How pharmacists are using technology to improve patient outcomes

Technology has transformed every aspect of modern life. Practically every industry is embracing technology for its amazing benefits. The healthcare industry is witnessing a rise in technology usage, which has helped to improve treatment outcomes and reduce medical errors. In the field of pharmacy, technology has made a significant impact on the practice of pharmacy. 

If you want to become a pharmacist, you should consider pursuing higher education. You can enroll in a PharmD degree online that prepares you for modern pharmacies and also enables you to bring about a change in pharmacy practices. The good news is that you can pursue this degree online from an accredited university, such as the University of Findlay. This four-academic-year program by the university is one-of-a-kind and includes didactic coursework, experiential learning, and on-campus immersions. Armed with a PharmD degree, you will be able to apply your skills and knowledge and utilize technology to improve patient outcomes.

Here are some ways you can use technology in a pharmacy to benefit patients and improve treatment outcomes. 

Electronic prescribing

Electronic prescribing has become quite common in the healthcare industry. It allows healthcare providers to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies electronically. This technology has eliminated the need for paper prescriptions and phone calls between healthcare providers and pharmacists.

E-prescription has several benefits for both pharmacists and patients. For pharmacists, this method of prescribing medications has reduced the time spent filling out paper prescriptions. As a result, they can devote more time to patient consultations. It also reduces medication errors due to illegible handwriting. With electronic prescriptions, patients do not have a long waiting time to get their prescriptions filled.

Pharmacy management systems

Pharmacy management systems are software applications that pharmacists use to manage and track medication orders, patient information, and drug inventory. These systems have replaced traditional paper-based record-keeping systems, making it easier for pharmacists to manage and track patient prescriptions and order medications and drugs to ensure stock.

These systems allow pharmacists real-time access to patient prescription history, enabling them to identify potential drug interactions and allergy issues. Patients also benefit from pharmacy management systems as they can receive medication reminders, and pharmacies can easily track their medication history.

Telepharmacy

Telepharmacy is a new technology that lets pharmacists remotely provide pharmaceutical care to patients. This technology enables pharmacists to interact with patients via video conferencing, telephone, or other digital communication methods. It is particularly useful in rural areas, where patients may struggle to reach a traditional pharmacy.

This technology allows the pharmacist to reach patients who may not have access to traditional pharmacy services. The technology also benefits patients, giving them access to prescription medications, medication counseling, and a professional to monitor their medication usage without leaving the comfort of their homes. Research shows that when patients have access to telepharmacy services, it can significantly reduce adverse medication reactions.

Artificial intelligence

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is transforming not only healthcare services but also the practices of pharmacies. This technology uses algorithms to analyze large amounts of data to provide pharmacists real-time information on drug interactions, side effects, and dosing recommendations. AI technology has the potential to reduce medication errors and improve patient outcomes.

As stated earlier, this offers access to real-time drug information, enabling pharmacists to make informed decisions about patient care. It can provide personalized medication recommendations based on health history and medication use.

Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics is a relatively new technology that combines pharmacology and genomics to develop personalized drug therapies. Pharmacogenomics uses DNA analysis to identify genetic variations that affect how patients respond to medications. This technology enables pharmacists to develop personalized medication plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors drug safety. The agency now allows pharmaceutical companies to include pharmacogenomic information in about 200 medications. This not only helps doctors customize prescriptions for patients but also enables pharmacists to provide dosage guidance, monitor possible side effects, and ensure treatment effectiveness in patients with certain gene variants. 

Patient monitoring technology

This technology allows pharmacists to monitor patient health outcomes remotely. Patient monitoring technology includes blood pressure, glucose, and heart rate monitoring devices.

Just dispensing medication is not the only role of a pharmacist. They also monitor patients when the need arises. Thanks to technology, pharmacists can now track patients’ health with this technology. They can inform healthcare providers if they notice an anomaly or ask patients to take necessary action immediately .

Mobile applications

Today, more and more pharmacies, in collaboration with healthcare providers, are adopting mobile applications. A simple app allows them to access patients’ medication information, track their medication use, and receive medication reminders. These applications enable patients to communicate with their pharmacists and receive medication counseling remotely.

With the help of a mobile app, pharmacists can communicate with patients and provide medication counseling remotely. Patients can use the same app to track their medication use and receive medication reminders.

Challenges in implementing technology in pharmacy

While technology has the potential to revolutionize the practice of pharmacy and improve patient outcomes, there are several challenges in implementing technology in pharmacy. 

One of the significant challenges is the cost of implementing technology. Many pharmacies may not have the financial resources to invest in technology, limiting their ability to provide innovative services to patients.

Another challenge in implementing technology in pharmacy is training and education. Many pharmacists may lack the training and education to use technology effectively. As a result, this can limit the potential impact on patient outcomes. Furthermore, since these technologies save patient data, there are a few concerns regarding patient privacy and the security of patient health information when using them.

While these challenges do exist, there is no doubt that technology is disrupting the way pharmacies and pharmacists operate. Pharmacies and the healthcare industry are embracing technology to improve patient services and ensure better treatment outcomes. 

Conclusion

Technology has transformed the practice of pharmacy, providing pharmacists with innovative tools to improve patient outcomes. Technology plays a significant role in the future of pharmacy as new technologies provide pharmacists with newer and better opportunities to improve patient outcomes.