American Pharmacists Month: Pharmacists Navigate News Digital and AI Landscapes

In the rapidly evolving landscape of health care technology, pharmacists are emerging as pioneers of digital transformation, bridging traditional patient care with cutting-edge innovations. Don Roosan, PharmD, PhD, associate professor in data sciences at Merrimack College, discussed the changing technology, challenging conventional boundaries of pharmaceutical practice through telepharmacy and artificial intelligence (AI). Roosan's journey through health care technology spans nearly 15 years, during which he has witnessed and actively shaped the integration of digital solutions into pharmacy services.

Roosan argues that modern pharmacists can now provide comprehensive medical reviews, monitor chronic conditions, and deliver patient education through virtual platforms. Telepharmacy has dramatically expanded the reach of pharmaceutical services, allowing health care professionals to interact with patients beyond physical pharmacy walls.

Central to Roosan's vision is the strategic implementation of AI. He sees AI not as a replacement for human expertise but as a powerful tool that can streamline operations, predict inventory needs, and allow pharmacists to focus more intensively on patient care. However, he is not naive about the challenges, candidly discussing potential risks like data privacy concerns and algorithmic bias.

He advocates for embracing AI while maintaining critical human oversight and ethical considerations. Roosan's perspectives offer a compelling glimpse into the future of pharmacy, where technology and human expertise converge to deliver more personalized, efficient patient care.

"Pharmacists need to be in the loop with AI," he said. "We have to remember that AI is a tool and not a boss, and that's a mindset that I think pharmacists all should be thinking about."

READ MORE: American Pharmacists Month Resource Center

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