TechRx: Innovating Pharmacy with Data and Solutions

Welcome to The Weekly Fill! 🎉

Welcome to this week’s breakdown of all things pharmacy! We’re diving into the world of pharmacy informatics, tech tools, and patient-centered care. From behind-the-scenes innovations to patient perks, this week’s update will keep you ahead of the curve.

💊 The Big Fill: Tech-Driven Transformation

What's happening?

The pharmacy world is changing fast, and at the heart of it all is pharmacy informatics. By utilizing data, automation, and advanced information systems, pharmacies are redefining daily operations and patient care. It’s no longer just about dispensing meds—it’s about creating faster, safer, and more personalized patient experiences. Say hello to fewer errors, smarter workflows, and more meaningful work for pharmacy staff!

Key points:

• Pharmacy Information Systems (PIS) make every part of the pharmacy workflow more efficient, from reducing manual input to supporting patient care decisions

• Informatics turns a sea of data into crystal-clear insights, helping pharmacies manage inventory, optimize staffing, and make better clinical choices 

• Robots aren’t just in sci-fi—they’re behind the counter too. Robotic dispensing and predictive software keep everything flowing smoothly, even during peak hours 

What this means for you: For pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and patients alike, this evolution means more efficient processes, safer medication management, and a focus on personalized care. Pharmacy owners, get ready for smarter tools that save time and money. More automation, less paperwork, and better decision-making tools mean more time for what matters—helping people.

Looking ahead: With ongoing advancements in machine learning and AI, pharmacy informatics will continue to shape the future of healthcare. Imagine apps that can predict inventory needs or systems that notify pharmacists of potential drug interactions in real time. As tech continues to evolve, so will the possibilities for safer and smarter pharmacy experiences.

Pharmacy dad joke of the week: Why did the pharmacist become a DJ?Because he had a "sick" mix of remedies and beats! Ba dum dum tss.

👨⚕️ Pharmacists: Empowering Clinical Excellence

What's Changing: Pharmacists are being equipped with predictive analytics tools, AI-powered support, and automated systems that reduce manual data entry. These tools allow for faster clinical decisions and more focus on patient care.

Why It Matters: Pharmacy informatics makes your job smoother, smarter, and safer. With access to real-time data and predictive analytics, pharmacists can make faster, more informed decisions about patient care. Systems like PIS reduce manual entry and improve accuracy. The result? Happier patients, fewer errors, and more time to focus on clinical excellence.

Pro Tip: Use pharmacy informatics tools to identify medication adherence trends. If patients frequently miss refills, consider targeted outreach to improve compliance. Automated reminders and personalized messaging can make all the difference.

👩⚕️ Technicians: Tech-Savvy Support

What's Changing: Technicians are seeing an increase in automation and workflow support tools. Expect less time spent on manual tasks and more time dedicated to patient interactions and operational support.

Why It Matters: Pharmacy technicians benefit from automation and streamlined workflows, which reduce repetitive tasks like manual data entry. This allows techs to shift their attention to patient support and operational efficiency. 

Tech Tip: Master your pharmacy’s inventory management system. Knowing how to leverage predictive inventory tools means fewer stockouts and a more organized workday. When you’re always stocked, patients stay happy, and daily operations stay smooth.

💉 Patients:  Putting Patients at the Center

What's Changing: Patients are gaining more control over their healthcare experience through patient portals, mobile apps, and real-time prescription tracking. They’ll see faster prescription pickups, improved transparency, and better access to support.

Why It Matters: Patients get safer, faster service. With informatics-driven checks and balances, the risk of prescription errors drops. Digital tools like online portals let patients track prescriptions and stay engaged in their care journey. Patients experience more convenience, clarity, and confidence in their health journey.

Patient Reminder: Take advantage of pharmacy apps! Use them to track prescriptions, set refill reminders, and chat with pharmacists if you have questions. Stay in control of your health by tapping into the power of pharmacy tech.

🏪 Independent Pharmacy Owners: Driving Business Growth

What's Changing: Pharmacy owners are gaining access to better forecasting tools, predictive sales insights, and smarter scheduling systems. This allows them to meet seasonal demand, reduce operational waste, and increase overall profitability.

Why It Matters: From managing staff schedules to forecasting inventory, informatics tools save time and money. Owners can use data insights to adjust store operations, cut waste, and meet demand more efficiently. Smart decisions backed by data mean higher profits, smoother operations, and happier customers.

Owner Insight: Use historical sales data to plan for seasonal medication needs. Stock up on high-demand items during flu season or allergy months. When customers know you’re always stocked, they’ll keep coming back.

🔮 Keeping an Eye Out: Staying Ahead of Industry Shifts

Stay on top of new developments in pharmacy informatics. Emerging tools promise to further simplify daily operations and boost profitability. Stay ahead by following industry news and adopting new technologies as they’re released. Your pharmacy’s future is bright—if you’re ready for it.

💡 ShiftRx Tip: Optimize Your Pharmacy Workflow

As the demand for pharmacy services continues to grow, now is the perfect time to evaluate and optimize your pharmacy workflow. Streamlining processes can improve efficiency and better patient care, allowing staff to manage the increasing workload. 

📅 Need a per diem pharmacist or technician? By utilizing the right staffing solutions, you can maintain quality service and ensure operations run smoothly. ShiftRx finds qualified professionals who can help fill in gaps and support your team, allowing you to focus on patient care. Check out the latest on ShiftRx!

🗞 Quick Scripts: Other Industry News

• Amazon Pharmacy & Ro Partnership: Amazon Pharmacy and Ro are teaming up to help patients stick with GLP-1 medications longer, aiming to improve adherence to these essential weight-loss and diabetes treatments.

• LTC Pharmacy Services at Risk: Seniors in long-term care facilities may lose access to vital pharmacy services unless Congress takes action to address upcoming regulatory changes.

• Penn Medicine x Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs: Penn Medicine is partnering with Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs to make essential medications more affordable for patients, driving down healthcare costs.

• ASHP Midyear & Tech Innovations: New technology highlighted at ASHP Midyear is transforming medication management and IV compounding, boosting accuracy and efficiency for healthcare providers.

🌟Pharma Stars

Pharma Stars is our new weekly spotlight for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Techs! Each week we will be shining a light on pharmacy professionals and industry leaders who inspire us. 

This week we’re introducing Marvin M. Agyeben, PharmD, a pharmacy informatics professional dedicated to improving pharmacy operations and patient care. Marvin earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Midwestern University and his Bachelor’s in Biology from Augustana College. With a focus on project management and efficiency, he works to integrate technology into pharmacy practices, making them more streamlined and effective. His goal is to combine his interests in healthcare and technology to create meaningful change that ultimately benefits both patients and pharmacy teams.

What inspired you to pursue a PharmD?

“I became inspired during my college years, one summer when I came home for the extended summer break. My dad experienced a traumatic health incident which led him to an inpatient stay at a local hospital. The hospital wasn't very big but I was intrigued by the pharmacists that rounded on his medical team who would answer his questions, provide comfort where they could, and were willing to unwind some of his uncertainty and mistrust in health care providers. Those pharmacists exemplified patience, brilliance, wisdom, and most importantly humanity. That encounter drew me towards wanting to follow in similar footsteps.”

What do you like the most about the ShiftRx platform?

“How intuitive it is to view available shifts and alerts/messages that require attention or updating. The flow of the user interface is as easy as using any other phone app like Uber or Groupon.”

What advice do you have for new pharmacists entering the field?

“Pharmacy is a pretty open field that incorporates using skills from many vectors although it's primarily rooted in healthcare. It's starting to become an ultimate key for creatives, dreamers, future healthcare professionals - you name it! There's a lot that pharmacists can pursue and my advice would be to remain curious on what those things are, ask questions and dive deeper into the answers you get. ”

That’s it for today’s fill!

Stay tuned for next week’s issue. If you enjoyed this, please share it with your pharmacy friends. Until then, keep filling those scripts and making an impact!

Doses and mimosas, ShiftRx Team

Redefining staffing for pharmacy professionals, one shift at a time.

Have feedback? Send it our way at [email protected] with the subject: Weekly Fill Feedback.

Sources:

Enhanced Pharmacy Service Delivery Through a Pharmacy Information System at a Medical Center: A Case Study

Technology, communication, and medication: What is pharmacy informatics?

Pharmacy Informatics: Where Medication Use and Technology Meet