“Pharmacists were taught the traditional practice of pharmacy where the assembly of the prescription was highly valued. They were very involved to ensure that it was correct and patient communication was just a side bar to that process. Today that work still needs to be done, but doing all that manually isn’t efficient from an operational perspective. That adds to the pressure that chain pharmacies are feeling. But at the same time, those manual tasks are like a security blanket. Pharmacists hold on to them to deal with the pressure. But we’re at a point where you just have to give those up. It’s time.”
– Joe Tammaro, VP of Sales, McKesson High Volume Solutions
The profession of a pharmacist has transformed over the last 100 years. Once a careful and gentle mixer of medicines in the pre-industrial era, pharmacists have evolved into drug distributors. The digital age has further transformed the work of pharmacists and created new opportunities. Pharmacy automation systems are a win-win for pharmacists and patients.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the pharmacy management systems market is projected to begin growing 10.73% annually within the next five years. By 2021, over 5 billion prescriptions will be delivered to patients.
The global spend on medical care will increase, and so will the burden and pressure on pharmacists. Dynamics will naturally boost the adoption of online management systems to better juggle workflows, information, and much more.
“As patients, their families, and communities work together to ‘flatten the curve’ amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, access to medications to treat chronic diseases, behavioral health conditions, and over-the-counter symptom management is vital. Pharmacists in communities across the state are upholding their oath to serve their communities to ensure that patients can live happier, healthier, and safer lives by bringing the care to the patients’ doorsteps whenever possible.”
– Ken Thai, PharmD and President of the California Pharmacists Association
Pharmacy Management System
A pharmacy management system (PMS) provides your company with a holistic, online, real-time patient care platform. The platform contains a large variety of functions and processes. The system operates on the basis of fully integrated EDP (electronic data processing). Pharmacists can delegate cumbersome administrative tasks to their PMSs, allowing pharmacists to focus on providing patients the indispensable human touch.
PMS can orchestrate drug inventory, tracking and optimizing supplies. The platforms increase integrity: they manage to price, ensure the accuracy of dosage and overall prescription procedure, automate the claims processing, etc. Medical companies can use PMS to coordinate workflows and specific tasks across different systems using a single network.
Benefits of Building Pharmacy Software
PMS benefits pharmacy businesses by:
- Bringing stability and accessibility into the system: processes are organized automatically. Hospital information is stored on the platform and can be accessed by an authorized worker at any time.
- Enabling effective communication: everyone is always on the same page in terms of status, progress, updates, etc.
- Boosting efficiency; software assistance automates manual tasks and saves time.
- Cost-effectiveness.
- Computerized image processing: automation of claims and prescriptions.
In the market of pharmacy software, open source solutions are rapidly emerging. However, you have to think twice before attempting a one-size-fits-all approach: there are a lot of pitfalls and crucial points to consider.
Choosing the Right Variant of Pharmacy Software
First things first: there is no unified approach as each company is unique and has specific business requirements. See it as a personal decision. Ask yourself, “what matters most for my pharmacy business?”
Nowadays, it is very easy to become a victim of tech buzz and fall for the novelty of a product. Remind yourself what made you want a new system in the first place. Buyers are seduced by innovative designs and features, and forget their company’s priorities and objectives in the selection process.
Here’s the essential checklist of factors you should consider when choosing pharmacy software:
- Make sure you understand all the existing options. Learn how they integrate with existing systems (some might require multiple interfaces).
- Check whether these solutions can leverage advanced analytics and reporting.
- Real-time pharmacy inventory management: systems for supply levels that meet the continuous demand.
- Med sync program: the option of filling all prescriptions in a monthly visit. It is convenient for patients and boosts adherence.
- Medical billing and reconciliation support.
“Now is the perfect time for pharmacists to strengthen trusted bonds with their customers. People tend to develop a personal relationship with their pharmacies, and remain loyal. It is about time to deepen these relationships. Pharmacy software automates manual tasks and eliminates human error, freeing pharmacists to give customers their undivided attention and the best service possible.”
— Vlad Medvedovsky, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Proxet, custom software development solutions.
The choice of digital partner can make or break your business. Instead of optimization and effectiveness, work can be disrupted simply because the solution designed doesn’t correspond to your company’s needs, values, and requirements. Proxet has been transforming businesses for years. Across many verticals, we dig into the pain points of companies, and tailor personalized solutions. We feel a great responsibility innovating pharmacies: it is about helping people, making their lives better, and saving them.
