Bug Tag – 4 WC Blog 502
iPad Theft – 3
Prevent telepharmacy iPad theft with a Bug Tag
I have recently learned of a new use of iPad technology in the pharmacy field but it does give me a bit of a concern over the potential for iPad theft. I was unaware that a new expansion of the traditional pharmacy store is now called telepharmacy. The idea is that pharmacists can expand their reach to rural residents more easily than in the past. In telepharmacy the Pharmacist and the patient can communicate over the telephone or an iPad for a consultation when a prescription is ready for pick-up. The concern I have is over what information the Pharmacist may have stored on an iPad about a patient. Assuming the pharmacy is using the technology on their end it is possible an iPad theft could take place and in such a situation what patient information is at risk? This risk can be mitigated with the use of a Bug Tag on each pharmacy iPad or computer tablet.
The Bug Tag prevents the theft of mobile medical iPads and tablets through the use of electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology. Each tag possesses a coil that sends off a radio wave. This radio wave is detected by EAS towers when a tag is in the area. In other words, carry an iPad with a Bug Tag attached to it into the vicinity of an EAS tower and an alarm will sound and lights flash from the tower. This will alert nearby personnel of an attempted theft of a device. Personnel can then recover the item before it is carried out of the building along with all of the patient data it may be holding. The tags are easy enough to attach to devices using an adhesive sled that can be replaced if a tag has to be removed for some reason. Concerned about a thief removing the tag and walking off anyways? No need to be worried, the tags are tamper proof and will sound their own alarm if someone tries to pry one off of a unit. The key to having a secure system is to also have EAS towers at each entrance and exit to a building. This ensures there is no way for someone to sneak out through a side door or vendor entrance.
So how much different is the telepharmacy from a standard pharmacy? At least one telepharmacy I read about will only have a full-time pharmacist present 16 hours a month. The use of the iPad will allow them to verify the prescription and hold the consultation with the patient who may have to travel some distance to get to the pharmacy to pick up the medication(s). Most of us are able to get to a pharmacy, drop off the prescription or have it called in and we can wait for it to be filled in the store and talk to the pharmacist. This system will provide the same level of service with the same professional review without the patient having to be concerned over the possibility the pharmacist may not be in by the time they can get to the store.
What is another other advantage of a telepharmacy? You may be surprised to learn that “In a study performed as part of the North Dakota Telepharmacy Project, telepharmacy sites reported a lower overall medication dispensing error rate than standard, traditional pharmacies”, reported in a blog on the Telepharm website by Zach Schladetzky, “The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Telepharmacy” dated January 27, 2017 http://blog.telepharm.com/the-10-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-telepharmacy
It would seem that an in-person dispensing system would be more accurate than an online system. It may be, however, that the concern over potential errors has aided in creating a system that has more checks and balances built into it. I am always excited to see technology help improve access to medical care for patients who may not have the same ease as others. I just want to be sure that the technology is secure and so is the data it holds.
I am pleased to see the implementation and growth of a telepharmacy system but it is important not to lose sight of the risks to patients if their information is stolen. CEO of Loss Prevention Systems inc., Bill Bregar recognizes that keeping patient data secure is a priority. He recommends that along with encrypting devices, the use of a Bug Tag and EAS towers to prevent iPad theft will instill confidence clients. The confidence of clients will help in the future growth of the business as they share their experiences with friends and family.
For more information about the Bug Tag, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I have recently learned of a new use of iPad technology in the pharmacy field but it does give me a bit of a concern over the potential for iPad theft. I was unaware that a new expansion of the traditional pharmacy store is now called telepharmacy. The idea is that pharmacists can expand their reach to rural residents more easily than in the past. In telepharmacy the Pharmacist and the patient can communicate over the telephone or an iPad for a consultation when a prescription is ready for pick-up. The concern I have is over what information the Pharmacist may have stored on an iPad about a patient. Assuming the pharmacy is using the technology on their end it is possible an iPad theft could take place and in such a situation what patient information is at risk? This risk can be mitigated with the use of a Bug Tag on each pharmacy iPad or computer tablet.
The Bug Tag prevents the theft of mobile medical iPads and tablets through the use of electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology. Each tag possesses a coil that sends off a radio wave. This radio wave is detected by EAS towers when a tag is in the area. In other words, carry an iPad with a Bug Tag attached to it into the vicinity of an EAS tower and an alarm will sound and lights flash from the tower. This will alert nearby personnel of an attempted theft of a device. Personnel can then recover the item before it is carried out of the building along with all of the patient data it may be holding. The tags are easy enough to attach to devices using an adhesive sled that can be replaced if a tag has to be removed for some reason. Concerned about a thief removing the tag and walking off anyways? No need to be worried, the tags are tamper proof and will sound their own alarm if someone tries to pry one off of a unit. The key to having a secure system is to also have EAS towers at each entrance and exit to a building. This ensures there is no way for someone to sneak out through a side door or vendor entrance.
So how much different is the telepharmacy from a standard pharmacy? At least one telepharmacy I read about will only have a full-time pharmacist present 16 hours a month. The use of the iPad will allow them to verify the prescription and hold the consultation with the patient who may have to travel some distance to get to the pharmacy to pick up the medication(s). Most of us are able to get to a pharmacy, drop off the prescription or have it called in and we can wait for it to be filled in the store and talk to the pharmacist. This system will provide the same level of service with the same professional review without the patient having to be concerned over the possibility the pharmacist may not be in by the time they can get to the store.
What is another advantage of a telepharmacy? You may be surprised to learn that “In a study performed as part of the North Dakota Telepharmacy Project, telepharmacy sites reported a lower overall medication dispensing error rate than standard, traditional pharmacies”, reported in a blog on the Telepharm website by Zach Schladetzky, “The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Telepharmacy” dated January 27, 2017 http://blog.telepharm.com/the-10-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-telepharmacy It would seem that an in-person dispensing system would be more accurate than an online system. It may be, however, that the concern over potential errors has aided in creating a system that has more checks and balances built into it. I am always excited to see technology help improve access to medical care for patients who may not have the same ease as others. I just want to be sure that the technology is secure and so is the data it holds.
I am pleased to see the implementation and growth of a telepharmacy system but it is important not to lose sight of the risks to patients if their information is stolen. CEO of Loss Prevention Systems inc., Bill Bregar recognizes that keeping patient data secure is a priority. He recommends that along with encrypting devices, the use of a Bug Tag and EAS towers to prevent iPad theft will instill confidence clients. The confidence of clients will help in the future growth of the business as they share their experiences with friends and family.
For more information about the Bug Tag, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
