Sacrifice Profits for Patient Outcomes

“Success comes in cans, not in cannots.” as PDS 2017 keynote speaker Joel Weldon is known for saying. The pharmacy myth that you cannot improve patient outcomes while increasing profits is a dangerous and false self-limiting prophecy; though it is understandable why some would believe it. Driving profits while simultaneously adhering to the best interest of the patient seems too good to be true.

Whether you are focusing on patient outcomes, sales, customer service, or leadership, it all comes down to the relationship you build with your patients that determines the success of your efforts. At PDS2017 Joel Weldon’s presentation “Elephants Don’t Bite! Little Things Make the Difference” will address how your team can take small actions to make a big difference in patient outcomes. PDS has identified 3 ways you can start taking action today. Read on to find out.

Every profit opportunity you implement should directly tie into the goal of better patient outcomes; this is the undercurrent of each strategy Pharmacy Development Services (PDS) provides our members, time and again. Some of our most profitable programs such as our SyncRx+ training rely solely on improving patient outcomes through engagement. The dedicated practice of routine comprehensive medication reviews and medication management pays in the currency of increased patient wellness, understanding, and compliance along with the growth of your bottom line.

PDS offers an array of member programs that produce pharmacy profits and address the patient’s best interest. You need only look at programs such as Bedside Delivery, Clinical Services Profit Ignitor, and Diabetes Care Club. Our point is that sacrificing profits for better patient outcomes is a myth that is dangerous to the pharmacy owner who believes it.

Now that this myth has been debunked, what is the process to ensure a constant focus on improved wellness and profits?

The short answer is, your pharmacy team. The slightly longer answer is, by focusing on the little things you and your team do every day. This leads us to something we’re very fond of saying at PDS:

It’s all the little things done exactly right that separates the ordinary stores from the extraordinary ones.

Your patients’ wellness starts the moment they walk into your store. Creating a culture where your team is knowledgeable of medications, drug interactions, and store products, will expand your patient wellness significantly.

Here are 3 ‘little things’ your team can do to focus on better patient outcomes while ensuring pharmacy profits:

1. Provide ‘upsolutions’ to customers that walk through the door. 
   For example, a team member can suggest solutions such as probiotics to offset antibiotics, or supplements for nutrient depletion — all to ensure patients receive the best therapeutic outcome from their prescriptions.
2. Train your pharmacy team regularly.
   Providing your team with the proper knowledge of pharmacy products, basic drug interactions, and common upsolutions will give your store the edge it needs to keep the customers happy and healthy.
3. Create meaningful conversations with patients.
   Your team is in the position to have impactful and informative conversations with patients. Train them to treat every interaction as an opportunity to ask questions, impart knowledge, and coach your customers toward adherence and improved outcomes.

Want more? At the 2017 PDS All-Star Super-Conference, one of our keynote speakers, Joel Weldon, dug deep into how the little things can make the largest difference in your pharmacy, namely on patient wellness and profitability.

Missed the 2017 conference? No problem! You can register now to attend next conference in February!