:
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 a free subscription today.
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 COVID-19 vaccinations 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. In the healthcare realm, it offers guidance, support, and resources for professionals around the country.
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 is not 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 for free, via the website.
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. Similar to 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. Social Media
In addition to online and print publications, social media offers an excellent way to stay informed on the latest pharmacy news. Follow any of the above resources on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or try using hashtags like #pharmacy, #pharmacynews, or #independentpharmacy to branch out. As an added bonus, if you follow and stay engaged with news sources, you can create connections that generate traffic to your pharmacy.
8. Pharmacy Software
A final source that can provide you with helpful news and information is your pharmacy software vendor. In addition to helping you with the behind-the-scenes operations of your pharmacy through new feature updates and announcements, 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, it is important to stay informed. Doing so 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.
