In the years since the pandemic, recent NABP Presidents Reginald B. “Reggie” Dilliard, DPh, and Lenora S. Newsome, PD, focused their energies on addressing changes and challenges we face as pharmacists and as regulators. This important work included adapting and continuing pharmacy workplace changes that were put in place during the pandemic and working towards the mental health and well-being of pharmacy personnel. These recent NABP Presidential Initiatives helped to prepare our personnel for the future of pharmacy, and the future of pharmacy is exactly what I plan to focus my initiative on as NABP President.
We are witnessing a rapid global emergence of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), immersive software, automation, and additional smart devices. Every day there are transformations in health care due to the availability of new technologies, and pharmacy is no exception. These technologies all have the potential to transform the way we care for patients and how patients interact with their pharmacies and providers. It can also improve health outcomes by helping us prevent, detect, and correct medication errors and improve access to health information for our patients, especially those who live in rural or underserved areas, or those who face barriers such as those related to language, literacy, or disability. Technology can enable us to provide more personalized, convenient, and cost-effective care to our patients, and empower them to take more control and responsibility for their own health. Pharmacy technology also has the potential to improve pharmacy work conditions by optimizing workflows and increasing efficiency.
Although new technology holds so much potential for positive change within the health care industry, we need to ensure these advancements are used ethically, legally, and safely, and that they do not compromise the privacy and security of patients’ data and information. The June 2024 issue of Innovations provided an overview of recent cybersecurity incidents in health care.
Embracing these new technologies, while also ensuring that we evaluate them through our regulatory lens, is paramount in protecting public health. To work toward this goal, I will help to develop NABP’s Research and Innovation Institute, which will serve as a connection between the boards of pharmacy, regulated entities, and third parties, to share, study, and evaluate relevant digital health technologies and resources.
The main objectives of the Research and Innovation Institute are to:
- Assist the boards of pharmacy by creating a forum to systematically evaluate emerging technologies and innovations that increase patient access to technology and optimal pharmacy care.
- Build an extensive network through NABP’s multiple collaborative opportunities to test new ideas and develop proof of concept projects.
- Address patient demand to expand the use of digital applications and technologies.
- Freely share data with the health care industry to support informed and effective regulatory decisions.
Although technology presents many opportunities for our field, it alone is not enough. Without people who ethically, passionately, and professionally explore and utilize new technologies, they are useless. Together, we can shape the future of pharmacy and find the balance between technology and humanity.