Virtual Pharmacy

New Initiative Uses Telecommunications Technologies to Connect Seniors with Pharmacists

Calling the pharmacy has moved into the 21st century.

Using technology for health initiatives isn't new, and telepharmacy has been around for several years now; but bringing the technology to the delivery of health services into Prince Georgians' homes for better healthcare outcomes is new. 

The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, in cooperation with Clinical Pharmacy Associates, Inc., has launched the “Mednovate Connect – Senior Telepharmacy Project” in Prince George’s County. This initiative uses telecommunications technologies to connect seniors living independently in Prince George’s County with clinical pharmacists to deliver direct pharmaceutical care.

Mednovate Connect will hold its first education and enrollment session on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Camp Springs Senior Activity Center, Blue Heron Room, 6420 Allentown Road in Temple Hills, Maryland, at 11:00 a.m.

Council Member Karen R. Toles (D) – District 7, Immediate Past Chair of the Council’s Health, Education and Human Services (HEHS) committee, says the “telehealth” option is critically important as independent senior residents seek more effective ways to manage medication.

“The health industry is making more use of telehealth services, and as the Board of Health, we are working to close gaps in the healthcare of our residents, and embrace such technological advancements. This innovative health resource will offer great support to seniors who need additional assistance with medication management and are unable to contact their pharmacist directly.”

Clinical Pharmacy Associates, Inc. President, Dr. Chris Keeys, says this program will connect seniors living independently in the community with valuable expertise and resources.

“Because seniors utilize the most medications to manage illness and chronic conditions, and face the greatest risk of medication errors, this program is vital. Mednovate Connect will not replace a seniors’ current healthcare team, but it will provide additional support for their medication management needs. Our goal is to provide seniors living independently in the community with expert support provided through the innovative telepharmacy practice offered by Mednovate Connect.”

Two additional sites have been selected for the initial launch of the Mednovate Connect – Senior Telepharmacy Project, including the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center in Laurel and St. Paul Senior Residents Housing in Capitol Heights. The initiative is scheduled to enroll 200 seniors in the program.

The stated mission of Clinical Pharmacy Associates, Inc. which is based in Laurel, Md., is to provide solutions for hospitals, other healthcare institutions, nursing homes and managed care providers to realize the benefits of superior pharmacy and medication management in the new era of accountable healthcare.