How Technology is Evolving in Pharmacy

4 Dec

Can this help or hinder us?

Technology is infiltrating all of our lives, both at home and at work. It is thought that we will experience 20,000 years of progress in technology within the century (i) which can make it difficult for us all to keep up, physically and mentally.

Technology is a double sided coin and while there are downsides, if used correctly it can be a force for good. Pharmacy is an industry which is no stranger to change, and as such, will have to get used to the adaptations of technology, changing how services are delivered.

We’ve spoken to Pharmacist and training and industry consultant Deborah Evans who shares her thoughts on technology’s impact on pharmacy in recent years, as well as where we can embrace it to improve our working lives.

Deborah explains the key changes technology has had in pharmacy: “Pharmacy has not seen the same growth of technology as it has been common in other industries. However, some key changes include wider adoption of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), remote dispensing through hub and spoke, cloud based reporting systems and the Falsified Medicines Directive. The current pandemic has also given rise to the possibilities of technology in pharmacy such as the use of video consultations. Used well, technology can enable, improve workflow and provide efficiencies, releasing capacity.”

Deborah runs through some of our top questions and gives us the low-down:

What’s Had The Biggest Impact?

“EPS has had the biggest impact on how we work in our pharmacy as almost all prescriptions we dispense are electronically transmitted. This is a real example of how technology can change our lives for the better as they can support more efficient managing of prescriptions and free up consultation time.”

What Are The Challenges?

“Technology has pros and cons, yet for it to work effectively it’s important that everyone in the team is engaged and confident in how it works. While many pharmacists may be used to the paper-based way of doing things, our new wave of graduates are more than adept at using technology and can support teams in driving in forward. However another challenge lies in pharmacies actually investing in technology to make processes more efficient and effective.”

What Technology Would Benefit Pharmacy Teams?

“It can be quite difficult for pharmacy teams to access information online during the working day as the computer may be constantly being used for dispensing or in some cases, only certain information may be available on this computer. There are some simple ways to use technology in pharmacy, including:

Tablets

Greater use of tablet screens connected to WIFI, that pharmacy team members can use to engage patients, and access training during the working day is a great example of how technology can improve both the pharmacist and patient experience.

Apps

Apps to support pharmacists can be really helpful too as they are easier to access and don’t require a mountain of paperwork and can be easily accessed by all pharmacy teams, without need for computer access. There are many health-related NHS approved apps and I often use an app which has the local antibiotic guidelines in them most days I’m in practice to help me when on the go.

Care, the No.1 brand sold through UK pharmacy (ii), has released their own free app for pharmacy teams and HCPS (Ultimate Guide to Care) to help pharmacists access news, training and product information.

Available Information

Technology can play a key role in ensuring information is available to pharmacy teams. Clinical information, training, MHRA alerts, CCG and local information from PSNC and the LPC available on an app or in an easily digestible form can really help pharmacist and pharmacy teams stay up to date.”

How Can New Pharmacist Help Shape Technology In Pharmacies?

“For pharmacists training and graduating, they are likely to see many more changes in technology than I have during my career.

“Pharmacy teams are going to be required to keep up with how consumers are using technology. Distance Selling Pharmacies have seen over 50% growth in patient nominations since December 2019.

“Therefore, pharmacists have a real opportunity and simultaneous challenge to incorporate the best of both worlds together. To ensure the survival of bricks and mortar pharmacies, teams will have to embrace technology in store and use this to their advantage. They need to offer efficient, effective, safe dispensing and product recommendation while maintaining their important place on the high-street of communities.”

“For newly-qualified pharmacists this is a huge opportunity and very exciting – you can change how we practice and ensure we stay current and relevant in today’s world.”

To see how Care, The No.1 Brand Sold Through UK Pharmacy is embracing technology, check out their app: Ultimate Guide To Care. Containing news, product information and training for HCPs.