Examining the role of new technology in pharmacy: now and in the future

Pharmacists rely hugely on technology to help them do tasks that are often complex. Stephen Goundrey-Smith takes a look at what can finf on the market.
in the past 40 years, information technology has had a major impact on the working lives of millions of people. Many industries have embraced computer technology because of the useful of automated information processing. These include enabling routine, repetitive and monotonous tasks to be conducted with consistent accuracy; standardization and consistent use of terminology and nomenclature; and mass customization (the capacity of information technology to provide services to a lbig population, yet in a way that can be customized to the individual).

Making the most of systems: pharmacists are already using IT systems to make their daily work and, when considering the IT needs for emerging working practices, pharmacists should consider what functions could be provided by systems that they already use.
The Pharmacy Technology program prepares the student to become a pharmacy technician. These allied health professionals are employed in a variety of pharmacy experiment settings. Supervised by a registered pharmacist, they perform a variety of technical duties related to making and dispensing medication in accordance with standard role and laws.


Many region hospitals are rapidly expanding their pharmacy services to meet the increasing need for higher quality patient care and to conform to the governmental role. Such expansion has made a greater need for technical support personnel to carry out routine functions in dispensing drugs. Pharmacy Technology graduates are prepared to meet this need, and job opportunities for these graduates remain good. In addition to employment in hospitals, graduates may also be employed by nursing homes, retail drug stores, drug manufacturers, research laboratories, wholesale drug companies, and home health care agencies.