The current COVID-19 crisis has fundamentally changed how we approach healthcare and will have far-reaching effects on the future of the healthcare system. One of the side effects of this rapid change is the advancement of technological innovations to overcome the challenges of socially-distanced medical care.   Originally designed to help NASA monitor the health of astronauts, Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) allows healthcare providers, community nurses, and pharmacies to track important data on patients without needing face-to-face meetings.   In this article, we’ll be looking at how RPM works, its effectiveness, and how it could change how we approach healthcare...

Training to become a Pharmacy Technician with Northwest is the start of a rewarding career filled with growing job opportunities, plenty of advancement opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of others in your community. So, if you’re considering taking up a new career as a pharmacy tech, here are some of the benefits that go with the role. Fast and Affordable Training One of the significant benefits of becoming a pharmacy technician is the fact that the training is very affordable, with a range of student finance options, and, with Northwest’s student-focused training programs,..

In light of the current social-distancing regulations put in place by many states, pharmacies across the US are now adopting remote consultations to reach their customers. In this article, we’ll be looking at the potential benefits of the more large-scale adoption of remote consultations and how they might change how we approach pharmacy visits. What Are the Benefits of Remote Consultations?  During the current Covid-19 crisis, the necessity and benefits of a robust ability to use remote consultations is obvious, as traditional pharmacist consultations are not an option during a lockdown or social distancing.    However, in the long term,..

As with all parts of the healthcare system in the US, pharmacy services are constantly advancing in an effort to provide the best possible care for their customers. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the ways in which technology is playing a part in how pharmacy services are continuing to evolve. E-Verification Systems Accuracy, when it comes to the prescription of medicines, is vital, which is why many modern pharmacies are turning to E-Verification systems to ensure that their customers are receiving the right medication in the correct dosages.   E-Verification systems, such as the PACS (Picture..

One of the benefits of working as a pharmacy technician is that you have a certain amount of choice in where you choose to work. You could work in an outpatient setting, or in a busy hospital, but one of the most common setting is in a retail pharmacy.    If you are planning on qualifying as a pharmacy technician with us, and want to know more about this particular workplace, here are some things you need to know before working in a pharmacy. Your Hours Probably Won’t Be Set One of the pros of working in a pharmacy is..

Often used as a part of complementary or alternative medicine, essential oils, or concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds or blossoms of plants, are often claimed to have significant beneficial effects.   In this article, we’ll be looking at how valid those claims are and to what extent using essential oils is safe. What Can Essential Oils Be Used For? The use of essential oils is normally connected with relaxation and there is some evidence that the use of certain oils can promote feelings of wellbeing. For example, lavender or cedarwood oil have a demonstrable effect on sufferers..

Every year, the population of the US fills out about four billion prescriptions and that number is rising between 1999 and 2012, prescription drug use rose from 51 to 59 percent. Some of the most commonly filled prescriptions are for medicines to treat high blood pressure or lower cholesterol and middle-aged and older Americans are on more medication now than ever before.   In this article, we’ll be looking at the most commonly prescribed drugs in the US and what those drugs say about the overall health of the nation. So, in no particular order, here are the top 6..

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. Seven different coronaviruses, that scientists know of, can infect people and make them sick. Most coronaviruses infect animals, but not people. Some human coronaviruses were identified many years ago and some have been identified recently. What makes the current coronavirus outbreak in China unusual is that it is one that hasn’t been seen before. What Is a Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the viruses cause respiratory infections, including the common cold, which are typically mild. Some strains of the coronavirus are more..

Offering immunizations has become a significant business facet for modern pharmacies, especially those who work as part of a retail chain. According to the 2018 NCPA Digest, 73% of community pharmacies now offer immunization services, although only 25% of those surveyed offer any immunization options beyond flu shots.   In this article, we will be looking at what the law is behind pharmacies offering immunizations and how those laws differ between states. State Laws for Pharmacist Immunization Technically, Pharmacists are able to give flu vaccinations in all 50 states including Washington DV and Puerto Rico, but the exact state regulation..

With the opioid crisis in the United States reaching epidemic levels, some people are turning to other methods of pain management. One possible alternative to opioids that have seen a rise in use is Kratom or Kratom Leaf.   In this article, we will be examining Kratom Leaf, what its uses and side effects are and whether it represents a real, less addictive, alternative to opioids. What Is Kratom Leaf? Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna Speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic, or mind-altering, effects. Is Kratom Leaf Legal Currently yes. Kratom..