Technology is getting more and more advanced and convenient. Instead of driving to see a doctor for a checkup, you can now connect with a doctor via video chat. Need to track your medication routine?
All healthcare-related technologies are looking to improve the overall patient experience while making the entire process more convenient and personalized. But beyond patient-centric technologies like apps and pedometers, pharmacies have made great strides to make the whole profession much more advanced. It focused on tracking, minimizing paperwork, automating recipe replenishment, and new forms of record keeping.
The technology will allow pharmacies to fully automate patient prescription refill history and create programs to check in other prescriptions issued by various pharmacies, allowing pharmacists to monitor the overall health and safety of their patients. You can now monitor and follow better.
Automatic dispenser/cabinet
An automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) is a computerized drug storage device or cabinet designed for hospitals. ADCs enable drug storage and dispensing near the point of care while controlling and tracking drug distribution. More and more, pharmacies are using pill counter to save time on their operations. This reduces human error, allows more time to fill prescriptions, and allows staff to focus on patient contact rather than filling prescriptions.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
PDMPs that collect state-specific data on controlled substance prescribing are either operational or in development in most states. In most states, it is optional but highly recommended that he check the PDMP database before filling a prescription for a controlled substance. Information contained in state PDMPs helps physicians and pharmacists ensure the safety of all patients when prescribing and using controlled substances.
IWP now has access to PDMPs nationwide. This allows pharmacy teams to review patient safety and potential risks of overuse and abuse. Since 2011, we have made every effort to report to all PDMPs on a daily basis, far more frequently than the weekly to monthly reporting required by law.
Medication management (MTM)
MTM, an online platform for managing patient medications, is a rating given to patients by pharmacists. Pharmacists examine all medications prescribed to patients by all prescribing physicians and all over-the-counter medications and herbal products to identify and correct medication problems. Issues include not using medications properly, double-dosing medications, taking unnecessary medications, and needing medications for untreated or improperly treated conditions.
Pharmacists can then provide medication-related education, advice, and guidance to patients or their caregivers to ensure proper use of medications.
Medication reminder device
There are various products on the market that give patients intelligent drug reminders. Technologies to do this includes reminders that lock after the correct dose is taken, alarms and flashing lights when a patient needs a dose, and a patient compliance dashboard that can display the next scheduled dose.
Pharmacy Management Systems
Pharmacy management systems are software programs that allow pharmacists to manage their pharmacy operations, including inventory, orders, invoices and patient records. These systems can also be used to track drug interactions, manage electronic prescriptions and automate billing processes. By using a pharmacy management system, pharmacists can streamline their operations, reduce errors and improve patient safety.
1. Inventory Management Systems
Inventory management systems are software programs that help pharmacies track their drug inventory and manage replenishment orders. It can help pharmacies avoid drug shortages and reduce inventory losses by monitoring stock levels and sending alerts when levels are low. Inventory management systems can also be used to track historical drug sales, which can help pharmacies forecast future needs.
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
Customer relationship management systems are software programs that help pharmacies manage relationships with their customers. CRM systems can help pharmacies collect data about their customers, such as their medication preferences and purchasing habits.
Pharmacies can use this data to personalize their customer service and offer targeted promotions to their customers. Customer relationship management systems can also help pharmacies track customer interactions, such as prescription refill requests and insurance claims. Pharmacies can use this data to improve customer service and satisfaction.
3. A software to make appointments
First, appointment scheduling software helps simplify the appointment process for patients. Patients can easily schedule an appointment online or via a mobile app, without having to physically visit a pharmacy or wait in line. This significantly improves the user experience and reduces wait times.
Additionally, appointment scheduling software can help pharmacists better manage their time and staff. By having a centralized system to manage appointments, pharmacists can better plan their schedule and ensure that enough staff is present to meet the demand for appointments.
Technological advances in pharmacy help both patients and pharmacy staff by creating a better overall experience and improving synergies between each step of the prescription process. As our world continues to evolve, more and more efforts are being made to improve patient health and safety while making provider processes more automated and streamlined.
