How technology supports
your pharmacy's future.
For many businesses the past year has offered opportunities to reflect on
how technology can enable efficiency and growth. For pharmacists, who have
been key players in helping patients, caregivers and communities through
the pandemic, that reflection includes how to increase access to care, quality
outcomes and patient experience.
With 70 percent of Canada's pharmacists working
in the community, their role as healthcare providers
is pivotal. From administering vaccines to managing
complex drug regimens, pharmacists are among
Canada's most accessible healthcare professionals.
In addition to dispensing more than 750-million
prescriptions each year, pharmacists also provide
advice and counselling, prescription renewals,
prescribing for minor ailments, and chronic disease
management support. They also supply their
communities with COVID-19 vaccinations and
other important products, delivering $4.7-billion in
value and improving access to care while reducing
pressure on other parts of the healthcare system.
This article looks at what we can expect for the pharmacy of the future, including staying connected,
delivering a great patient experience and building a solid business case for technology investments.
Like other professionals, pharmacists
need to look to the future and ask
some critical questions, such as:
Are we ready for the new digital expectations
and buying behaviors of patients, caregivers
and consumers?
Can we seamlessly integrate with the rest of
the healthcare community?
How can we reduce costs and streamline our
business?
What tools can help us spend more time with
patients and their families?
Where should we focus to maximize efficiency
and productivity?
