Pharmacy Heroes: Pharmacy Team Transitions 90% of Patients to Telehealth

Today we’re celebrating all of the pharmacists and technicians at the Ann Arbor Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Hospital. The team has mobilized quickly to protect their patients, themselves, and all other medical professionals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In the last few weeks, the team has helped other local VA facilities obtain medical supplies and have implemented a “meds to beds” program with the emergency department to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 throughout the hospital.

“Our outpatient and inpatient pharmacies have been working together to transition our mental health care patients from offsite clinics that are now temporarily not seeing patients,” said Lynsey Weiland, PharmD, a PGY1 pharmacy resident. “And our inpatient staff has been taking on extra shifts and including residents in workflow to manage the surplus of patients while being understaffed.”

Furthermore, Weiland estimated that the team has transitioned at least 90% of their patient visits to telehealth, and said they are continuing to expand telehealth efforts to protect their patients.

Pharmacy Times wants to celebrate the amazing pharmacy staff members who are on the front lines every day. Nominate someone in your pharmacy by emailing AAntrim@pharmacytimes.com with their name, position, and why they’re a hero!