Beyond the fill: Navigating pharmacy's technological future in 2050

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The pharmacy profession stands at a pivotal juncture as it faces unprecedented technological advancements that will rapidly reshape the healthcare landscape by 2050. This commentary explores the implications of technological advancements for pharmacy practice and how it may impact the workforce in the coming decades. The advent of digital health technologies (DHTs), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation is poised to transform patient engagement and care delivery. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this shift, and traditional pharmacy roles have evolved to meet these expectations. As AI and DHT adoption increase, it will push the profession beyond its historical focus on logistics and medication dispensing. Several potential scenarios may unfold by 2050, ranging from a diminished workforce overshadowed by technology to an evolved profession that leverages novel technologies to enhance clinical services and patient care. To prepare for these changes, the profession must address key challenges, including advancing education and training to incorporate new competencies, establishing sustainable financial models for emerging roles, embracing advocacy and navigating regulatory constraints to expand scopes of practice, and overcoming societal resistance to change. By embracing continuous learning and adaptability, pharmacists can seize the opportunity to redefine their roles, ensuring they remain indispensable in an evolving healthcare environment.