NACDS Foundation, eHealth Initiative to host health technology conference

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Scrambling to keep its members abreast of rapid changes in health information technology and electronic communications, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation will co-host a two-day conference in June on the advances transforming health care.

The NACDS Foundation is collaborating with eHealth Initiative, a Washington-based nonprofit organization specializing in quality and health information technology, to sponsor the event. Titled “HIT, EMR, PHR- Transforming Patient Care,” the conference is set for June 11 to 12 at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington, Va.

Among the topics the meeting will address are the use of technology in electronic prescribing, medication therapy management, patient education programs, comprehensive medication review and other initiatives to manage data and improve patient health.

“Advances in health information technology, new electronic prescribing regulations and increased adoption of electronic medical records are changing the landscape of pharmacy provided patient services,” said foundation president Phil Schneider. “As other sectors of the healthcare system adopt health information technology practices, the opportunity is tremendous for community pharmacy to play an integral role in new ways to provide patient care.”  

Janet Marchibroda, chief executive officer of eHealth Initiative, said the event would focus on “highlighting significant progress made—across a variety of sectors of health care, including pharmacies—in using health information technology to transform patient care.” The conference, she continued,  “will offer practical guidance and best practices for using health IT to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of health care in the United States.”

Registration information can be found at www.nacdsfoundation.org.