PINS (Pharmacy Inventory Networking System)
Last updated
Share PrintCreated 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:
121 successful
Partners:
Pharmacy Benefits Management Services
Recent Updates
Overview
The 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
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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.
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The 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
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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.
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Images
Above:
Screen Shot of the PINS Application
The 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.
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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)
Implementation
Timeline
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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
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Support Resources
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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
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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
Comment
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