Is Pharmacy Ready for AI?

Less than 6% of hospitals reported using advanced analytics, including artificial intelligence (AI), in pharmacy operations, according to the 2023 ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings.

But the digital transformation is coming fast, and the pharmacy workforce faces a pivotal question: Are you ready?

“To be ready means understanding the fundamental concepts of AI and disruptive technology, recognizing their applications, and being aware of their impacts on patient care,” said Ellen Revak, vice president at Advocate Health. “One cannot simply ignore this or leave it to other groups to review, solve, and engage in.”

Revak is the moderator at a Dec. 11 session at the 2024 Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition, Artificial Intelligence and Disruptive Technology: Are You Ready?

The session will cover promising developments in AI, key components of an organizational strategy on AI, and insights on governance models and regulatory considerations.

In addition to Revak, speakers include Samantha Bochenek, director of specialty infusion services and medication assistance at UK HealthCare; Trinh Le, chief pharmacy informatics officer at Mayo Clinic; and Anthony Tagavi, senior director of retail and community pharmacy services at UK HealthCare and vice president of Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.

For an advance look at the session, ASHP News Center spoke with Revak. What follows is an edited transcript of her responses.

ASHP: Disruptive has been a buzzword for a while now. In healthcare, how do we primarily use it?

Revak: “Disruptive” in healthcare refers to transformative changes that significantly alter how we practice, provide care, or changes to the environment we work in. These disruptions can come from a variety of sources, such as technology, supply chain issues, and shifts in care models.

Is that a good thing, a bad thing, potentially both, when it comes to impacts on patients?

The impact of the disruption on patients isn't simply good or bad. The key is to anticipate disruptions, prepare for them, respond appropriately, and adapt. While initial reactions may be negative (especially, for the unplanned disruptions), there are always lessons to be learned that can lead to positive, long-lasting changes.

How fluent in advanced analytics/AI will the typical health-system pharmacist need to be a decade from now?

The typical health-system pharmacist and pharmacy personnel will need to have a baseline understanding of AI and disruptive technology. Understanding the AI solution they specifically use each day will also be required.

Is this sort of educational programming going to be a necessity for practicing pharmacists, foundational for student pharmacists?

One of the key takeaways I had from the Pharmacy Futures Meeting 2024 was the need for changes in recruitment and training to prepare the workforce for these technological advancements. Emphasizing the value of a questioning attitude is essential. As we integrate AI into our daily practice, it is vital to pause and check if the AI-generated recommendations seem right. If not, we must explore further and ensure that our decisions are in the best interest of our patients.

Anything you want to add that we didn’t ask about?

We are excited to present more information at the session and have time dedicated to what will is sure to be an engaging Q&A panel discussion. Come share your ideas and experiences!