Pharmacists & Technology

Outline

• Tech landscape of pharmacy
• Supporting patients
• Tech adoption
• Tech, time, and NAPRA

How does technology change you as a pharmacist?

Bad change

Good change

Adopters: Owners & Managers

Adopters: Pharmacist Staff Members

Adopters: Technicians

Adopters: Assistants

Adopters: Patients

What is changing in pharmacy technology?

Pharmacy computer systems

Old Stuff

• Inventory
• Process/dispense scripts
• Check for interactions
• Refill reminders to MDs
• Follow-up reminders
• Adherence

New Stuff

• ePrescribing
• Instant messaging to MDs
• Documentation

Regional Electronic Health Records

Error Tracking

Clinical Apps

Smart Pill Packs

Remote Monitoring

Why start using a new technology?

Useful

Useful: Saves time

Useful: Provides information

Useful: Prevents errors

Useful: Soothes a
pain point

Untitled Slide

Easy to use: Features are obvious

Easy to use: Feel like you can figure it out

Easy to use: Support when you need it

What would it look like if you used the technology you have?

Remember the
"creepy factor"

Creepy: New things

Creepy: New use of old data

What makes a good pharmacist?

Pharmacy is changing at the same time that technology is exploding

Pharmacists who hold back from change will get left behind

e.g., Would your staff know how to monitor a refill using an EHR ?

The best technology to adopt will be useful and easy to use

We should adopt tools that make our professional lives better

We should support patients in accessing more effective and efficient care