Innovation — Making a Difference

INNOVATION—THE CREATIVE PROCESS of looking at what is — and challenging ourselves to make it better, whether through new methods, techniques or practices, or new or altered products or services, has always been a source of inspiration for me. According to Wikipedia, “For innovation to occur, something more than the generation of a creative idea or insight is required: The insight must be put into action to make a genuine difference….”

As I write this, our country is grappling with the challenge of improving a healthcare system that is failing too many. Amid an array of stakeholders with diverse and competing interests, the process is complex, emotional and imperfect. At a recent executive roundtable, I wondered out loud if perhaps what we are dealing with is a “sickcare” rather than a healthcare system. And, as we think about improving our system, we might consider how to create a focus on wellness through school and workplace incentives that promote preventive vaccines, better nutrition, exercise and education. Without oversimplifying the important issues on the table, I wonder: Shouldn’t preventing disease be the first line of defense to make healthcare more affordable and accessible? Can’t we better serve those who are facing unavoidable health issues by lessening the burden created by disease that could have been averted?

Beyond our country’s healthcare challenges, the world is preparing for the largest mass vaccination effort in history — hoping to prevent the devastating impact of a fullblown pandemic. As manufacturers switched efforts from seasonal flu vaccine to produce the novel H1N1 strain, innovative products and processes have had a real-world testing environment, with attention focused on the challenges of decreasing time to market without hindering safety or effectiveness. Yet to be seen is how the mass vaccination effort will go. New models will certainly be needed, and it is clear that with each day that passes, progress is being made to organize the many players responsible for the planning, logistics, procurement and coordination necessary to pull off this monumental effort.

This unprecedented vaccination effort has shone a new light on seasonal flu, bringing a heightened awareness to the seriousness of this disease and creating a higher demand for the vaccine — a positive, and much-needed step in prevention. The seasonal flu vaccination business has been uncertain at best, with each year presenting its own set of unique challenges. Our company, FFF, has met past challenges with new innovations in service models, such as MyFluVaccine that offers greater reliability in delivery, and VaxAmerica, a vaccine service provider model that provides turnkey vaccine solutions through a nationwide network of care sites and school and workplace settings. By understanding the risks healthcare providers face each year in trying to promote vaccination efforts, we have pioneered these new models that have reduced the risks and added benefits for our customers. This focus on innovations in service is a great source of pride for me.

Supply chain safety is another area of innovation that FFF has focused on throughout the years. We have put in place innovative systems and services to honor our pledge of Guaranteed Channel Integrity. Our feature Verifying Pedigree: Digital Solutions in Safety, takes a look at a product’s path through the supply chain and the importance of verifying custody to ensure safety. I am pleased to say that FFF created the industry’s first Verified Electronic Pedigree™ (VEP). I encourage those on the front line to utilize this verification process; it is one important step in combating the issue of counterfeit product that continues to threaten patients’ welfare.

As always, I hope you find our publication educational, thought-provoking and helpful to you in your practice. We welcome your feedback, suggestions and insights.

Helping Healthcare Care,

Patrick M. Schmidt

Publisher