table of Contents departments volume 5 issue 1
STAFF Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Mike Johnston, CPhT-Adv, BCSCPT, BCNCPT Executive Assistant Cess Literatus
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disease brief: Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease brief: bipolar disorder member spotlight
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Publisher’s Note News Briefs
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product news community rx health-system rx disease brief: andropause
Creative Director Peter Ian Fazon Director of Education Josh Cano, CPhT-Adv, BCSCPT, BCNCPT Manager, Continuing Education Ashleigh Smith, CPhT Member Services Jessica Sanders Graphic Designers
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continuing education: New FDA Approved Drugs and Vaccines (2023-2024) 26 The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 55 new drugs in 2023, the highest num- ber of annual approvals since 2018. Many address unmet medical needs, including new treat- ments for Alzheimer's disease, migraine, and RSV infection. Pharmacists play a key role in ensuring patients understand how to use these new medications safely and effectively. Addi- tionally, pharmacists can help patients manage their medications and prevent medication er- rors, which are common and can have serious consequences. Written by Erin DiMuzio, PharmD. ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-24-051-H01-P, 0384-0000-24-051-H01-T 2.0 Contact Hours Balancing the Scales: Conflict Resolution in Pharmacy Practice 42 Explore how pharmacy professionals navigate the delicate balance between maintaining operational efficiency and resolving interpersonal and ethical dilemmas. Balancing the scales in pharmacy practice requires addressing operational conflicts, ethical dilemmas, and interpersonal disputes. The ACE ap - proach offers a structured method to address and resolve conflicts effectively: Active Listening, Clarity, and Empathy. To prevent future conflicts, pharmacy professionals can lead by example, participate in team building, be self-aware, learn conflict resolution techniques, and utilize stress management tools. By integrating these strategies, pharmacy professionals can create a more harmonious work environment, improve team dynamics, and enhance patient care. Written by Michelle Hill, CPhT, MPH The Push for Safe Staffing 21 The Push for Safe Staffing in Pharmacies is Growing. What Will Create Lasting Change? The pharmacy technician shortage has reached a crisis point. The lack of available technicians has led to numerous prob- lems, including medication errors, reduced pharmacy hours, increased penalties, and compromised pa- tient safety. This shortage is due in part to low wages, long hours, and a lack of job security. Burnout among pharmacy staff has also contributed to the crisis. To address these issues, the industry must improve work- ing conditions, increase wages, and prioritize the well-being of its employees. Written by Becki Hamill. The Evolution of rxtechs into Pharma- cy-Based Community Health Care Workers 15 The evolving healthcare landscape necessitates pharmacies to adapt their services to support patients comprehensively. Pharmacy Technicians and Community Health Care Workers (CHWs) play crucial roles in ensuring accessible healthcare. Pharmacy technicians manage medication dispensing and inventory, contributing to medication safety and efficient pharmacy operations. In contrast, CHWs pro - mote health and wellness within communities, providing education, supporting chronic disease man- agement, and addressing health disparities. While both contribute to healthcare delivery, their scopes differ, with pharmacy technicians primarily operating within pharmacies and CHWs actively engaging with communities outside traditional healthcare facilities. Written by Gerardo Ramirez, R-CPhT, CHW.
Amber Taylor Mariana Ruiz Precious Fazon CONTRIBUTORS Erin DiMuzio, PharmD Becki Hamil
Michelle Hill, CPhT Robin Luke, CPhT Gerardo Ramirez, R-CPhT, CHW Ashleigh Smith, CPhT and the Editorial Advisory Board
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Opinions expressed in this publication do not nec- essarily reflect the official views of NPTA. The in - formation contained in this magazine is for informa- tional purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No part of this publication is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diag- nosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something covered in this publication. The appearance of ad- vertising or new product information does not con- stitute an endorsement by NPTA of the product(s) featured. All rights reserved. No part of this publi- cation may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher.
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