Coralina Charles
Mar 28 2023
Reading Time: 3 minutes
By: Coralina Charles, Senior Director of Professional Services, CitusHealth
With care shifting out of the hospital, home and specialty infusion pharmacies are experiencing rapid growth. Providers who adopt digital tools that prioritize patient centricity will be likely to stay competitive, meet patient and referral expectations, and scale as the industry continues to grow.
Here are three key trends pharmacies should consider as they face the challenges of rising demands for infusion services.
1. Digital tools are personalizing the infusion experience
As the infusion industry grows, so does the manufacturing of specialty drugs and therapies. This evolution of treatment options is creating a shift in how pharmacies engage patients, payors, and referral sources. With the right digital tools, infusion providers can think beyond the medication and connect deeper with patients and caregivers to improve adherence.
Patients are the sole proprietors of their healthcare outside of the clinic, so they need to be engaged in and well-informed about their diagnoses, treatments, care plans, and medication regimens.
However, up to 50% of patients don’t remember the instructions and notes they get from their providers upon discharge.
2. Value-based care is improving patient outcomes
With home-based care shifting to a value-based payment model, infusion pharmacies must show referral sources that new drugs are contributing to positive patient outcomes. This prioritizes the need for patients to get the right treatments and support throughout their care journey. A collaborative platform keeps care teams up to date on patient status and needs, helping to ensure they’re receiving the most accurate, effective treatments.
Providing digital, on-demand education and training empowers patients to adhere to their care plans and medication regimens. Similarly, staff have on-demand access to training and education, making it easy to answer questions on the go. When you use technology that allows video links, website links, and/or guidance that is easy to find, outcomes can be improved.
3. Real-time engagement is providing better support for patients
In the wake of the pandemic, patients are no longer tolerating the inability to connect with providers.
Patients expect:
- Real-time, digital communication such as messaging and video chat
- Confirmation of visits online
- The ability to request medication refills electronically
- Delivery updates and/or delays of medication
- Contactless delivery
- Anytime access to resources, educational materials, instructions, and more — at their fingertips
Source: https://go.citushealth.com/hi-consumer-provider-research-wp.html
With innovative technology that enables real-time messaging and on-demand education, patients are more connected than ever — helping to promote adherence to treatment and improve outcomes.
These patient-centric trends are not temporary for home and specialty infusion providers. Talk with an expert to learn how CitusHealth can help your pharmacy evolve with a rapidly changing industry.
