Lucy Payton 
In a hospital, pharmacy operations ensure patients receive the right medications in the correct dosages and at the right times. Any misstep here can lead to compromised care or even harm.
Sadly, there are enough cases when human error and/or lack of professionalism have shown us that pharmacy operations can’t be mismanaged.
While things have significantly improved in the last decades, there’s always room for more. This is where tech innovation comes in. Today’s technologies help create tools that, in collaboration with human staff, make pharmacy operations run like clockwork.
In this article, we’ll have a look at some of the most important technologies that are or will change the way we do pharmacy operations.
1. Automated Dispensing Systems (ADS)
ADS are machines that store, track, and dispense medications. It’s like vending machines for drugs if you want.
When a prescription order comes through, staff accesses it via secure login, and the ADS dispenses the medication automatically while logging every transaction. No waiting times, no mishaps, and no wrong dosages.
Due to these systems, the workflow in any pharmacy is smoother, dispensing times are faster, and inventory management is more efficient. Many healthcare professionals also agree that ADS also improves patient safety.
However, there are some challenges to consider. Unlike simply hiring human operators, these systems require significant upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Technical malfunctions can also disrupt operations if not managed promptly. Without a proper backup plan, patient safety and well-being will suffer first.
Despite these hurdles, ADS represents a significant step toward safer healthcare by prioritizing accuracy in medication delivery.
2. Electronic Prescribing (e-Prescribing)
With e-prescribing, doctors can send prescriptions directly to the pharmacy. No more handwritten or faxed orders that pharmacy workers can barely understand!
Doctors’ bad penmanship has caused many errors and misunderstandings, such as wrong dosages or medication names, and other unnecessary mistakes that have directly impacted patients’ safety.
Electronic prescribing also streamlines the prescription process. Patients no longer need to drop off paper scripts at pharmacies, and pharmacists can start preparing orders the moment they come in. This way, when patients drop by, they can just pick up their prescription and be on their merry way.
It also reduces administrative tasks as part of the digital transformation of modern healthcare. The system automates recordkeeping and prescription tracking.
3. Intelligent Management Solutions
Nowadays, every modern organization can benefit from integrated solutions that can take over administrative tasks. In the pharmacy niche, tools like Bluesight’s hospital intelligence solutions can track operations, manage inventory, and optimize workflows.
These tools maximize staff productivity by automating routine tasks like scheduling or supply tracking. This allows employees to focus more on patient care instead of manual paperwork.
Additionally, intelligent solutions strengthen security and compliance. They monitor for diversion or misuse of medications, flagging potential risks early. All other safety concerns are addressed with real-time alerts that identify workflow bottlenecks or compliance gaps before they escalate into larger issues.
4. Telepharmacy
Similar to telemedicine, telepharmacy connects pharmacists and patients. In this case, pharmacists provide consultations, review prescriptions, and oversee medication dispensing via video calls or secure platforms.
The primary benefit is improved access. Patients in rural or underserved areas can receive professional guidance without traveling long distances.
The secondary benefit is cost savings. Patients avoid expenses tied to travel, while healthcare facilities reduce overhead by centralizing pharmacy operations.
Additionally, pharmacists have a better way to monitor adherence, discuss side effects, and make adjustments when needed. All of these lead to better health outcomes for patients.
5. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in pharmacy settings uses software bots to handle repetitive tasks, like data entry or prescription processing. RPA can also automate administrative tasks such as inventory updates or insurance verifications. This reduces staff workload and eliminates manual errors, providing higher accuracy.
Due to faster routine processes, pharmacies run more smoothly and have fewer delays in dispensing medications or updating records. With all the routine tasks out of the way, pharmacists can focus on patient care.
Wrap Up
Advanced pharmacy technologies like the ones mentioned in this article improve operations, boost safety, and enhance patient outcomes. By integrating these innovations, healthcare providers ensure better patient experiences while building a system that benefits everyone involved.
