This episode of FrameworkFocus™ is co-hosted by the Pharmacy Podcast Network’s own Todd Eury and Patrick Hussey, President of Pharma Dynamix Consulting. In this episode, the pair sit down with Eric Weast, Owner of ECW Network and IT Solutions, and Robbie Macdonald, Director of Client Enablement, to explore the critical role of technology in long-term care pharmacies. They discuss the opportunities and risks of AI, strategies to combat cybersecurity threats, and the importance of a robust technology roadmap. Gain insights from industry experts on how to future-proof your pharmacy with the right tools and planning.

Eric Weast’s technology business started as organically as it gets as a teenager in his parent’s living room. Over the years, his business has grown into a dependable, trusted source of technology resources and toolsets to help pharmacies manage their IT infrastructure. Eric noted that one example of his company's genuine roots is that the individual who helped him get his start in IT is on his team to this day.

”We’ve taken the time to understand all the complexities, the interfaces, the APIs that effectively exist (in pharmacy),” Weast remarked. “What makes us different is we’re always looking at the future. There are things to be solved.”

Regarding artificial intelligence in LTC pharmacies, Weast believes these tools can be used for medication management, ensuring accuracy from the pharmacy to the facility to the patient.

”AI can be a great tool for pharmacy,” Weast added. “We just want to make sure what’s leaving the door is not going to hurt the patient.”

In the realm of cybersecurity, the conversation centered around the importance of preparedness. It is incumbent upon pharmacies to take action before the threat arrives rather than after it is already there. Weast estimated somewhere near 70% of cybersecurity attacks occur in healthcare-related businesses.

“If we don’t collectively solve these issues together, it’s going to be bad for the industry,” Weast said.

Some of the recommended websites for cybersecurity policy and best practices mentioned at the end of the episode are listed below:

healthit.gov - Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology

nist.gov - National Institute of Standards and Technology

cisa.gov - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Weast encourages pharmacies to be proactive and vigilant about cybersecurity and technology. He says adopting a “zero-trust” policy regarding IT infrastructure is the best course of action.

In addition to the player above, you can also listen to the full episode using one of the links below:

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Framework Focus is focused exclusively on Long-Term Care Pharmacy. We release a new episode on the second Wednesday of every month that addresses the hottest topics in LTC pharmacy through timely interviews with industry trailblazers, thought leaders, and LTC pharmacists. Follow and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen so you do not miss an upcoming episode.

Thank you for a great year of listening and supporting this podcast. We hope 2024 has been a productive and successful year for you and your pharmacy.