Digitization of Pharmacy

Journalist | Haoyen Tan | sjk28ho@gmail.com

Designer | Youngseo Park | selly4577@yonsei.ac.kr

Nowadays, numerous fields have undergone digitalization. Even in unexpected areas, for example, ordering food or drinks through kiosks not man-to-man, and tending to ask convenient and efficient ChatGPT. Digitalization has accelerated since it could make things done easier and quicker

In modern society, digitalization in local pharmacy also breaks the boundaries between on/offline. Patients who visited the local pharmacy still can consult about the medicine with a pharmacist using online service even they step out of the pharmacy. However, compared to other countries, South Korea’s speed of digitization in pharmacy is relatively slow.

Let’s look at where other countries are currently heading to. Countries like the United States has already started to deliver medicine via online. For example, Medly Pharmacy is one of the most popular online pharmacies in New York City, where people can conveniently order prescription drugs and have them delivered to their home. Once customers upload their prescription, a pharmacist will review it, prepare the medication, and then initiate the delivery. Delivery typically takes within 1-2 days, with same-day delivery available in some areas of New York City. In addition, the shipping is free, and insurance can be billed for added convenience. Medly Pharmacy provides convenient services to its customers and operates in a way that meets their needs, which made many people to use it frequently. However, it is important to be cautious, and verify the safety and accuracy of medication when using delivery services. Moreover, among digitalization functions, the prescription order, and the medicine bill receipt service are quite popular. Mobile pharmacy applications will be more utilized to fully guarantee consumer choice and strengthen core functions through pharmacist-led customer care services.

Pharmaceutical distributor ‘Online Farm’ provides a kiosk service that combines prescription transfer and payment. If the customer registers the barcode marked on the prescription, the prescription is sent to the dispensary, and the payment service will be sent from the dispensary. Nevertheless, the introduction of kiosks was found ineffective, the reason is that it cannot replace the role of the pharmacist in providing consultation and giving advice regarding medication. The kiosk may provide basic information about medication, but it cannot consider an individual’s specific medical history, such as allergies, or other important factors that the pharmacist can consider when making recommendations. Additionally, some people may have difficulties using a kiosk due to technical barriers or other factors, making it even less effective for them. Therefore, while the kiosk can be a useful tool for basic information, it should not be relied on as a substitute for the pharmacist’s expertise and advice.

To maximize the use of kiosks, there are several methods. First, the kiosk should be easy to use and intuitive. Each button should be clearly and concisely displayed so that users can find information without assistance. Second, medication information should be updated regularly. Whenever new information on medication or side effects is updated, it should be provided through the kiosk as well. Lastly, supports from pharmacists is also needed; a pharmacist can be stationed next to the kiosk to provide consultation and give advice on medication use for customers who have questions or concerns and help those who are not familiar with the kiosk. By considering these methods it will increase customer satisfaction and improve the level of service at the pharmacy.

Currently in Korea, some pharmacies have introduced kiosks within their pharmacies to allow customers to easily locate their desired medication or obtain information about specific medicines. Additionally, some pharmacies have launched mobile apps for users to check information about their medication purchases, as well as to receive updates on events offered by the pharmacy. With the growing demand for online services and the increasing use of mobile devices, it is expected that more pharmacies will adopt digital technologies to improve their services. This could include the use of artificial intelligence and big data analytics to manage inventory and monitor customer trends. There may be further regulatory changes to promote the growth of online pharmacies and encourage greater innovation in the industry. Overall, the digitalization of pharmacies in Korea is likely to continue to advance in the coming years, offering new opportunities for improved healthcare services and greater convenience for customers. According to the CEO of Healthport, the combination of IT technology and pharmaceutical devices is inevitable, and it makes digital blind spots diminish. As interest in personal health gradually increased, strategies for differentiating pharmacies began to emerge. Even if the Pharmacist Society doesn’t want to, the world will continue to change, and the prospects will alter depending on how much they adapt to digitalization. B