Technology in pharmacy: shaping the future of healthcare

Technology in pharmacy improves operational efficiency and patient outcomes:

• automated dispensing systems reduce human error and save time
• Electronic Health Records (EHRs) enable faster communication between healthcare providers
• telepharmacy extends care to patients in remote areas
• AI assists in streamlining medication management, drug discovery and managing patient data more effectively. 

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning
   AI has become more integrated into pharmacy practice, particularly in clinical decision support systems. These tools help pharmacists analyse patient data, predict potential adverse drug reactions, and optimise medication regimens. AI-based algorithms are now assisting with tasks such as identifying drug interactions and recommending personalised treatment options, improving patient safety and outcomes.
2. Automated dispensing systems
   Automated systems such as dispensing robots, have become more common in hospitals and community pharmacies. These systems improve accuracy, reduce the time spent on manual dispensing, and allow pharmacists to focus more on patient care and clinical activities. Automation has helped streamline work flows and reduce dispensing errors.
3. Digital health records
   Electronic Health Records allow pharmacists to access a patient’s complete medical history, healthcare preferences and lifestyle, ensuring medications are appropriate and safe. The integration of these records into pharmacy practice is improving patient safety and care coordination across healthcare providers, for example the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) allows healthcare providers to send prescriptions digitally to pharmacies.
4. Pharmacogenomics
   Pharmacogenomics enables personalised medicine by tailoring treatment to patients’ genetic makeup. Genetic tests are now used more frequently to guide decisions around specific medications. NHS pilot programs are exploring how pharmacogenomic data can be routinely integrated into prescribing practices, allowing pharmacists to play a more active role in personalised medicine.
5. 3D printing of medications
   3D printing of medications is being explored in the UK, though it’s still in its early stages. 3D printing has significant potential in areas like personalised medicine, as it allows precise customisation of doses, shapes, and release profiles of medications tailored to individual patient needs.

Personalised medicine, AI-powered health monitoring, and blockchain are set to shape the pharmacist career roles of the future. Pharmacists will need to stay up to date with these technologies to improve patient care and ensure safety in medication dispensing. As automated dispensing expands, pharmacists will be able to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. 

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) and advanced digital patient record systems have enabled the UK to offer the Pharmacy First service by streamlining prescription management and providing pharmacists with access to relevant patient medical histories.

Students studying Pharmacy MPharm course gain hands-on experience through placements in hospital and community settings, and clinical simulation workshops. This training equips future pharmacists to be leaders in the future integration of technology in their new profession.

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England, David Webb on his visit to the University of Brighton, spoke to current pharmacy students about the Pharmacy First Service, which enables community pharmacies to supply NHS medicines for seven conditions and includes increased provision of the community NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service and the Blood Pressure Check Service.

Academics at the University of Brighton have praised the recent changes to pharmacy services, highlighting the potential for pharmacists to provide expert guidance on minor illnesses, preventive care, and self-management. They estimate this shift could alleviate pressure on GPs by freeing up approximately 10 million appointments.

Dr Greg Scutt 

Dr Greg Scutt, Clinical Principal Lecturer in the University of Brighton School of Applied Sciences said:

"With eight in ten patients living within a twenty-minute walk of community pharmacies with extended opening hours compared to the local GP surgery, the Pharmacy First service represents a pivotal shift toward community pharmacies playing a more active role in healthcare delivery, benefiting patients and the healthcare system."

Dr Greg Scutt working with Brighton pharmacy students

Claire May

Claire May, Senior Lecturer in Medicines Use in the University of Brighton School of Applied Sciences said:

“The current pharmacy programmes at the University of Brighton prepare students to fit seamlessly into this scheme after their Foundation Year training and registration. Over the course of the four-year curriculum, they are equipped with the skills to undertake comprehensive patient assessment, make shared clinical decisions to inform diagnosis and decide on treatment options, and prescribe, educate, monitor and evaluate care.”

Through the teaching of supporting scientific knowledge, simulation of clinical skills and clinical application through extensive multi-sector placements, Brighton Pharmacy graduates are prepared to run diagnostics around full cardiovascular and respiratory examinations, ENT examination, amongst others taking into account evidence-based medicine and shared decision-making.”

Pharmacists are becoming more involved in patient care, and the integration of technology is critical. Understanding innovations like AI and telepharmacy will set future pharmacists apart in the job market, allowing them to provide better patient care and manage more complex cases. 

• What is pharmacy technology?

  Pharmacy technology refers to tools and systems used in pharmacies to enhance efficiency and patient care. This includes automated dispensing systems, AI for managing drug interactions, and digital health records.

• How is technology improving patient outcomes in pharmacy?

  Technology is enabling pharmacists to offer better care by automating medication dispensing, providing more accurate prescription tracking, and integrating patient health records for safer, more personalised care. 

• What types of pharmacy careers involve technology?

  Technology plays a role in numerous pharmacy career paths, including clinical pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and pharmaceutical research, where AI and data analytics are crucial for patient care and drug development.

• How will AI impact the future of pharmacy?

  AI will assist pharmacists by analysing patient data, predicting drug interactions, and even optimising personalised medications. It is set to be a core component of future pharmacy operations.

• What’s the difference between pharmacy technology and digital health?

  Pharmacy technology refers specifically to tools used within pharmacies, such as robotic dispensers and AI. Digital health covers a broader field, including telemedicine and digital health records, which affect the entire healthcare system.