What’s in it for Me

The Care Home market is offered the industry norm of single medication blisters housed in mountains of metal hoops. The market is dominated by one group, firmly entrenched and using its own blister based system operating from remote hub locations.

Pharmacists keen to expand in this market are faced with the need to offer “look a like” systems and to agree to crippling demands by the Care Homes which

Advantages for the Pharmacist

• A single system for BOTH Care Home and Community.
• A huge saving on blisters in the Care Home. You know from your own records how many blisters are used on a single patient with the hoop system. It can range from an average of 5/6 per month to over 15.
• The Omedos system uses a maximum of 4 blisters (one for each Dose Time), but since not all patients have medication 4 times a day, the average use if just over 2 blisters a month per patient.
• In the community there are a few patients who need 7 day issues and some even daily supplies, but the bulk of people can cope very well on 28 days supply.
• The units can have record cards included within the secure pack which is essential if patients moves between different locations.
• Specialised record cards for data collection through Bar Codes can be used in funded systems to generate more profit.
• Both multiples and independants are able to offer a “local” service, even the largest operating from hubs can deal with day to day “emergencies” from a local branch whilst taking the pressure of the monthly cycle at the hub.
• Customised Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) can be included in the pack, a bonus for automated systems.
• A single secure 28 day patient pack replaces inefficient 7 day packs.
• Transport costs reduced by 28 day handling.

inevitably eat into profits and put the whole venture in jeopardy.

Clearly pharmacists must offer the Care Home significant savings in time and costs. By clicking on the Carehome link below, pharmacists will see a few “sweeteners” they could offer and provide a service which those who are locked into the traditional single medication hoops can’t touch. At the same time the saving on blisters makes it a cost effective operation !

(Pharmacy)