The covid-19 pandemic has forced the healthcare industry to adapt and adjust to the new challenges. Healthcare professionals have had to rethink the way they use technology to interact with their patients and coworkers. Therefore, the pandemic marked the rise of online healthcare services, such as virtual appointments with a doctor or even chat catch-up for simple queries. Many patients and doctors welcomed the sudden change of habits positively. Indeed, the tech approach to the pandemic has made it easier and most convenient for vulnerable individuals to receive healthcare while reducing the risks of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
So, while hospitals and clinics have paved the way to the future of healthcare through Zoom appointments and smiley interactions, it is time for pharmacies to jump on the bandwagon of digital transformation.
Sell products online
Frankly, online pharmacies are not a novelty. Yet, too many pharmacies still fail to join the movement. Selling products online can transform the interactions with customers. An online shop is a no-brainer in a fast-paced environment when people can find it hard to visit shops during their opening hours. It makes pharmacy services much more convenient to access for those who have to fulfill obligations during the day. Not everyone can afford to pick up their prescriptions during day time. As some people need to commute for work, they find it tricky to visit a pharmacy. But the online option can ensure patients who arrange for online appointments with their family doctors can also sort out medications in a few clicks from their computers.
Increase user safety through all processes
It is fair to say that if you provide an online shop, you also need to improve your data protection strategy. Pharmacies can find it hard to remain HIPAA-compliant if they are not familiar with the risks surrounding their digital presence. Unfortunately, even with professional cyber security services, the risk of data corruption and data loss is never null. Hackers are constantly innovating to find new breaches into business systems. However, data loss can have dramatic consequences without adequate pharmacist liability insurance. Pharmacies that choose to move their services online need to take preventive measures to protect their customers’ data and themselves. User safety is a priority for every online business.
On the topic of user safety, pharmacies also need to consider individuals who need additional support during online purchases. Over-the-counter medications are readily available online; therefore, offering a chat function for advice and questions can prevent many issues. Choosing the wrong medications or combining medications can be unsafe without appropriate support.
Embrace emoji communication
Emojis can significantly enhance communication. Doctors have already been using emojis to explain difficult concepts or catch up with patients. Pharmacies can also reach out to their audience through the same technology.
The online presence can help identify symptoms through emojis, using them to describe pain, fever, drowsiness, etc. Additionally, introducing a tablet in-store can be a good idea that can help individuals share their concerns and issues with pharmacies. The imagery can help breach communication problems, especially with clients who don’t speak English fluently. It is also helpful to visualize symptoms. For example, many people may not be familiar with different types of pain, but they can convey the same meaning through emojis.
Biometrics identifications in store
Nowadays, you can unlock your phone with biometrics data using your eye or fingerprint. So, what is stopping you from imagining a future situation where patients have a biometric file for identification? Indeed, biometric data could prevent the risk of fake or stolen prescriptions. A customer could identify themselves through their unique fingerprint, for instance, in order to retrieve their prescription. The system would also keep doctors and pharmacists updated on individual care, making it easier to update charts and files within the healthcare system. It can also mean that prescription deliveries can be validated rapidly, using biometrics identification solutions hosted by courier services. While the healthcare system still has a long way to go before this happens, optimized data management could make customer lives easier.
A vending-machine approach for recurring prescription
As unbelievable as it seems, some p[harmacists have already implemented a vending machine service to deliver medicines to customers. However, unlike the typical vending machine that provides a huge selection of snacks or goods, the pharmacy vending machines will require an identification system to deliver only the prescribed medications. Customers can use their health cards as identification. The machine connects them to an on-call pharmacist, who then authorizes the prescription. Currently deployed in some British pharmacies and a couple of universities in the US, this option could speed up medication access and reduce physical contact.
A symptom-checking platform
Over-the-counter medication remains a popular choice in pharmacies. Customers can buy vitamins or OTC drugs to care for simple and non-dangerous health complaints. However, not everyone may be familiar with the best medication options. Therefore, introducing a digital display in-store that enables customers to filter medications for their symptoms can be a helpful addition. Besides, it can also alert pharmacists when individuals experience unusual or alarming symptoms that would require medical attention.
Every year, people fail to notice potentially dangerous symptoms, which can delay the diagnosis of life-threatening conditions. This symptom checker could save their lives.
International cooperation
Every year, international visitors travel for pleasure or business. Many visitors also carry medication for a variety of health conditions. Unfortunately, travel can be a chaotic experience, resulting in lost luggage or damaged bags, which means that some international travelers may be left without medication for the duration of their stay. The creation of an international cooperative healthcare system is not a reality. But pharmacies could pave the way by reaching out to international healthcare systems to support global travel. Building connections with local doctors and pharmacists could be the way to provide a coordinated medication solution to individuals, regardless of where they are in the world. As a result, international travelers are unlikely to be at risk in the event of lost or damaged medications.
It’s time to build the pharmacies of the future, encompassing safe data transfer, full healthcare cooperation, and accessible services. Health management should not be difficult, confusing, or inconvenient, and pharmacies can work together to create a better health industry for all.
