In this Voices interview, Clinical Sales Specialist, Monica Han, PharmD, BCGP, sits down with Hospice News to learn about the transformation of the hospice inpatient sector and the operating models within it. She also provides advice for organizations seeking to develop or expand their own inpatient services and offers an outlook on the sector in the years to come.
Hospice News: What career experiences do you most draw from, in your role today?
Monica Han: I have spent most of my professional career in hospice pharmacy and have been fortunate enough to take on a variety of roles. All of those experiences have brought me to where I am today in my career. My diverse experiences allow me to provide a unique perspective on the day-to-day needs of nurses and the demands of operations management. I apply that to streamlining processes, enhancing inpatient unit (IPU) services and supporting hospice leadership through cost containment and customer satisfaction.
How has the inpatient hospice sector changed since you entered the industry, especially in recent years?
Monica Han: In recent years, there’s been an increase in hospices providing inpatient level of care, especially since CMS announced the final payment rule. More and more are also seeking an automated solution to access medications quickly, minimize waste, and increase safety and security.
In addition to that, IPUs are looking for a pharmacy provider that can deliver not only on medication dispensing, but also in areas such as utilization management support, workflow optimization and clinical support. They want to work with a pharmacy partner who really understands the high acuity needs of their patients.
