How Holy Name Medical Center is Strengthening Pharmacy Operations and Driving Continuous Performance Improvement

Key Takeaways

• Holy Name Medical Center faced a significant need for more efficient pharmacy operations, which became even more urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Through its partnership with Premier, Holy Name Medical Center gained access to industry expertise, collaborative opportunities and tools to improve supply chain stability, optimize spending and enhance clinical decision-making.
• Holy Name Medical Center has improved medication supply stability, reduced disruptions in patient care, optimized pharmacy decision-making and strengthened its pharmacy residency program, positioning itself for long-term success.

Holy Name Medical Center, a not-for-profit healthcare facility based in New Jersey, has always been committed to delivering exceptional patient care. But like many hospitals, it faced mounting challenges in pharmacy operations such as rising drug costs, medication shortages and the need for more efficient decision-making tools.

These issues became even more urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chain disruptions made it difficult to secure critical medications. To stay ahead of shortages, optimize spending and enhance pharmacy operations, Holy Name Medical Center sought a strategic partner. That’s where Premier came in.

We spoke with Genevieve Kumapley, PharmD, BCOP., Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Residency Program Director at Holy Name Medical Center, about how the hospital strengthened its pharmacy operations and positioned itself for long-term success. Below are excerpts from that interview with Premier.

The Q&A below has been edited for length and clarity.

Collaboration is an important part of improving pharmacy operations. How has connecting with other pharmacy leaders helped your team?

Premier’s Clinical Pharmacy Roundtable Group has been invaluable. It allows us to connect with pharmacy leaders across the country, share best practices and discuss solutions to common challenges. I often bring questions to the group and walk away with real, actionable strategies. These insights have helped us make more informed decisions and improve patient care.

Drug shortages are a major challenge for hospitals. How has Holy Name Medical Center adapted to help ensure a steady medication supply?

Our team is committed to ensuring a stable and reliable drug supply. Drug shortages can be incredibly disruptive, so having a program like Premier’s ProvideGx helps us secure essential medications and identify alternatives when needed. Our procurement team actively leverages the program to monitor spending and address shortages before they impact patient care.

Can you give an example of a medication that was difficult to source but is now more stable?

A couple of years ago, we struggled to source oncology medications like carboplatin and etoposide. Premier’s ProvideGx program was instrumental in helping us obtain those drugs. More recently, we’ve seen shortages in essential medications like dextrose and sodium bicarbonate. But through this program, we’ve been able to maintain stability and avoid major disruptions.

Beyond addressing shortages, what other steps has Holy Name Medical Center taken to improve pharmacy operations?

We’ve implemented several tools that enhance both our clinical and operational workflows. Premier’s TheraDoc solution improved our clinical surveillance capabilities by providing real time alerts and data insights, helping us monitor medication use, prevent adverse drug events and improve antimicrobial stewardship. We also participate in Premier’s Pharmacy Continuing Education program to stay current on industry trends and key intelligence for our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The live webinars and on-demand courses cover key topics like immunizations and disease state management. This ongoing education has been invaluable in keeping our team informed on the latest best practices. These resources have also played a role in our pharmacy residency program, helping us train the next generation of pharmacists. So, whether it’s through educational programs or new pharmacy solutions, we know Premier will be a key partner in helping us meet our goals.

What advice would you give to other hospitals looking to improve their pharmacy operations?

Having a strong network of support makes all the difference. We’re all working toward the same goal, delivering the best patient care possible. Taking a more strategic approach to pharmacy management, whether through better supply chain processes, stronger collaboration or access to the right resources, can help hospitals optimize their operations and improve outcomes.

Beyond having the right tools, having the right people behind you is just as important. One of the things that have been so valuable about our partnership with Premier is working with a team that truly understands the challenges we face. They have been in our shoes, they have walked the walk, and they are always there when we need them. Knowing we can reach out, even offline, and get support makes a huge difference.

Stronger Together

Holy Name Medical Center’s pharmacy team has taken a proactive approach to strengthening operations, improving clinical surveillance and expanding education for staff. Their journey demonstrates how the right strategies combined with strong partnerships can help hospitals overcome challenges and drive meaningful improvements. Hospitals facing similar challenges don't have to go it alone. Premier is committed to helping healthcare organizations optimize pharmacy operations and deliver better care, every step of the way.

For more:

• Check out Premier’s full suite of Pharmacy solutions.