Pharmacy of the Future: what technological solutions do we have in store?

Given the rapid evolution of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and robotics, the pharmacy of the future will probably be quite different from what it is today. With more and more digital tools and technologies available, pharmacies are beginning to move from a business model focused on distributing medicines to amore user-oriented model. In this process, technology has become one of pharmacy’s greatest allies. Find out more in this article!

1. Pharmacy Robots

Replacing the manual distribution of medicines, pharmacy robots emerged. Technological solutions that aim to reduce operational costs and free pharmacists to perform tasks with greater added value.

Currently, there are two types of pharmacy robots: the dispensing robot and the so-called robotic warehouses. The first is a kind of medicine cabinet equipped with a mechanical arm that works in tune with thepharmacy management software. Quite compact models, but at the same time spacious. In fact, an average model can store up to 10,000 packets of medicines.

The second is a much more complex mechanism that includes dispensers, electronic control systems and other elements. Robotic warehouses allow directing, controlling and optimizing the flow of medicines in large medicine storage facilities, thus saving time and money. This way, there is no longer a need to manually collect and label medication boxes.

2. Teleconsultation booths

To address the lack of doctors in rural areas, many European pharmacies are now starting to use teleconsultation booths. Closed and soundproofed compartments that allow doctors to be in contact with users, in the physical space of the pharmacy.In France, consultations carried out at these remote service terminals are fully reimbursed by Social Security.

Once inside the cabin, the user receives instructions to measure blood pressure, weight, blood oxygen levels, among other biometric data. The system also makes it possible to book general or specialty clinic appointments, depending on the user's needs.

3. Medicine delivery platforms

Naturally, the pandemic boosted the development of mHealth and the digitalization process of pharmacies.

Today, there are more and more home delivery applications for medicines, including the e-commerce giant (Amazon).

After purchasing thePillPack, Amazon now has a license to deliver prescription medicines in all 50 American states.

According to oneInsider article, in addition to this service, PillPack also organizes and packages medications according to the time and day they should be taken.

An approach that combines the best of two worlds: the convenience of remote service and the personalization of in-person service. An aspect that will definitely be part of the pharmacy of the future.

Point of sale solutions

High-resolution storefronts, digital posters, touch screens, self-service terminals or interactive shelves. There are several digital solutions that allow you to improveuser shopping experienceand streamline healthcare professionals’ workflows.

Currently, all you need to do is click a button to display the desired medication and obtain unequivocal information about it. Several touch screens also allow the user to consult information about various pathologies and available treatments. However, it is common practice to use these devices to promote pharmacy events, products, services or discounts.

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