MMHA 6800
Technological Advances in Pharmacy Practice
Masters of Health Administration, Walden University
MMHA 6800: Marketing Management and Business Communication
for Healthcare Administrators
Technological Advances in Pharmacy Practice
Technological advances in pharmacy are a trend that is reshaping the very nature of pharmacy
practice and care according to Marbury (2017). This is evident in the author's example of a
national pharmacy retailer, Walmart who in 2017 launched a mobile app initiative which aimed
to allow patients to fill prescriptions on their mobile device and arrange express pickup service.
Marbury (2017) notes that this service made headline news at the time and highlights the trend
that patients have an expectation for increased engagement with their pharmacy. The author
notes that several technological trends have emerged in the area of pharmacy care driven by
patient demand for better pharmacy access, safety and overall service.
Technological advances are not just occurring by way of mobile device technology but
advanced robotics which improve efficiency of care. Marbury (2017) highlights Endexx
Corporation inventory management solutions which give patients access to their already
prepared prescription where they can pick up and pay for their medications without line-ups at
the pharmacy register. The author also highlights automation in pharmacy robotics which count,
dispense, label and cap orders decreasing preparation and waiting times.
While automated systems have the ability to improve waiting times they have a dual benefit of
reducing medication errors and improving overall distribution safety according to Marbury
(2017). For example, the RIVA automated IV compounding systems actually mixes and
, prepares intravenous bags and syringes safely and accurately eliminating human errors (Marbury,
2017).
In a high pressure environment a pharmacist may have many distractions and double checking
that two clear liquids were mixed correctly may be impossible. Marbury (2017) notes that wrong
or mixed medications can occur in up to 14% of prescriptions highlights that pharmacy
automation can have a positive impact on improving this.
Technological advances in mobile technology are emerging to improve patient compliance
and adherence to prescribed therapies. A 2015 study found that almost 30% of newly prescribed
medications are either never filled or never picked up by patients. Mobile apps are emerging
where pharmacies can send pickup reminders that items are ready for pick up and are not
integrating virtual health visits where pharmacists can follow up with patients to check in on
adherence, troubleshoot administration issues or side effects. These virtual visits are also
creating a whole new practice of medication therapy management (Marbury, 2017). Gone are
the days of pharmacists just counting pills and technology is allowing pharmacists to engage
patients on a whole new level with improved access. The improved access is putting pharmacists
within the circle of care to help manage chronic disease (Tahmasbi, 2019).
Technological Advances’ Impact on Marketing Costco Pharmacy Services
Thomas (2015) highlights the need for healthcare organization marketing to take a customized
approach targeting the right subset of patients, in the correct medium and in Canada this
approach must be very calculated. For example, Nova Scotia pharmacies are prohibited from
marketing their services are more professional, cheaper, better, faster, etc. (Nova Scotia College
of Pharmacists, n.d.). The College also prohibits the soliciting of services to patients such that
mail outs or phone calls offering services to patients. Direct to consumer advertising for drugs is
also prohibited in Canada. Thomas (2015) highlights important trends in healthcare and
Technological Advances in Pharmacy Practice
Masters of Health Administration, Walden University
MMHA 6800: Marketing Management and Business Communication
for Healthcare Administrators
Technological Advances in Pharmacy Practice
Technological advances in pharmacy are a trend that is reshaping the very nature of pharmacy
practice and care according to Marbury (2017). This is evident in the author's example of a
national pharmacy retailer, Walmart who in 2017 launched a mobile app initiative which aimed
to allow patients to fill prescriptions on their mobile device and arrange express pickup service.
Marbury (2017) notes that this service made headline news at the time and highlights the trend
that patients have an expectation for increased engagement with their pharmacy. The author
notes that several technological trends have emerged in the area of pharmacy care driven by
patient demand for better pharmacy access, safety and overall service.
Technological advances are not just occurring by way of mobile device technology but
advanced robotics which improve efficiency of care. Marbury (2017) highlights Endexx
Corporation inventory management solutions which give patients access to their already
prepared prescription where they can pick up and pay for their medications without line-ups at
the pharmacy register. The author also highlights automation in pharmacy robotics which count,
dispense, label and cap orders decreasing preparation and waiting times.
While automated systems have the ability to improve waiting times they have a dual benefit of
reducing medication errors and improving overall distribution safety according to Marbury
(2017). For example, the RIVA automated IV compounding systems actually mixes and
, prepares intravenous bags and syringes safely and accurately eliminating human errors (Marbury,
2017).
In a high pressure environment a pharmacist may have many distractions and double checking
that two clear liquids were mixed correctly may be impossible. Marbury (2017) notes that wrong
or mixed medications can occur in up to 14% of prescriptions highlights that pharmacy
automation can have a positive impact on improving this.
Technological advances in mobile technology are emerging to improve patient compliance
and adherence to prescribed therapies. A 2015 study found that almost 30% of newly prescribed
medications are either never filled or never picked up by patients. Mobile apps are emerging
where pharmacies can send pickup reminders that items are ready for pick up and are not
integrating virtual health visits where pharmacists can follow up with patients to check in on
adherence, troubleshoot administration issues or side effects. These virtual visits are also
creating a whole new practice of medication therapy management (Marbury, 2017). Gone are
the days of pharmacists just counting pills and technology is allowing pharmacists to engage
patients on a whole new level with improved access. The improved access is putting pharmacists
within the circle of care to help manage chronic disease (Tahmasbi, 2019).
Technological Advances’ Impact on Marketing Costco Pharmacy Services
Thomas (2015) highlights the need for healthcare organization marketing to take a customized
approach targeting the right subset of patients, in the correct medium and in Canada this
approach must be very calculated. For example, Nova Scotia pharmacies are prohibited from
marketing their services are more professional, cheaper, better, faster, etc. (Nova Scotia College
of Pharmacists, n.d.). The College also prohibits the soliciting of services to patients such that
mail outs or phone calls offering services to patients. Direct to consumer advertising for drugs is
also prohibited in Canada. Thomas (2015) highlights important trends in healthcare and
