Medical technology’s rapid advancement has a profound impact on every aspect of medicine, healthcarespan styling=”font-weight 400 ;”>. Even the most isolated and ivory tower-like institution can be affected by digital disruptions in health. Of course, we are referring to the pharmacy.
Although these institutions play a crucial role in the healing process, the impression about pharmacists and their drug store is often that they offer a type of commercial/business-like service. The pharmacist gives the medicine in return for money. It’s a simple business.
The medical technological revolution has made traditional roles obsolete. New technologies allow patients to have greater control over their own health and help them become partners in care. The 21st century will see patients evolve as well as pharmacies and pharmacists. In a community-based economy, a simple drug dispenser is not enough.
Indeed,
As patients are the most underutilized resources in healthcare, pharmacists are also the most underutilized resources in medicine.
Modern society has made pharmacists a medical shopkeeper, but they have more to offer. While they have a similar education to doctors, pharmacists are able to spend more time with patients.
JAMA even found that patients visit community pharmacies far more often than primary care doctors. Community pharmacists are a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, with the added benefit of being able to spend more time with patients.
There are many ways that the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in the digital age can evolve. This article will present three scenarios that could be used to illustrate this evolution. However, the final one may combine several of these scenarios while taking on a unique shape. The goal is to show the possibilities and prepare for the future in the practical world.
Imagining the future of pharmacies
Many aspects of pharmacy will need to change as pharmacists and drug shops adapt to the digital age. The pharmacy of the future will have a new look and play a different role. The need for change is recognized by leading authorities in the pharmaceutical sector.
In 2013, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society had already highlighted in its report on the future of pharmacy that pharmacies must shift from supplying drugs to providing services that meet patients’ needs. The “NHS Long Term Plan for the Future” was published in 2019. It stated that pharmacists should use digital technology to enhance their services and interact better with patients.
The basic idea of the future pharmacist combines the traditional “mediwitch” with 21st-century tech-guru and scientist. A mediwitch is someone who holds a special place within a community. They know their patients’ histories and provide basic care, including medicine or herbal infusions. A tech-guru who can decipher data from wearables and health trackers, and is able provide the needed care based on that data.
This guru could be useful in remote, rural or small-sized communities with limited access to pharmacies. This phenomenon can have an impact on hospital readmission data. Researchers found that rural areas have higher readmission rates than urban areas. This is because it is difficult to find open pharmacies in rural areas. This phenomenon must be altered if the ultimate goal of improving the quality of healing is to be achieved.
Technology is available to assist. Let’s look at three potential tech-aided scenarios which could have a huge impact on pharmacies.
Scenario 1 – A rise in medical booths with pharmaceutical offers
The least likely scenario is a rise in the use of medical kiosks to offer pharmaceutical services. These are kiosks that patients can visit in shopping malls and food courts to get a basic health check. They also offer the opportunity to talk to a healthcare professional over telecommunications. These ventures, despite promising offerings, have been unsuccessful. HealthSpot, a telemedicine kiosk startup that was funded by over $40 million, failed to materialize in 2015.
There are many reasons for the failure of this system, from the overhead involved in building and delivering kiosks to having to pre-arrange appointments. The concept of healthcare on-demand was not really possible. Technology has advanced beyond what physical kiosks can offer. Smartphones can do more. Smartphones are the Swiss knife of digital health, whether it’s to detect Alzheimer’s disease, track suspicious skin moles or measure vital signs like temperature and oxygen saturation.
Other companies continue to follow the medical kiosk route, offering pharmaceutical products to increase access to care. OnMed Station opened in Tampa, Florida, October 2019. The kiosk provides remote diagnosis, telemedicine and an automated dispenser for common medication such as antibiotics and antihistamines. This kiosk, unlike HealthSpot, is HIPAA compliant and does not require any human staff to dispense medication. The FDA-approved Consult Station, which is located in France-based HD4, is another example. The medical booth offers telemedicine consultations with portable diagnostic tools like an EEG or stethoscope. You could also connect with your smartphone.
Although such booths could be implemented on a smaller scale due to past obstacles, they may not achieve the widespread popularity they desire. Pharmacies won’t invest in kiosks with the same features because patients have the same technology at their fingertips.
Scenario 2: Health consultancies
Show your prescription, wait in line, take your medication and pay the bill. These commercial aspects of pharmacies have become all too common. This perception comes at the expense, all too often, of important medical information being exchanged. Ever decide not to ask about a drug or leave the counter right after paying the bill? How about not asking questions about vitamins or recommendations for mineral supplements that you checked before going to the counter? Perhaps the pharmacists didn’t have enough time for you.
With the help of digital healthcare offerings, pharmacies could move from being drug distribution machines to becoming health consultancies. The opportunity for pharmacists to offer basic care and/or health management consultations to patients will be available. The pharmacy will be able to provide basic care for patients with simple problems and/or health management consultations.
This development can be aided by a grass-roots approach to healthcare. This includes healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, providing proactive patient care at the most convenient location for the patient. Telemedicine is a solution that can be used when pharmacists are not physically present.
For instance, Intouch Healthcare provides high-quality, emergency consultations for stroke and cardiovascular problems in remote areas.
This is part the so-called “point-of-care” diagnostics. It allows patients to be diagnosed in the doctor’s office, in an ambulance or at home. The patient can receive treatment quickly and the results are immediate. Digital health tools allow you to fit a whole department of diagnostic tools in one briefcase.
The Eko Core digital stethoscope lets you livestream recordings for telemedicine. The Clarius and Philips Lumify are portable ultrasound devices that provide high-resolution, real-time images. Viatom Checkme Pro is FDA-approved and packs multiple sensors into a single handheld device. It measures ECG, pulse temperature, sleep quality, and more.
This scenario has the greatest potential from a practical standpoint. Pharmacies could easily invest and offer these diagnostic services. Patients can also be helped by pharmacists to analyse the data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Additionally, pharmacists are well-suited for this role because they have the time and resources to devote; something that many doctor-patient meetings lack.
Scenario #3: Pharmacies as specialised points-of-care
The final scenario is a step further and shows what the future holds for pharmacies. This scenario depicts pharmacies being specialized point-of-care centers where personalized therapies are possible. These centres can 3D-print multiple medications onto a single tablet, sequence one’s genome, and combine these offerings to create custom dosages based upon one’s genetic data. The pills can be loaded onto drones that deliver them to your home. These centres can be used as a convenient gateway to advanced healthcare technologies.
These possibilities are not a figment of our imagination, but they are real and readily available. Automated dispensers are used by 30-40% of European pharmacies. In Rwanda, medical drone deliveries are a common practice. FabRx launched the first 3D printer for pharmaceutical manufacturing to make personalised medicines earlier this year. The M3DIMAKER can print medicines according to user’s manufacturing requirements. This allows users to produce 28 pills in a month (a total of 28 pills) in just 8 minutes. The direct-to-consumer (DTC), genetic testing kits are becoming more affordable, and may soon be available for as low as $100. Similar DTC kits are also popular.
“DTC Kits will be a large item, likely to accelerate faster due to COVID in the next 2-3 years,” Timothy Alungstspan styling=”font-weight 400 ;”>,, an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, MCPHS University, Worcester told The Medical Futurist. ” I expect to see stronger business partnerships here, with companies like TruePill, Amazon, or CVS pushing it, possibly Walmart span>
Even though some of the most advanced technologies may be integrated into pharmacies sooner than expected, this scenario will remain long-term even if they have the technology to do so. ” Although pharmacists could do this, there are still legal and payment issues that must be addressed. This adoption could be hampered by regulatory restrictions. However, these constraints are necessary to ensure a secure and trusted adoption that will result in the best possible patient outcomes.
Humans are the future of pharmacies
Despite all the technology talk, the human element will remain an important part of the pharmacy in the future. Although robots and drones will manage logistics, the human pharmacy staff will remain at the forefront.
Robots can perform routine, menial tasks so pharmacists have more time for patients. They can also help interpret data from wearables and solve creative challenges. These robots can reduce costs and improve the quality and variety of services that pharmacies offer today. There are many good examples. We have discussed some of the possible scenarios pharmacies could take. However, our e-book that was released earlier in the year also discusses the technologies that can be used to create these scenarios.
The Medical Futurist published The Future Of Pharmacies In 3 Scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic care the same thing?
Holistic Health Care differs from Alternative Medicine because it focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address such issues. It focuses solely on the body, mind, emotions, etc.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine and traditional medicines?
Traditional medicine concentrates on the treatment of symptoms, while holistic medicine addresses the entire person. Holistic medicine is holistic and does not focus on any one aspect of the patient’s/her health.
Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It also examines the effects of lifestyle choices on overall wellbeing.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?
The evidence base supporting complementary and alternate medicine is still developing, but there are many factors that people choose to use these therapies. They may have tried standard treatments but found them ineffective. They may also want to try alternative therapies as they believe they offer better results than conventional care. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
webmd.com
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- It is cheaper than traditional medicine. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients don’t feel pressured to follow the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatment, but they don’t prescribe them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- People believe that alternative treatments work better than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients choose complementary treatments to enhance their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Patients who follow holistic treatments tend to be healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- Additional research is needed on complementary treatments.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be a part of our culture, education system and society.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is more important than treatment and it focuses on preventing disease through diet, exercise and relaxation.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. Let’s take, for instance:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: berci.mesko
Title: The Future Of Pharmacies In 3 Scenarios
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/the-bright-future-of-pharmacies
Published Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2023 05:33:31 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic care the same thing?
Holistic Health Care differs from Alternative Medicine because it focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address such issues. It focuses solely on the body, mind, emotions, etc.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine and traditional medicines?
Traditional medicine concentrates on the treatment of symptoms, while holistic medicine addresses the entire person. Holistic medicine is holistic and does not focus on any one aspect of the patient’s/her health.
Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It also examines the effects of lifestyle choices on overall wellbeing.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?
The evidence base supporting complementary and alternate medicine is still developing, but there are many factors that people choose to use these therapies. They may have tried standard treatments but found them ineffective. They may also want to try alternative therapies as they believe they offer better results than conventional care. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
webmd.com
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- It is cheaper than traditional medicine. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients don’t feel pressured to follow the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatment, but they don’t prescribe them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- People believe that alternative treatments work better than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients choose complementary treatments to enhance their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Patients who follow holistic treatments tend to be healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- Additional research is needed on complementary treatments.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be a part of our culture, education system and society.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is more important than treatment and it focuses on preventing disease through diet, exercise and relaxation.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. Let’s take, for instance:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
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