Pharmacy Automation Helps Keep Pharmacies in Business

central pharmacy

The healthcare industry is suffering from serious staffing shortages since the onset of the COVID pandemic. In fact, by 2026, 6.5 million healthcare workers will have left the field and only 2 million more will be available to fill their positions. Obviously, the healthcare industry must do something to quickly face this challenge to maintain and improve the level of patient care necessary. Pharmacy automation has helped fill the gap.

Pharmacies in particular, have seen a drop in staffing since COVID began. As the vast majority of hospitals have changed their medication-use guidelines since the pandemic, 70% of pharmacists have seen an increase in their job responsibilities, which has caused additional stress. In fact, 75% of pharmacists report feeling symptoms of burnout, and only 20% of pharmacies report having the staff they need. 

Healthcare facilities are incentivising prospective employees with higher wages, flexible hours, and increased benefits, but it’s simply not enough to fill the staffing gaps. 

This is where pharmacy automation comes in. By and large, COVID caused pharmacies to focus more on their technology initiatives, and pharmacy automation can be an excellent resource for pharmacies who are struggling to meet the staffing needs with people and manual operations. 

Pharmacy automation can not only fill the staffing gaps, but can also reduce medication errors for better patient care.

Impact of COVID 19 on Central Pharmacies