American Pharmacists Month: Technology Enables Better Patient Care, Pharmacy Growth

With the continued use and growth of technology in pharmacy practice, there are new challenges and opportunities for businesses to grasp on a daily basis. From the early days of digital prescriptions to the use of technology, like artificial intelligence (AI), almost becoming a necessity, pharmacists are now expected to integrate digital health tools to both streamline their tasks and improve patient care.

“My biggest advice, and I think this would probably be very generic life advice, is don't let fear hold you back,” Nicole Pezzino, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, clinical pharmacy consultant with RedSail Technologies, told Drug Topics. “When I say that, I mean I get it. Cost, education, time: Those things are real concerns; they really are. I've seen it time and time again, though, pharmacies that take the time to learn and implement technologies, they're the ones who are thriving.”

Pezzino has held a variety of positions in the pharmacy industry throughout her nearly 20-year career. From time behind pharmacy counters and in academia to her role with RedSail Technologies, she has seen the evolution of technology in pharmacy practice and how it’s being used to benefit all stakeholders within the market.

“I think pharmacies really need to embrace the tools that help them grow,” continued Pezzino. “Here's the thing, pharmacies who embrace that change and really lean into technology, they're the ones leading the profession forward.”

She joined Drug Topics on the most recent episode of Over the Counter to celebrate American Pharmacists Month. During our first week of coverage, Drug Topics has been exploring the world of technology in pharmacy and how pharmacists, experts, researchers, and more are all paying close attention to the evolution of digital health tools. Through her role as a clinical consultant at RedSail, Pezzino discussed how she is helping businesses bridge the gap between pharmacy and technology.

Stay tuned for weekly podcast episodes of Over the Counter powered by Drug Topics every Thursday afternoon. Check out our most recent episode with Lissette Logan, PharmD, and Danielle Weaver, PharmD, who discussed the opportunities for pharmacists to fill in contraceptive care gaps.

READ MORE: American Pharmacists Month Resource Center

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