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Practice Transformation

As technology takes on a larger role in development and delivery of new medications, the strength of collaboration between two formerly distinct worlds is critical. Shared goals and genuine mutual respect form the nexus of success, say panelists at the Health 2.0 conference in Helsinki last week. “Building partnerships is the way to start meeting real patient needs instead of pharma needs. … Now it is about getting the right drugs to patients,” according to Erik Janssen, VP of innovative solutions in neurology at UCB Biopharma. (MobiHealthNews)
Haven, the venture launched by JPMorgan Chase, Amazon and Berkshire Hathaway to revolutionize health care delivery for its employees, confirmed that it’s gearing up for a bigger slice of the health care pie and will be seeking to break into the health insurance arena. Although it won’t happen overnight, health plans and other players in the marketplace are plenty nervous as Haven will raise the stakes around digital medication delivery and other services it will offer directly to consumers. (Business Insider)

Evidence & Innovation

A new study finds that pharmacogenomic testing supports greater remission, response and relief from depression symptoms compared to patients who received treatment without such guidance. Genetic testing helps eliminate medicines that aren’t likely to work for a patient, researchers say. (Medscape)
Recent FDA hearings on medical cannabis had presenters agreeing on at least one thing: more research is warranted to improve understanding of its risks, benefits and how it interacts with other medications. Scientists and health professionals said limited research has put regulation behind the consumption curve. For example, CBD is commonly considered to be non-psychoactive, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cause harm. (MedPage Today)

Policy Solutions

Blogger Belle Gibson is facing federal charges for making misleading health claims and faking her own cancer case to promote her diet and lifestyle routine. The case raises cultural questions about the credibility of people offering health advice through the web—and why consumers sometimes trust them more than clinical experts with top-notch credentials. In this case, it’s particularly worrisome when non-expert online influencers peddle vitamins and supplements that may create adverse reactions that exacerbate chronic disease. (The Conversation)
With thousands of smart phone health apps on the market, it’s difficult to fathom which ones are trustworthy, safe and effective. In this Consumer Reports piece, Michael Millenson, adjunct associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, offers some guidance. The first tip is to avoid any app that claims to make a medical diagnosis; leave that to your doctor. (Consumer Reports)
TOMORROW, 1-2 p.m. EDT | Comprehensive medication management is a team sport with the potential to improve patient care and access while optimizing the skills of all clinicians on the team. The Veterans Health Administration has systematically integrated clinical pharmacy specialists into the care team to accomplish CMM for a range of chronic conditions. Join us for this free webinar featuring Anthony P. Morreale, Pharm.D., MBA, BCPS, FASHP, associate chief consultant for clinical pharmacy and policy for the Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Benefits Management, and Julie Groppi, Pharm.D., FASHP, who will explore the practice model and outcomes of CMM integration, as well as the tools that support the team. (Register now)

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