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In the past three years, our industry has faced unprecedented challenges. Our pharmacists, technicians and support staff stepped up to the challenge and provided frontline care and services when they were needed the most. This dedication is admirable, yet the increasing demands for prescription fulfillment have brought to light the urgent need for change, for a Movement.
Tom Utech
When I walk into a pharmacy today, I see talented pharmacists and technicians overwhelmed by paperwork and phone calls, hindering their ability to focus on patient care. As a Pharm.D. and having worked in the pharmacy industry for over 30 years, I understand the pressures and constraints we face daily. Our profession is at a pivotal juncture, and it’s time for a Movement.
What do we mean by a Movement? We envision a future where pharmacists are at the forefront, delivering the care they were trained in and aspire to provide. To achieve this, we at iA, along with our industry peers, must commit to driving change that can redefine pharmacy and enrich community health.
Our approach revolves around three key tenets:
• Streamlining through automation: Removing non-value-added tasks from pharmacies is crucial. Through automation, centralized fulfillment and streamlined processes, we can help free pharmacists to focus on patient care.
• Digital transformation: To meet the increasing demand for services and reduce costs, the acceleration of digital transformation is imperative. With the rise of electronic prescribing and the ability to communicate efficiently with patients, we see a clear path towards more efficient, centralized prescription processing.
• Innovative leadership and technology: The path forward requires innovative leadership and technology. Automated central fill solutions, for instance, are a promising way to transition from fee-for-service models to value-based care, enabling community pharmacies to offer high-quality, cost-effective services.
Our teams have spent countless hours in retail pharmacies, understanding the challenges pharmacists face. Our commitment is unwavering, but real change requires a collective effort.
The future we envision is one where our industry’s combined strengths are harnessed to fully realize the power of pharmacy. Together, we can help transform pharmacy practice, help improve health outcomes and make a lasting impact on global well-being.
Tom Utech is chief executive officer of iA.
