As I reflect on another impactful year on the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) Board of Trustees, the connection between my role at Point-of-Care Partners (POCP) and my contributions to NCPDP becomes ever clearer. My journey with NCPDP, while deeply influenced by my leadership role as the Pharmacy & PBM Lead at POCP, has in turn enriched my insights into industry challenges and strategic guidance I offer to our clients. This reciprocal relationship highlights the importance of industry collaboration and the collective effort to drive healthcare forward.
My path to NCPDP was not a direct one, but rather a culmination of my passion for healthcare technology, policy, and standards, fostered through my role at POCP as well as my previous product and strategy roles in the industry. My nearly decade-long affiliation with NCPDP began with regular attendance at annual conferences and gradually evolved into a deep dive into the world of healthcare standards, a transition spurred by my work at POCP. This unique position allowed me to bridge strategy, standards, technology, and policy, fueling my involvement in significant standards work, including initiatives around the SCRIPT standard and the innovative WG 20 focused on care coordination.
The decision to join the NCPDP Board of Trustees was not one I had initially considered. It was my engagement with the strategic planning committee that opened this door, introducing me to the profound impact one could have within the organization and across the industry at large. This involvement offered a vantage point to not only witness but also steer the direction of healthcare standards development, underscoring the vital role of standards in fostering industry-wide understanding and collaboration.
My tenure on the board has been marked by several accomplishments, but the launch of Work Group 20 - Care Coordination and Innovation stands out. This workgroup, conceived during my time as chair, signifies a bold step forward for NCPDP — venturing beyond traditional standards to tackle innovation in pharmacy workflows and care coordination. This initiative is particularly dear to me as it embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that I believe is crucial for the evolution of healthcare.
Looking ahead, the formation of a new task group under WG 20 dedicated to pharmacy innovation heralds an exciting chapter. This initiative promises to galvanize stakeholders around emerging technologies and innovative use cases, reflecting the dynamism and potential of modern pharmacy practice. It’s a testament to NCPDP’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, ensuring that our standards and initiatives remain relevant and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.
For those contemplating a leadership role within the industry or NCPDP, my advice is straightforward: get involved. The array of initiatives, from work on value-based arrangements and pharmacogenomics to innovation and pharmacy enablement, offers myriad opportunities for engagement. If you're passionate about an area not yet covered, NCPDP provides a platform to bring forward new use cases and ideas, fostering an environment of continuous innovation and improvement.
The journey with NCPDP has been both satisfying and challenging. The satisfaction comes from witnessing tangible advancements in healthcare facilitated by our work, knowing that these efforts contribute to better health outcomes for all. Yet, the road is not without its challenges. Steering such a diverse organization towards consensus on complex issues requires patience, diplomacy, and a deep understanding of the various stakeholders’ perspectives.
As we continue to navigate the intricacies of healthcare standards and technology, the importance of deep, practical expertise cannot be overstated. At POCP, our involvement in standards development is not just about research; it's about understanding the nuanced challenges faced by different stakeholders. This understanding is crucial for crafting effective strategies and roadmaps that anticipate future needs and address current challenges.
As we look to the future, I am energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. Through collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on improving healthcare outcomes, we are poised to make significant strides. Together, we can harness the power of technology and process innovation to make healthcare better for everyone. If you'd like to talk with me about how standards can support your organization's strategies or you want to learn more about the value of getting involved in standards work, connect with me on LinkedIn or contact us to set up a meeting.
