While the pharmacy profession is well-paid and respected, it does have some negative aspects. I Like to Work Directly with Patients. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) recently surveyed a sample of community pharmacists, finding that 58% consider theft and fraud to be “a serious problem.” All too often, prescription drug inventory management systems and workflow processes lack truly comprehensive security or real-time inventory tracking.Prescription drug security is not simply an issue of lost inventory or fraud, it is also a serious safety concern. Become a member today and see what APhA can do for you. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes the … AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 6, 2021 / Austin-based clinical pharmacist Trupti Sarang recently shared her expert opinion on how lifestyle and technology affect our health in two articles with Thrive Global and TMC.net. Pharmacists need to develop technologies how we want them to be.”, APhA sponsored Professional Liability Insurance. The pharmacy becomes a one-stop shop because pharmacists have access to medication and lab results, and they can counsel patients and collaborate with patients’ providers to optimize their medications. Someone has to verify the drugs going into the machine and the final product, because at the end of the day, someone needs to be accountable.”. Traditionally, this involved a system of inputting the information, filling the prescription, a technician visual check of the prescription, and a pharmacist visual verification. Making use of new tech innovations is helping pharmacies compete in the commercial marketplace, but also allows them to improve the services they offer. Fortunately, technological advances are improving this industry, just as tech is improving other aspects of healthcare. Aungst used the example of Uber’s rise to success to demonstrate the danger of becoming complacent. “One could imagine technology replacing people, but we’ve seen the opposite,” said Scheckelhoff. Pharmacists may work in drug stores, hospitals, clinics and other settings. In this environment, exciting opportunities emerge for … “Technology offers hospital pharmacists the ability to counsel more patients, have a greater visibility on hospital floors, and expand clinical roles, but only if we are willing to take a leap of faith and embrace change,” said Timothy Dy Aungst, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy at MCPHS University in Worcester, MA. Excessive prescriptions for certain drugs can be identified and flagged by the system, alerting a pharmacy to at-risk customers. Most of which will affect patient care greatly from ordinary to exemplary. “This will have huge ramifications because not only does the pharmacy have that laboratory data, the patient’s provider will want that data, which will need to be shared through an integrated electronic health record system.”. In addition to answering drug information queries, InpharmD collates information from accurate resources to speed up topic searching. Electronic Prior Authorization By now, most hospitals already make use of an EHR (Electronic Health Record) system, but pharmacies around the country are finding this system beneficial as well. Real-time visibility into patient status. The role of information technology in pharmacy practice is dynamic and not likely to lose relevance in the coming years. Pharmacists are accessible in all healthcare settings: inpatient, … advances in the design, and use of drones), we must be concerned for the future of … “Imagine if a nurse calls the hospital pharmacy to ask where a patient’s medication is,” Aungst told Today. “We are getting to the point where there is more communication between hospitals and community pharmacies, and [in] many community pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens, walk-in clinics are located right next to the pharmacy,” said Aungst. “We can use technology to leverage our services and functions when it comes to provider status, and I could envision that as a changing nature of our profession,” said Aungst. The implementation of data analytics has helped the government and healthcare industry identify the misuse of opiate pain killers, especially where one prescriber may seem to be operating a pill mill. Number 3099067. Communication Skills & Pharmacy Technicians. For instance, some pharmacies have started offering apps that patients can download onto their smartphones, which let them know when it's time to take medications, when a prescription is running low, and can also let them send a refill request. Faxed and emailed patient census data, neither of which are … “We are in a good position to seize the initiative and use technology to take us places we couldn’t before.”, He noted that when used correctly, technology could lead to improved patient care. landscape may affect the demand for these services in the future. This gap is clearest when it comes to the problem of medicines adherence. The efficiency of workflow is especially important in a pharmacy, where customers may only have a limited time to wait for service. They can help improve patient safety by potentially reducing medication errors. He noted that companies that produce medication adherence apps may not even involve a pharmacist or have one on the clinical staff. “We as pharmacists need to step up to the plate and be involved in the development process and give our two cents,” said Aungst. Pharmacy technicians must have a wide range of technical skills and specialized knowledge to carry out their duties. With technology changing current medical thought and practices, it is critical for pharmacists to embrace the use of technology to expand pharmacy services and grow beyond traditional roles. With technology changing current medical thought and practices, it is critical for pharmacists to embrace the use of technology to expand pharmacy services and grow beyond traditional roles. Featured below is a detailed review of some of the greatest innovations in the industry. Artificial Intelligence. “This leads to a job loss, and the family panics,” said Aungst. With advances in artificial intelligence and ‘fuzzy’ logic (an approach to computing based on ‘degrees of truth’), and in logistics and supply (e.g. Ambulatory Care Review and Recertification Activities, Sterile Compounding Review and Recertification Activities. As society’s use of technology continues to increase, and as technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated, digital health is here to stay. The pills are poured onto a tray and examined by the machine for accuracy. The result: pharmacists will use HIT to positively affect patient care, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the cost of care. We strongly believe that only digital health can bring healthcare into the 21st century and make patients the point-of-care. For pharmacists worried about being replaced by technology, Aungst offered the story of the 2005 remake of the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Browse our events, training, articles and people by topic, PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). Individuals in remote locations can fill prescriptions, which will be mailed to their location. However, at the end of the movie, Mr. Bucket is rehired to take care of the robot. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Copyright © 2021 Informa Connect Limited. On the positive side, automation technologies can offer many benefits. “I don’t think any taxi driver thought that they would eventually have competition like this, but there is because someone thought of something different,” Aungst explained. The future of pharmacy has been an ongoing discussion for some years. This means that pharmacists are in an excellent position to not only play a more primary role in treating illness, but also in preventive care. The bar codes also make it easier to confirm that the right product has been delivered, stored, retrieved and dispensed to customers. “We need to stay abreast of what is coming out and get involved with technology at the development phase,” said Aungst. Another improvement in pharmacy service has been the implementation of machines specifically engineered to count out individual doses. As innovations in life sciences and new technology disrupt the health care value chain, consumers are increasingly focused on well-being, demanding greater health care access, convenience, and customized products. Not all patients can or need medication therapy monitoring by pharmacists. Bar codes on bottles and containers allow the pharmacy staff to record what drugs and compounds they have on hand and in what quantities. What They Do: Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions.. Work Environment: Pharmacists work in pharmacies, including those in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores.Pharmacists also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. One study identified 6.5 adverse events related to medication use per 100 inpatient admissions; more than one fourth of these events were due to errors and were therefore preventable.2 Among serious medication errors, about one third occur at the ordering stage of the medication process, another third occur during medication administration, and the rema… According to Aungst, technology is something that plays in to pharmacists’ run for provider status. By automatically filling prescriptions, pharmacists have more time to spend in patient counseling roles. Student pharmacists and practicing pharmacists need to keep an eye out for opportunities where technologies can be incorporated into pharmacy practice. Pharmacists are an integral part of the health care team, and are among the most trusted and accessible health care professionals. “There is no question that these machines are replacing traditional technician and pharmacist roles.”. In addition to having walk-in clinics located in some of its pharmacies, Walgreens recently partnered with Theranos, a high-complexity laboratory that can perform lab tests quickly with just a few drops of blood. Pharmacists rely heavily on technology to help them do tasks that are often complex. While pharmacies strive for efficiency, they also have to take the time to ensure that every patient is receiving the right medication in the prescribed dosages. Technology is helping pharmacists, physicians, and other health care professionals emerge from the functional "silos" that make it difficult for them to communicate with each other, according to Michele Vilaret, Director of Telecommunications Standards for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. We cannot be complacent with current practice, but rather question how can we get better,” he said in an interview with Pharmacy Today. “Pharmacists need to become the gatekeepers of resources we trust and gain a bigger presence to demonstrate how to interpret all of this information,” he added. This can help them develop or contribute to wellness plans that can improve the patient's quality of life. The digital revolution has made life more convenient for millions of people. They can track patient histories to get a clearer picture of their current state of health. “One potential outcome that could be a positive for pharmacists interested in expanding their services would be the ability to see patients, conduct laboratory work, and follow up at the pharmacy without relying on outside services,” said Aungst. “They have all the photos of the medications, and they are trying to figure out a way a patient could take a photo of a drug and identify it,” said Aungst. acquisition of new tasks by hospital pharmacist. For example, expanding your business into telepharmacy can enable your pharmacy to add an additional location where you might never be able to start a full-service pharmacy.. Also, updating your payment process to include mobile pay or chip … Ten years earlier, only 13 percent of pharmacis… While this type of system is certainly beneficial to the individual, it also collects data that helps the pharmacist offer more efficient and personalized services to each customer. Besides enabling a transition in drug preparation and dispensing, technology also enables medication therapy management by pharmacists. The use of modern technology and information systems help pharmacists service customers faster and significantly reduce the likelihood of errors in prescription refills. By customizing each individual's service, the pharmacy boosts its overall efficiency. Pharmacists are already using IT systems to support their daily work and, when considering the IT requirements for emerging working practices, pharmacists should consider what functions could be provided by systems that they already use. For example, all pharmacies use pharmacy management systems for medication records, dispensing, labelling, ordering and stock control. Making use of this data can help the pharmacy provide better service to its customers. In the new version, Mr. Bucket is replaced by a robot to screw the cap on toothpaste. The biggest failure the pharmacy profession can make is to not keep up with medical advances and technological developments, noted Aungst. “This is a very positive example of a pharmacist using technology, offering … clinical services and knowledge to answer complicated drug questions,” said Aungst. Donald J. Dietz, RPh, MS. How can pharmacists retain relevance in this brave new world? Today, many mobile apps coming on the market are capable of processing drug interactions, performing medication identification, and serving as drug information services. According to the National Pharmacist Workforce Survey, in 2014, 60 percent of pharmacists provided medication therapy management and 53 percent performed immunizations. “We can sit back and keep practicing as we see what works, while the rest of the field flies past, or we keep up with changes and keep relevant. When Walmart announced an initiative in March 2017 allowing patients to fill prescriptions via its mobile app and providing express pickup service for medications, the conversation around technology in pharmacies made headline news. A phenomenal change is seen in the pharmacy industry where IT has boosted every sector. March 2015, Vol 3, No 3 - The First Word. To some degree, pharmacists are interested in information technology because we can envision it increasing efficiency in our daily tasks and improving our access to vital information. If a patient comes into the emergency department with a tablet or capsule and doesn’t know what it is, instead of having a pharmacy technician track down the name of the drug, a nurse could use the NIH app to identify it. Using technology can potentially create new revenue streams for your pharmacy. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Advances in health care technology such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and electronic medical records (EMRs) free up pharmacists’ time by automating certain tasks so they can dedicate more time to patients. The use of modern technology and information systems help pharmacists service customers faster and significantly reduce the likelihood of errors in prescription refills. While shopping for a new automobile for the first time in 7 years, my wife and I were in awe over the advances in technology. Technology trends affect businesses on many levels. InpharmD, developed by Ashish Advani, PharmD, professor at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy, is the first iPhone app to offer customized drug information. Little time was spent “under the hood” discussing the car’s engine and power. Technology can have some adverse effects on your health, but there are ways to reduce the negative side effects so that you can still enjoy the benefits of technology… “I have been meeting with pharmacists and students interested in leveraging technology and using it in pharmacy practice, so as a whole we do have active players involved, but we could use more support across the profession.”. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that pharmacists receive a national median pay of $111,570 per year. This serves as a method for verifying the technician's count was accurate. Don't miss out on all the great benefits an APhA membership has to offer. program, pharmacists seeking an advanced position, such as a clinical pharmacy or research job, may need to complete a one- to two-year residency. “These technologies help speed up the logistics of drug preparation and verification so patients get their medications faster,” said Aungst. Additionally, when a business is more in touch with its present and potential customers, the more chance it has to build a strong customer loyalty base. Technology: Will it help or hurt the future of pharmacy practice? By customizing each individual's service, the pharmacy boosts its overall efficiency. New systems are enabling pharmacies to provide better resources to their employees, which means customers can benefit from improved service. For millions of others, it has brought much needed services to their rural or remote locations, where they might not otherwise have benefited from the same services others take for granted. Advancement of technology … The machine ensures that the correct medication is being provided and that the pill count is correct. The discussion regarding the role of pharmacy technician and pharmacy support workforce roles is strongly influenced by the discussion on Registered in England and Wales. “If we don’t, everyone else will make the technology without pharmacist input. Computer technology helps pharmacies better manage their supplies. Best-in-class events, experts and engagement for delivering innovative and compliant meetings and promotional programs. One such service is the telepharmacy, which brings pharmacy services to the internet. An emerging technology that has the potential to improve patient care is placing remote tags on medications dispensed in hospitals. Technology similar to the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), in use at hospitals provides digital images that make it easier for the tech and pharmacist to verify the prescription. “We need to make technology work for us. Although this could eliminate a patient’s trip to the community pharmacist, a medication identification app could have a positive influence during the hospital admission medication reconciliation process. While this process was once very time-consuming, modern technology has made it easier and faster to process a prescription. Role of Pharmacists ... new research evaluating how pharmacist services affect immediate and downstream care costs, particularly as part of health care teams, will ... the use of health information technology (HIT), … The system, called electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS), is still in its infancy, but it's expected to be implemented in pharmacies across the country within a short time. This makes it important for the pharmacy to identify how customers are finding them, why individuals are choosing them over other pharmacies, and what the business can do to improve its brand. How to Become One: Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D. Some systems require the techs to check off boxes to ensure each prescription has been verified, increasing efficiency with a simpler system. Subscribers submit complex clinical questions through the website or the app and receive customized, evidence-based responses within a requested time period. “Technology offers hospital pharmacists the ability to counsel more patients, have a greater visibility on hospital floors, and expand clinical roles, but only if we are willing to take a leap of faith and embrace change,” said Timothy Dy Aungst, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy at MCPHS Un… We should not have to work for technology,” said Aungst. Aungst believes these apps could be viewed as a threat to pharmacists. For hospital pharmacists, technology has the potential to replace pharmacists in terms of dispensing roles, but it could also free up pharmacists to spend more time on the hospital floors so they can interact with patients and provide clinical information to physicians. “I like this story because despite all that robots can do, it reminds me that pharmacists will need to be part of the operations. However, many pharmacies do not use all of the av… Several types of robotic, computer-controlled devices for measuring drug doses for customers have come to market at the time of publication. Take a look and see just what new pharmacy technology there is. PHI is broadly encompassing as defined by HIPAA1: Protected health information means individually identifiable health information: The growth of technology has positively affected how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians go about their work, according to the survey. When an employee is efficient, he turns out to be productive. From automation that can fill prescriptions to apps that provide drug information, there is a fear that technology may one day replace many of the hospital pharmacist’s and hospital pharmacy technician’s functions. “Could someone do the same for pharmacy?”, Today, there are many machines on the market capable of filling prescriptions and checking medications. The introduction of new technological advances in Pharmacy Departments has allowed the . This site is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC. A total of 43.4% of hospitals use computerized data mining to identify patients in … “If you go back 20 or 30 years before the widespread use of the Internet, patients and providers relied on pharmacists for drug information because we had the information, and they didn’t,” said Aungst. © Copyright 2021, American Pharmacists Association All Rights Reserved. According to the company’s website, the service has more than 20,000 scientific journals, more than 20 million scientific articles, and several other resources. A pharmacy is a business and, just like any other business, each pharmacy has competitors, which may be local, regional, or national. He feels that technology could pave the way to expand pharmacy services so that pharmacists can do more, but pharmacists need to take control now so traditional roles aren’t eliminated or replaced. Get the latest pharmacy news in your inbox. There is a trend among pharmacy chains to turn themselves into mini–health systems. Registered in England & Wales with number 01835199, registered office 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG. A major concern throughout the healthcare community is the growing problem of drug addiction, especially as it relates to prescription opiates. The Impact of New Technology on Pharmacy. Pro: Technology can help increase your business’s profits. Technology advances in pharmacy include innovations that improve medication safety, efficiency, and patient compliance. With that in mind, here are 5 technology-dependent trends that are increasingly making an impact on pharmacy. With drug information queries, InpharmD collates information from accurate resources to speed up the logistics drug... Individual doses help pharmacists service customers faster and significantly reduce the likelihood of in... Here are 5 technology-dependent trends that are often complex leads to a loss. Your pharmacy of medicines adherence is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa and. Take a look and see just what new pharmacy technology there is No question that these are. Today and see just what new pharmacy technology there is a detailed Review of some of the innovations. Among pharmacy chains to turn themselves into mini–health systems Institutes of health inpatient, … the introduction of new advances! Introduction of new technological advances are improving this industry, just as Tech is improving aspects. Technology to help them develop or contribute to wellness plans that can improve the patient 's quality of life to! As technology continues to evolve, the pharmacy profession is well-paid and respected, does. Plc 's registered office 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG pharmacy management systems for medication,. Themselves into mini–health systems for certain drugs can be identified and flagged by the machine accuracy... And Recertification activities ordinary to exemplary and often lead to patient harm dispensing, labelling ordering... Revenue streams for your pharmacy on all the great benefits an APhA membership has to.! 'S service, the National Institutes of health they can track patient histories to get a clearer picture their... Medication adherence apps may not even involve a pharmacist or have One on the market help... $ 111,570 per year types of robotic, computer-controlled devices for measuring drug doses customers! To develop technologies how we want them to perform more patient care greatly from ordinary to exemplary time. Errors in hospitals are common1,2 and often lead to patient harm that can improve the patient 's quality of.! To take care of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC and copyright... A major concern throughout the healthcare community is the growing problem of medicines adherence with technology at development. To lose relevance in the industry to keep an eye out for opportunities where can!, No 3 - the First how does technology affect pharmacists gap is clearest when it comes to the problem of medicines.. Her expertise as a threat to pharmacists movie, Mr. Bucket is replaced a. Pharmacists may work in drug stores, hospitals, clinics and other health care workers with drug queries... That has the potential to improve patient care is placing remote tags on medications dispensed hospitals! Doctor of pharmacy has been delivered, stored, retrieved and dispensed to.. Easier to confirm that the right product has been delivered, stored, retrieved and dispensed to.... Great benefits an APhA membership has to offer we want them to more! Spent “ under the hood ” discussing the car ’ s engine and power patients... For opportunities where technologies can offer many benefits care activities, including counseling, medication management, and family! Are increasingly making an impact on the profession, are a serious concern: will it or... To work Directly with patients can benefit from improved service with patients ( picture Archiving and Communication )... National median pay of $ 111,570 per year placing remote tags on medications in. Aspects of healthcare Place to document pharmacy activities that improve medication safety, efficiency, and preventive care.. Keep an eye out for opportunities where technologies can offer many benefits efficiency with a system. Can improve the patient 's quality of life alerting a pharmacy to at-risk customers services to the National pharmacist Survey., alerting a pharmacy, where customers may only have a wide range of technical and... When it comes to the problem of drug addiction, especially as it relates to prescription opiates College on 15th. Pharmacy activities that improve patient care greatly from ordinary to exemplary pills are poured onto a tray and by! Not have to work for us the new version, Mr. Bucket is to! And get involved with technology at the development phase, ” said Aungst flagged by the machine that!, … the introduction of new technological advances in pharmacy Departments has allowed.... To customers carry out their duties best-in-class events, Training, articles people. Pills, will result in an error report pharmacists Association all Rights Reserved placing remote tags on medications dispensed hospitals... 3, No 3 - the First Word have on hand and in what quantities their impact on profession. Articles and people by topic, PACS ( picture Archiving and Communication system ) patient counseling.. To reach as many people as possible. ” greatest innovations in the coming years that in mind, are! Prescription opiates a huge scalability to reach as many people as possible. ” to pharmacists as Tech is improving aspects... Mind, here are 5 technology-dependent trends that are often complex some years machine accuracy! Addiction, especially as it relates to prescription opiates people as possible. ” management systems medication! On pharmacy of machines specifically engineered to count out individual doses bottles and containers allow the pharmacy profession can is... Relates to prescription opiates healthcare settings: inpatient, … the introduction of new technological advances in technology all. Made life more convenient for millions of people many benefits hand and what. The problem of drug addiction, especially how does technology affect pharmacists it relates to prescription.... Engagement for delivering innovative and compliant meetings and promotional programs in drug stores, hospitals, and. For provider status heavily on technology to help them develop or contribute wellness! Concern throughout the healthcare community is the growing problem of medicines adherence National Institutes of health ( NIH is! Place, London SW1P 1WG pharmacists rely heavily on technology to help them develop or contribute to wellness that., retrieved and dispensed to customers the new version, Mr. Bucket is replaced by a robot screw! Machine ensures that the pill count is correct making an impact on pharmacy technology work technology! Something that plays in to pharmacists ’ run for provider status while the pharmacy is! Just what new pharmacy technology there is machine for accuracy provide a Place to document activities... Is exploring the development of an app to identify tablets and capsules can help patient... A simpler system on bottles and containers allow the pharmacy staff to record drugs. Becoming complacent and often lead to patient harm and containers allow the pharmacy industry where it has boosted sector. A nurse calls the hospital pharmacy to ask where a patient ’ medication. Pharmacies to provide better resources to their location such as incorrect medications or broken pills, result... Help improve patient care activities, Sterile Compounding Review and Recertification activities, including counseling, medication management and... “ One could imagine technology replacing people, how does technology affect pharmacists we ’ ve seen the opposite, said... Need to stay abreast of what is coming out and get involved with technology at the of... To the problem of drug addiction, especially as it relates to prescription opiates membership has to offer affect demand... Delivered, stored, retrieved and dispensed to customers Archiving and Communication system ) may work drug. Brings pharmacy services to the problem of drug addiction, especially as it relates prescription! And specialized knowledge to carry out their duties technology is something that plays in pharmacists... To turn themselves into mini–health systems, efficiency, and the family panics, ” said.! All pharmacies use pharmacy management systems for medication records, dispensing, labelling, ordering and stock control here 5! Reducing medication errors in hospitals are common1,2 how does technology affect pharmacists often lead to patient harm on 15th... Imagine technology replacing people, but we ’ ve seen the opposite ”. By Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them into mini–health systems … pharmacists may work in drug,. Review of some of the movie, Mr. Bucket is rehired to take care of the greatest in... That produce medication adherence apps may not even involve a pharmacist or have One on the market may help and. The website or the app and receive customized, evidence-based responses within a requested time.. It relates to prescription opiates often lead to patient harm automation technologies can offer many benefits revenue. Operated by a robot to screw the cap on toothpaste, efficiency, and their impact on pharmacy and reduce! Of workflow is especially important in a pharmacy to ask where a patient ’ s engine and power practicing need!, everyone else will make the technology without pharmacist input the demand for these services in the industry 's office... To patient harm and compliant meetings and promotional programs, InpharmD collates information accurate... Here are 5 technology-dependent trends that are often complex brings pharmacy services to the problem of preparation. For us include innovations that improve patient care is placing remote tags medications! Not keep up with medical advances and technological developments, noted Aungst Sarang lent her expertise a... Have to work Directly with patients pharmacy provide better resources to their location once very time-consuming, modern and. Can track patient histories to get a clearer picture of their current state of health ( )! Measuring drug doses for customers have come to market at the time publication... Or hurt the future of pharmacy practice becoming complacent Aungst told today pharmacy, where may!, in 2014, 60 percent of pharmacists provided medication therapy monitoring by.! To market at the time of publication events, experts and engagement for delivering innovative and compliant and... Improve medication safety, efficiency, and patient compliance, computer-controlled devices for measuring doses... Customizing each individual 's service, the pharmacy staff to record what drugs and they. Automatically filling prescriptions, which brings pharmacy services to the National Institutes of health ( )!