AmerisourceBergen's ThoughtSpot 2014 draws record attendance
LAS VEGAS — ThoughtSpot 2014, AmerisourceBergen and Good Neighbor Pharmacy’s annual tradeshow, concluded this weekend after four days of programming focused on helping independent pharmacies navigate industry changes caused by healthcare reform. Through various exhibits, networking sessions, workshops and trainings, independent pharmacists received resources and tools to transform their business and deliver the next phase of patient care. This year’s show attracted nearly 70% more customers and pharmacy representatives than last year, making ThoughtSpot 2014 the most successful conference to date, AmerisourceBergen announced Wednesday.
“At Good Neighbor Pharmacy, we know that independent pharmacies feel uncertain in the new healthcare environment and are ready to transform their business,” stated Dave Neu, president of AmerisourceBergen Drug Co. “With transformation comes inherent risk, but more importantly, it presents significant opportunity. Independent pharmacies have the ability to leverage their unique value and uncertainty to drive growth. At ThoughtSpot, we show pharmacists that Good Neighbor Pharmacy has the resources to transform their business and respond to industry changes through knowledge, reach and partnership.”
Healthcare reform has forced all roles within the industry to evolve, including the expanding role of independent pharmacists. Pharmacists stay up-to-date through educational opportunities that allow them to keep pace with new and growing expectations. At ThoughtSpot, community pharmacists were able to select and attend a number of continued learning courses on a variety of topics ranging from pharmacy solutions to CMS Star Measures to patient retention and investment strategies. Workshops and training sessions were held to provide attendees with support and information on how to leverage new and existing technologies and systems to enhance daily operations and patient interactions.
In an increasingly mobile world, pharmacists are looking for digital solutions to help them connect with patients more quickly and support overall business operations. A number of new digital platforms were announced during the show, and customers could experience the programs live to learn more about the practical application in the pharmacy setting:
MyGNP Mobile App: The new app will allow for online prescription refills, and feature a store locator as well as health news;
Mobile friendly version of Good Neighbor Pharmacy website: The current website will now be optimized for use on all mobile devices;
Good Neighbor Pharmacy University: This new learning portal will offer customers training and educational opportunities that can be accessed and assigned to staff members. The interactive communication feature will let customers engage with peers who also are signed into the portal;
The Digital Pharmacist: A social media management program provided by our partner RxWiki. The free for NCPA members program will help customers manage their Facebook pages, revise their Google Local listings and improve their presence online; and
Yelp!: Good Neighbor Pharmacy will now be featured on the social media advertising app. All Good Neighbor Pharmacy members will be listed and will receive preferred pricing on advertising and profile management.
“The energy and excitement at ThoughtSpot followed pharmacists from the general session to the exhibit floor and their engagement with vendors,” said Dutch Atchley, a long-time ThoughtSpot attendee, pharmacist and owner of Ojai Rexall Drugs in Ojai, Calif. “AmerisourceBergen, Good Neighbor Pharmacy and the pharmacists here are committed to shaping the future of pharmacy, and I plan to use the tools I have acquired here to prepare for outcomes-based pharmacy and expand patient care services.”
On Friday, Aug. 1, Good Neighbor Pharmacy presented Harry Race Pharmacy with the Pharmacy of the Year Award. Harry Race Pharmacy was selected through an integrated digital campaign on GoodNeighborPharmacy.com and the Good Neighbor Pharmacy Facebook page. Patients, peers, neighbors, families and friends were able to vote online after watching a short video on three finalists, who were selected across the country.
“The evolving healthcare landscape presents unique issues and opportunities for community pharmacies,” said AJ Caffentzis, president of community and specialty pharmacy. “ThoughtSpot’s mission to arm independent pharmacists with practices and resources to enhance patient care and profitability. At this year’s conference, we focused on critical issues to give independent pharmacists the tools they need to learn, optimize and grow.”