American Pharmacists Month: Technology’s Role in Expanding Pharmacist Scope

As technology and automation take over manual tasks behind the pharmacy counter, pharmacists will spend less time on dispensing and paperwork and more time on patient care. In tandem with the integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the health care industry’s move toward value-based care plays to pharmacists’ strengths in medication management, chronic disease management, and preventive care going forward.

“I believe the profession's future is brighter than ever because pharmacists are increasingly being recognized not only for their medication expertise but also for the direct role we play in improving patient outcomes and expanding access to high-quality care,” Alyssa Eisenberg, PharmD, clinical pharmacist at Shields Health Solutions, told Drug Topics®.

In part 2 of our discussion with Eisenberg, she delves into some of the systems being used to amplify pharmacists’ roles in their communities while providing her expert perspectives on how the future of pharmacy may be further transformed as key industry developments and guidelines are codified.

READ MORE: American Pharmacists Month: Pharmacists’ Ability to Expand Community Impact

Drug Topics: What ongoing developments make you the most optimistic for the future of the pharmacy profession?

Alyssa Eisenberg: What makes me most optimistic about the future of the pharmacy profession is our continually expanding clinical role and growing scope of practice. We are seeing more pharmacists gain broader prescriptive authority, order and interpret laboratory tests, and be recognized for the clinical services they provide. As a result, pharmacists are increasingly being viewed as trusted health care providers and essential members of the care team, particularly in primary care, chronic disease management, and specialty practice settings.

I am also encouraged by the health care industry's continued shift toward value-based care. This model emphasizes improving patient outcomes, preventing complications, and reducing overall health care costs; all areas where pharmacists can make a meaningful impact. Through our expertise in medication management, therapy optimization, chronic disease management, and preventive care, pharmacists are well positioned to help achieve these goals.

Ultimately, I believe the profession's future is brighter than ever because pharmacists are increasingly being recognized not only for their medication expertise but also for the direct role we play in improving patient outcomes and expanding access to high-quality care.

Drug Topics: How do you see technology and automation reshaping the day-to-day work of pharmacists over the next decade?

Alyssa Eisenberg: Technology and automation will continue to shift the pharmacist's day-to-day responsibilities away from manual dispensing and administrative tasks toward what I believe is the most valuable part of our profession: clinical care and patient engagement. These advancements have the potential to improve efficiency, reduce the risk of human error, and streamline workflows, allowing pharmacists to spend more time focused on complex clinical cases, patient counseling, and medication management.

I also see technology playing an increasingly important role in helping pharmacists proactively identify opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Tools that can flag potential drug interactions, identify medication nonadherence, or highlight patients who may benefit from therapy optimization will enable pharmacists to intervene earlier and collaborate more effectively through our direct interactions with the health care team.

In addition, the continued expansion of telehealth and virtual care will create new opportunities for pharmacists to provide medication management, patient education, and ongoing monitoring remotely. This will be especially important for improving access to care in underserved and rural communities. Although technology will transform how we practice, I believe it will enhance rather than replace the pharmacist's role by allowing us to focus more of our time and expertise on direct patient care.

READ MORE: American Pharmacists Month Resource Center