Event Buzz: Diabetes Programs at Retail 10/27/2015
The Diabetes Programs at Retail event brought in major players from all aspects of the Diabetes industry. During this three day event that took place in Tampa Florida, one-on-one discussions were held which focused on product purchasing and developing retail programs that will provide people with diabetes information, education, services and products which can help improve their lives.
Technology and patient education were among some of the latest trends discussed throughout the one-on-one buyer/seller meetings and educational sessions. The following provides additional insights into these trends and where they are taking the category.
Technology
Andrew Markievich, Manager Pharmacy Clinical Programs at Ahold discusses ways that these apps can go a step further. Markieich says, “With the ability to take a blood glucose reading and have that information uploaded directly to your smartphone gives patients the opportunity to share that data with their health care providers.” With this information, health care providers are better able to guide and educate patients which can have a significant impact on adherence and can potentially prevent other health issues down the line.
Additionally, patient reminders and autofill technologies can help pharmacists in the retail setting stay in touch with patients in an effort to increase adherence.
Patient education plays an essential role in increasing adherence. According to one buyer attendee, “The industry needs new products but it is essential that we educate patients about these products in the store. We can’t just put product on the shelf with no educational support.” But more often than not the task of actually educating the patient falls on the pharmacists’ shoulders and building this into their already packed schedules can be quite a challenge. In an effort to help relieve some of the pressure, many suppliers are taking it upon themselves to develop programs that are specifically designed to help educate the diabetic consumer about their products.
Such educational programs will help to increase adherence but According to Vinnie Mainella, COO at Miller Drug, his business is not only looking to educate the patient but they are also engaging the patient’s family. By offering educational classes to the patient’s family, they can begin to better support their loved one by encouraging better eating and lifestyle habits.
Other Articles that May Interest You:
Diabetes Q&A with David Nau
Diabetes Q&A with Sara McCown of LifeScan, Inc.
Q&A with Karl S. Schumann, R. PH.