In-Depth
View all In-depth content
Pharmacy design is evolving, driven by advancements in technology, a deeper understanding of workflow optimization, and an increased focus on medication safety and staff well-being. The future of pharmacy design depends on a comprehensive approach that integrates state-of-the-art technology, ergonomic principles, and a patient-centered mindset. This article explores the trends and key considerations shaping the pharmacy of tomorrow, highlighting how strategic design improvements can enhance efficiency, ensure safety, and improve patient outcomes.
Embracing Technological Advancements
Integration of cutting-edge technology is paramount in modern pharmacy design. As pharmacy operations expand and grow in complexity, leveraging technology is critical to function. Automated dispensing systems, robotic medication management, and advanced inventory tracking should not be futuristic concepts, but indispensable components of an efficient pharmacy. These technologies streamline operations, reduce errors, and allow staff to focus on patient care.
Impact of Technology on Pharmacy Operations
- Reduced Medication Errors: One study reported a 63% decrease in potential adverse drug events and a 96% relative reduction in dispensing errors after implementation of barcode technology in a hospital pharmacy.1
- Increased Efficiency: One hospital pharmacy achieved a 7-minute turnaround time and an average accuracy of 99.48% after implementation of an automated dispensing system.2
- Inventory Optimization: Upgrading dispensing technology and properly managing automated dispensing cabinets can decrease inventory stockouts and generate significant cost savings through enhanced inventory management.3
Prioritizing Ergonomics and Staff Well-Being
The physical design of a pharmacy must prioritize staff well-being, as studies show that employee satisfaction is linked to higher customer satisfaction.4 Ergonomically designed workstations analogous to airplane cockpits reduce physical strain and increase productivity. Poor working conditions have been shown to contribute to medication errors.5 Survey data found that pharmacy personnel who are at risk of experiencing high distress have a twofold risk of making a medication error.6 Intentional staff-centered design can mitigate these risks.
Designing for Medication Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Good workflows significantly impact medication and patient safety, so it should come as no surprise that safe medication practices should be at the forefront of pharmacy design. In a global systematic review, the World Health Organization reported a 5% prevalence of preventable medication-related harm.7 One study at an academic hospital observed that 21% of medication errors went undetected by pharmacists during verification.8 Designing workflows that emphasize safety, combined with a commitment to regulatory compliance, ensures patient protection.
Enhancing Collaboration and Communication
Effective communication and collaboration among pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals are essential for delivering high-quality care. Convenient access to patient data improves medication management and reduces errors stemming from miscommunication. Pharmacy design should incorporate spaces and workstation lines of sight that facilitate teamwork and information sharing. Quiet workspaces that promote concentration and minimal interruptions are crucial for tasks that require high levels of focus. Distractions are linked to 45% of medication errors.9
Conclusion
Thoughtful pharmacy design has immense potential to transform healthcare and pharmacy operations. By embracing technology, prioritizing ergonomics, ensuring medication safety, and fostering collaboration, we can create efficient pharmacy environments that deliver high-quality patient care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
References:
- Poon EG, Cina JL, Churchill W, et al. Medication Dispensing Errors and Potential Adverse Drug Events before and after Implementing Bar Code Technology in the Pharmacy. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2006;145(6):426. doi:https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-145-6-200609190-00006
- Temple J, Ludwig B. Implementation and evaluation of carousel dispensing technology in a university medical center pharmacy. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 2010;67(10):821-829. doi:https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp090307
- Labuhn J, Almeter P, McLaughlin C, Fields P, Turner B. Supply chain optimization at an academic medical center. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 2017;74(15):1184-1190. doi:https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp160774
- Chamberlain A, Zhao D. The Key to Happy Customers? Happy Employees. Harvard Business Review. Published August 19, 2019. https://hbr.org/2019/08/the-key-to-happy-customers-happy-employees
- Pharmacy Workplace and Well-Being Reporting (PWWR) PWWR Report X Second Quarter 2024. American Pharmacists Association; 2024:1-11. Accessed September 24, 2024. https://www.pharmacist.com/Advocacy/Well-Being-and-Resiliency/pwwr
- Pharmacy Staff | Mental Health Resources | Rising Stress Levels. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. https://nabp.pharmacy/initiatives/pharmacy-practice-safety/mental-healt…
- World Health Organization. Global Burden of Preventable Medication-Related Harm in Health Care. World Health Organization; 2024.
- Cina JL, Gandhi TK, Churchill W, et al. How Many Hospital Pharmacy Medication Dispensing Errors Go Undetected? The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. 2006;32(2):73-80. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1553-7250(06)32010-7
- Cohen MR, Smetzer JL. Safe Practice Environment Chapter Proposed by United States Pharmacopeia; Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim and Lisinopril Hyperkalemia. Hospital Pharmacy. 2009;44(3):210-213. doi:https://doi.org/10.1310/hpj4403-210
In hospital settings, medication reconciliation stands as a cornerstone in patient safety efforts, ensuring accurate medication histories and preventing adverse drug events. Pharmacy technicians play a pivotal role in this process, offering indispensable support to pharmacists and healthcare teams. As hospital pharmacy leaders and executives navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery, harnessing the full potential of pharmacy technicians in medication reconciliation becomes paramount for optimizing patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
In June of 2023, Techdow USA Inc., a division of the Hepalink Group, successfully launched Enoxaparin Sodium (Enoxaparin) in multiple strengths of pre-filled syringes. Techdow USA’s Enoxaparin is critically needed and will be used primarily in the outpatient setting to treat and prevent harmful deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. Techdow USA’s parent company, the Hepalink Group, is a global leader in naturally extracted active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and finished drugs that sources from an extremely diverse and robust supply chain network.
Pharmacy technicians are the backbone of successful pharmacy operations. In health system inpatient pharmacies, they handle complex tasks such as sterile compounding, inventory management, controlled substance security, automation oversight, and handling of hazardous medications. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure patients receive safe and quality pharmaceutical care. The ongoing shortage of qualified pharmacy technicians is a significant barrier to progress in an evolving healthcare landscape in the era of technological revolution.
VIDEOS
VIEW ALL VIDEOS
In this week’s Executive Insights video Jeff Thompson, Chief Clinical Officer at Freeman Health, shares insights into the evolving role of pharmacy leadership within health systems. Thompson highlights the importance of aligning pharmacy goals with broader C-suite objectives, recognizing pharmacy not only as a significant expense but also a substantial revenue driver. He also addresses current challenges, such as labor shortages and the impact of 340B contract pharmacy restrictions, which are shaping strategies for sustaining healthcare operations.
In this insightful interview, Alex Kardos, Corporate Director of Pharmacy Services at RX Holding Hospital, discusses his role overseeing pharmaceutical operations across 126 sites. He highlights the challenges of navigating regulatory pressures, drug shortages, and staffing issues while emphasizing the growing importance of driving revenue in outpatient settings. Kardos shares how his team balances these demands by leveraging peer insights and vendor partnerships to improve efficiency and compliance.
Dr. Rabiah Dys, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services and Program Development at CPS, shared insights at ASHP on her role and passion for advancing health equity. She emphasized the importance of improving health literacy by helping patients understand their diagnoses and care plans, starting at hospital admission. Dr. Dys also highlighted the need for better continuity of care between hospital discharge and community pharmacy settings to ensure patients can manage their health effectively.
Last fall, Jennifer Biar, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Prisma Health, sat down with Pharmacy Angle, sharing her journey in pharmacy leadership, which began unexpectedly during her 27-year tenure at the organization. She highlighted the evolution of healthcare, from single hospitals to large systems, and discussed how pharmacies are now focusing not only on reducing costs but also on generating revenue. Jennifer also emphasized the importance of advocacy for the pharmacy profession, especially for pharmacists to be recognized as providers.
Industry News
View all Industry News
HUNTINGTON, NY - Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical announced recently the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial for SJP-001, positioning it to become the first FDA-approved therapeutic specifically targeting alcohol hangover prevention. The trial, conducted by a leading clinical research organization in Australia, marks a pivotal milestone in addressing a significant global health and productivity challenge.
SJP-001, supported by Sen-Jam's robust portfolio of 23 patents, represents a paradigm shift in understanding and treating alcohol hangover symptoms. The novel combination therapy targets the inflammatory cascade triggered by alcohol consumption, rather than focusing solely on hydration or other approaches that have shown limited efficacy.
This clinical trial is made possible through Sen-Jam's novel and inclusive funding model. By leveraging crowdfunding and the sale of Fractional Royalty Rights (FRR) on its patent portfolio, Sen-Jam has democratized investment in cutting-edge pharmaceutical innovation. The company has successfully engaged over 960 investors, 24% of whom have reinvested, demonstrating the strong community belief in the potential of SJP-001 and its mission to advance global health.
"Our FRR offering allows everyday people to directly support innovation while creating an opportunity for financial returns. It also enables us to return capital to our investors soon after licensing deals are in place," said Jim Iversen, CEO of Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical.
This funding approach ensures that Sen-Jam remains agile and focused on delivering safe, effective, and accessible therapeutics while empowering a global network of supporters to share in its success.
"Pre-clinical studies of SJP-001 have demonstrated remarkable promise in reducing both the severity and duration of morning-after symptoms," said Jackie Iversen RPh MS, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer at Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical. "Our approach is grounded in cutting-edge international research that has identified inflammation as the primary driver of these alcohol related symptoms."
The therapeutic's development aligns with Sen-Jam's commitment to cellular and tissue protection against acute and chronic inflammatory responses. "This innovative solution is about promoting human health and maximizing productivity by supporting individuals who choose to consume moderate levels of alcohol. Our focus is on enhancing well-being, fostering resilience, and empowering people to thrive in both personal and professional spheres." explained Iversen.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that alcohol consumption costs the US $180 billion annually in lost productivity.
PRINCETON, N.J. - Bristol Myers Squibb announces that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approval of Opdivo ®(nivolumab) plus Yervoy ®(ipilimumab) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Eli Lilly and Company announced detailed results from the Phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 three-year study (176-week treatment period), the longest completed study to date of tirzepatide. Weekly tirzepatide (Zepbound® and Mounjaro®) injections (pooled 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg doses) significantly reduced the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight, compared with placebo, over 176 weeks.
Research Triangle Park, N.C. – Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), a gene therapy company wholly owned and independently operated as a subsidiary of Bayer AG, today announced that AB-1003 (also known as LION-101) has received rare pediatric disease designation and orphan-drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I/R9 (LGMD2I/R9).