Grane Rx in a Post Pandemic World
A Note from our President
July 2020
Dear Grane Rx Customers,
Continuing our journey forward together, Grane Rx is navigating back to a new normal with an even deeper commitment and focus on service, as well as, new opportunities to better serve our seniors. We will let our positive experience of the pandemic response and lessons learned serve as a new frontier for partnering with our customers.
With the summer upon us as everyone works to stabilize and find some sense of normalcy, Grane Rx is already in preparation for the fall and winter flu season. I am confident that a vaccine will be made available sooner rather than later that will mitigate COVID-19 and end the pandemic.
You have our commitment that we will continue to provide you with the necessary products and services you depend on during the pandemic and beyond. We are consistently reviewing our processes to better serve you and your team members. We are focused on reducing transmission and raising awareness that will help contain the spread and enhance safety. We know there are no quick fixes but believe there are better ways to reduce opportunities for COVID transmission as we learn more about this virus every day.
Grane Rx understands the importance of the products and services we provide to you and your patients. We take our service delivery very seriously as we want you to continue to count on us to ensure patient needs are met today and to keep an eye on future challenges as we navigate this crisis into the future. We understand the responsibility this entails, and meeting that responsibility day in and day out is our primary focus.
Thank you for your confidence in Grane Rx. We are proud to serve your residents, participants, members, patients, families, and team members. If we can be of any further assistance, just let us know.
Very truly yours,
Robert M. Rowland, President
Grane Rx
Q & A: Transmission in Medication Administration
Q. Can diseases like COVID-19 be spread through medication packaging?
A. Unfortunately, yes. When medication packaging is handled there is the potential for disease transmission. To reduce transmission risk, use a low-touch packaging system like medication pouch packs rather than punch cards.
Q. What type of medication packaging is best for reducing transmission?
A. Single use packaging is optimal for reducing transmission. Grane Rx’s “touch and toss” SimplePack system minimizes contact compared with traditional punch cards which require repeated and frequent handling.
Q. How safe is medication home delivery?
A. Grane Rx’s Meds2Home program provides the optimal solution for transmission reduction. All participant medications are packed at an off-site PACE pharmacy using no-contact automation and shipped directly to participant homes with contactless delivery.
Q. What is the best way to reduce transmission when administering medications?
A. Limiting contact is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease transmission. This can be achieved by reducing the frequency of medication administrations. Always consult with a licensed pharmacist before making any medication adjustments.
Q. What’s the best way to reduce the frequency of medication administrations?
A. You can effectively reduce the frequency of medication administrations by switching to a flexible or universal medication schedule, de-prescribing medications and optimizing medication formulations. Always consult with a licensed pharmacist before making any medication adjustments.
Q. What transmission considerations should be taken into account when storing a resident’s medications?
A. Single use packaging is optimal for transmission reduction. Grane Rx’s “touch-and-toss” packaging system limits nurse contact to one or two touches compared with punch cards which require repeated handling
IMPORTANT NOTE: Grane Rx has provided this content for informational purposes only. This content is not intended as medical advice, or as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician.
Resources
General
Centers for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/coronaviruses
National Institute on Aging
https://www.nia.nih.gov/
Infographics
How do I Prepare?
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/PublishingImages/Coronavirus%20Spread%20Infographic.jpg
How Can I Protect Myself From COVID-19?
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Diseases%20and%20Conditions/Coronavirus_Prevention%20steps_poster.pdf
Tips for Handwashing
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Diseases%20and%20Conditions/Coronavirus_Handwashing_poster.pdf
Podcasts
How to conquer your anxieties during the COVID-19 outbreak – Harvard Health Publishing:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center
Latest Blog Updates
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