Last updated 2024-11-18T18:59:08Z

PINS (Pharmacy Inventory Networking System)

Created to promote the VHA's mission of being a high reliability organization by optimizing vested funds to their full potential. PINS streamlines the transfer of unused, non-returnable medications between VA sites while creating a traceable data source for cost savings. This application enhances the VHA's ability to proactively rehome products for optimal utilization and waste stream avoidance.

Origin:

January 2024, Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Spokane, Washington)

Adoptions:

122 successful

Partners:

Pharmacy Benefits Management Services

Overview

Problem

Pharmaceutical waste happens at every VA site within the VHA. This occurs when purchased medications in the inventory are no longer needed and/or cannot be returned to prime vendors or utilized by new patients. Previously at their discretion, VA sites would list items that were soon to expire or unwanted via purchaser’s email groups hoping someone would tak ... Pharmaceutical waste happens at every VA site within the VHA. This occurs when purchased medications in the inventory are no longer needed and/or cannot be returned to prime vendors or utilized by new patients. Previously at their discretion, VA sites would list items that were soon to expire or unwanted via purchaser’s email groups hoping someone would take the time to read through emails and take the unwanted products. This approach is archaic, not user-friendly, and unable to track the impact on the system. See more

Solution

The Pharmacy Inventory Networking System application is an efficient solution to facilitate all aspects of redistribution for these products. Features include multiple search and filter options for listed items, barcode-enabled product lookup to assist in listing items, an automated claims process which pre-populates delivery information based on facility se ... The Pharmacy Inventory Networking System application is an efficient solution to facilitate all aspects of redistribution for these products. Features include multiple search and filter options for listed items, barcode-enabled product lookup to assist in listing items, an automated claims process which pre-populates delivery information based on facility settings, and helpful notifications via Teams or Email (based on user preference) to keep both parties involved in a transaction informed of the status of the stock transfer. The system also includes a helpful dashboard allowing facilities to track items sent and received over time. See more

Images

Screen Shot of the PINS Application

Results

Within the first two weeks, Mann Grandstaff VAMC had averted $19,299.81 in pharmaceutical waste and had utilized $102,287.53 of unwanted products from other VA sites. By the end of August 2024 Mann Grandstaff VAMC re-vested $396,246.29 worth of unusable product. $337,141.34 was utilized from other VA sites and $59,104.95 was redistributed. The power of s ... Within the first two weeks, Mann Grandstaff VAMC had averted $19,299.81 in pharmaceutical waste and had utilized $102,287.53 of unwanted products from other VA sites. By the end of August 2024 Mann Grandstaff VAMC re-vested $396,246.29 worth of unusable product. $337,141.34 was utilized from other VA sites and $59,104.95 was redistributed. The power of such high-value cost savings transactions over time at all VA sites in the nation is exponential. See more

Metrics

PINS has actualized $3 million in savings to the VHA within 9 months of operation.
PINS potential is exponential, currently we have 194 enrolled out of 318 eligible sites. We have a participation rate of 61%.

Diffusion tracker

Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)

There are no in-progress adoptions for this innovation.

There are no unsuccessful adoptions for this innovation.

Implementation

Timeline

October 2023

Concept and prototype created by Pharmacy Procurement Supervisor at Mann Grandstaff VAMC.
November 2023

Prototype presented to PBM Supply Chain Pillars in hopes of a partnership. Concept was found agreeable and was adopted by PBM for further development.
January 2024

PINS (Pharmacy Inventory Networking System) went live as a teams-based power application under the umbrella of PBM's Pharmacy Community Supply Chain Group.

Departments

Pharmacy

Core Resources

Resource type	Resource description
PEOPLE	Pharmacy Procurement Specialist, required for application participation.
PROCESSES	Pharmacy Procurement Specialist registers to their pre built facility from the PINS application after joining the Pharmacy Community Supply Chain Group.
TOOLS	In it's current state no additional resources are required to use this system. PINS uses existing software and VA issued hardware.

Support Resources

Resource type	Resource description
PEOPLE	The Pharmacy Supply Chain Community is here to support all sites actively using this application and can assist any new sites looking to implement PINS.

Contact

Comment

Comments and replies are disabled for retired innovations and non-VA users.

VA User (Pharmacist(clinical Spec)) Innovation adopter posted 2024-11-18T19:20:54Z

We use it here and really like it! Very easy to use

Email

Email PINSSupport@DVAGOV.onmicrosoft.com with questions about this innovation.

About

Origin story

The idea for a national trading platform was sparked by VISN-level product saturation. When dealing with the All Hazards Emergency Cache, soon-to-expire products are released into circulation en masse making it difficult to distribute among VISN peers. We needed a way to network effectively with added visibility to broaden our outreach. PINS became that fi ... The idea for a national trading platform was sparked by VISN-level product saturation. When dealing with the All Hazards Emergency Cache, soon-to-expire products are released into circulation en masse making it difficult to distribute among VISN peers. We needed a way to network effectively with added visibility to broaden our outreach. PINS became that finalized vision.

Original team

Tamara Goins

Pharmacy Procurement Supervisor

Ronald Major

Program Manager Education and Training

Ann Jacovelli

Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Supply Chain

Zita Schmitt

Pharmacy Technician

Krystal Cameron

Pharmacy Program Specialist

Marian Daum

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Brian O'Quinn

Pharmacy Program Specialist

Search tags

Capital Asset Management Data and Analytics High Reliability Logistics Outpatient Care Pharmacy

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