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Pharmacists count as one of the most important professions in healthcare, as they stand between patients and other health practitioners. The global role of pharmacists has increased significantly in the last few years, as more HealthTech solutions are incorporated and as the world tries to address various issues in the current healthcare system. This evolution is revolutionising the pharmaceutical industry, improving patient management, and responding to major global health challenges.
1. Telepharmacy
Telepharmacy represents one of the quickest and most efficient ways to help patients, especially in rural or inaccessible regions. Its popularity is reflected in the growing numbers of work from home pharmacist vacancies in developed countries. With telepharmacy, pharmacists can offer advice and services, including medication therapy management, through all the telecommunication systems available today.
2. Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
EHRs have shifted the means by which pharmacists are able to gain and make use of patient data. Thus, receiving the current information about the patient’s medical history, pharmacists can make more informed decisions regarding medication use, prevent adverse drug interactions, and provide a patient with individual recommendations. All these elements help to increase the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care, by taking the overall picture of the patient’s state into consideration.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is already used in the pharmaceutical industry and affects all stages of drug development and patient treatment. In the same way that AI can be used to aid in diagnosis, pharmacists can utilize AI to forecast a patient’s outcome, assess potential ADRs (Adverse Drug Reactions) and modify treatment. This technology enhances the efficiency of pharmacists and provides additional time for the provision of patient centered services.
4. Mobile Health Applications
Mobile health applications are giving patients the ability to participate directly in the management of their health. Therefore, pharmacists can advise patients on the use of these apps and follow up on the patients’ adherence to the medications, health records, and offer timely advice. These apps enhance the interactions between pharmacists and patients, thus improving the health status of patients.
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1. Medication Adherence
There is a major problem of non-compliance from patients regarding the use of the drugs. A significant number of patients face challenges in adhering to the recommended medication schedules, even with the existence of modern software. Thus, pharmacists must also be involved in patient counseling, managing the patient’s challenges to adherence and implementing HealthTech solutions to track and counsel patients.
2. Access to Medicines
Availability of vital drugs is still a big concern across the globe, especially in developing nations. Pharmacists must support the causes that pertain to enhancement of access to drugs and their affordability. They also need to engage in collaboration with international organizations in the fight against diseases, by advocating for accessibility of drugs and vaccines.
3. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobial resistance is another recent global issue of concern in healthcare. Pharmacists should play a role in combating AMR, including the rational use of antibiotics, public and prescribers’ education, and monitoring. Their knowledge is important in the development of strategies and plans to avert the appearance of drug resistant infections.
4. Pharmaceutical Education and Training
The level of technology is improving each and every day. This therefore means that pharmacists need to update their knowledge and skills as and when required. Thus, pharmacists must be informed of the current knowledge and skills in order to enhance the achievement of HealthTech objectives.
5. Health Disparities
Inequalities in healthcare still exist between various populations, determined by factors such as income, ethnicity, and region, among others. Pharmacists can help overcome these disparities through community mobilization, cultural sensitivity in patient care, and through targeted programmes.
Pharmacists in global healthcare have a bright future and can have an even greater impact, as they advance in HealthTech and address challenges. This trend is also confirmed by the increasing number of UNICEF pharmacist vacancies available. Professional interaction with other healthcare providers, decisionmakers and technology innovators will be crucial to the improvement of the healthcare system with better efficiency, fairness, and patient focus.
