PICAT 2020 Goes Virtual, Attention to Quality and Engagement Stays the Same
While the COVID-19 pandemic has upended conferences and events all over, for organizers of the Pharmacy Innovations Conference on Antithrombotic Therapy (PICAT) 2020, it has opened up the possibility to bring the most cutting edge information in anticoagulation pharmacy practice to a wider audience.
“We will cover everything form the typical clinical trials review, the lessons of COVID19, managing special populations, and renovating/modernizing your practice,” said Michael Gulseth, who has been a committee member and PICAT speaker since 2011. Gulseth works in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as a consultant to hospitals and health-systems to optimize patient outcomes when using anticoagulants.
PICAT 2020 will take place December 5th. This year with the virtual venue, PICAT will offer half of the lectures two weeks prior to the live conference for attendees to watch at their leisure. “We understand with juggling work and at-home schooling, it may be challenging to get “away” to a quiet space for a virtual conference for a large chunk of time,” Anne Rose stated. She’s this year’s program coordinator, committee member, and speaker on reimbursement.
New this year will be a special focus on antithrombotics and COVID-19. For Rose, what makes PICAT unique is its focus on pharmacists and their clinical practice. Conference organizers have placed particular attention to drawing in clinical experts as both speakers and attendees in an approachable setting.
The lack of an in-person event won’t reduce the opportunities for engagement. The organizing committee has scheduled live Q & A sessions with speakers. There will be live networking sessions and virtual round tables for attendees.
If you are a pharmacist who is actively engaged in optimizing antithrombotic therapy, this is an ideal educational program for you. PICAT is also great for residents with an interest in thrombosis management. Pharmacists practicing in the area of anticoagulation, whether new or experienced, inpatient or ambulatory, there is something for everyone.
“Your patients need your skills and expertise,” Gulseth says. “PICAT will get participants up to speed with advances in the field so they can fulfill their calling and profession successfully and confidently.”