The 5 trends that will modernize community pharmacy

Based on a survey of over 150 community pharmacists across Canada, new market research highlights the upcoming transformations in pharmacy practice in the country, analyzing both future opportunities and obstacles to change.1. Expanding the role of pharmacistsWith approximately six million people in Canada lacking access to primary care, community pharmacies are becoming more essential than ever as a vital service delivery point. According to 85% of respondents, expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists is the trend most likely to redefine their activities over the next two to three years."The next step in pharmacy modernization will rely on reliable technologies and processes that reduce barriers, improve coordination, and allow pharmacists to spend more time providing patient care" - Ratcho Batchvarov, vice president for Healthcare Solutions, TELUS Health.2. AI tools designed for pharmaciesNearly half (47%) of pharmacists believe that integrating artificial intelligence into operational processes is one of the most important upcoming trends in the sector. They believe it could automate prescription dispensing processes (72%), detect drug interactions (72%) and optimize billing (70%).However, the frequent use of AI in pharmacies remains rare: only 3% of respondents reported using these tools most of the time, and 24% occasionally. The unreliability of the results is the most commonly cited difficulty: more work remains to be done to design a tailored technology that precisely meets the needs of pharmacists.“Pharmacists are unique individuals with a wide range of skills. They are clinicians, business owners, and often the most accessible healthcare professionals in their communities. AI becomes invaluable to pharmacists by managing the administrative and operational workload, allowing them to focus on the work that only they can do.” – Hristo Kerezov, general manager for Products and Services, Pharmacy Solutions, at TELUS Health.3. Centralized prescription fulfillmentThis centralized management system is emerging as an essential solution for addressing the increasing workload and freeing up time for pharmacists. Those who use it reap several benefits, including reduced fulfillment times (64%), the ability to process a higher volume of prescriptions (58%), and the opportunity to dedicate more time to clinical services (58%).According to the survey, more than one in five respondents (22%) has fully implemented a centralized fulfillment model. This figure could be higher if the challenges associated with its adoption, particularly change management and initial costs, were overcome. Over the next five years, respondents expect centralized prescription fulfillment models, combined with automation and AI, to improve their efficiency and speed (70%) and allow them to focus more on clinical services (61%).4. Digital integrationAn integrated electronic system, through which prescribers could instantly transmit prescriptions to pharmacies and patients' medical records, would lead to significant efficiency gains across the healthcare sector, according to the market research. Such systems have already been implemented in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, and several European Union member states.Citing the U.S. as an example, the report suggests that the Canadian federal government could play a key role by mandating improved standards and practices in the healthcare sector, such as the adoption of an electronic prescription system. According to 27% of respondents, these will be one of the biggest trends for pharmacies in Canada over the next two to three years.5. The rise of new pharmaceutical care modelsThe market research also anticipates that the rise of new medications, such as GLP-1 analogs, will accelerate the implementation of digital service models in community pharmacies. These pharmacies must contend with increasing competition from manufacturers and digital platforms, which are developing direct-to-consumer sales channels and offering specialized and personalized care.Nearly one in four respondents mentioned virtual and telepharmacy services as a trend to watch in the coming years, and one in five shared the same view regarding direct-to-consumer prescription services.“In the United States, pharmacies offering compounded medications, integrated with virtual care platforms, enable the delivery of personalized dosages, customized preparations, and longitudinal treatment optimization, all delivered directly to patients.” – Ken Weisbrod, senior advisor for Strategy, Pharmacy Solutions at TELUS Health and licensed pharmacist in Canada and the United States.This article has been translated from its original French and first appeared on our sister site Profession Santé.

The 5 trends that will modernize community pharmacy

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