Updated: April 26, 2024
Labor shortages within the pharmacy industry continue to negatively impact staff, hindering the ability of pharmacists to work at the top of their license to impact the health of patients and their communities. The National Community Pharmacist Association (NCPA) conducted a survey that indicates more than 88% of respondents said finding pharmacy techs was their number one problem. Another survey conducted by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reported turnover rates of pharmacy technicians at 21%. This technician shortage is impacting the industry, putting even more strain on pharmacists. According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), enrollment in pharmacy programs continues to decline. Shortages of pharmacists and techs show no signs of abating, continuing the cycle of staffing burnout and turnover.
Pharmaceutical demand drives the need for innovative solutions
The U.S. Pharmacy Market is forecasted to grow to $862 billion by 2028. To keep up with increasing demand coupled with staffing challenges, pharmacies must consider innovative methods to remain viable. Pharmacies are increasingly turning to fulfillment solutions to meet demand, while providing additional benefits, including removing costly prescriptions from store shelves, allowing time for pharmacists to take a more patient-centered approach, and freeing up time to offer additional revenue generating opportunities such as vaccinations and clinics.
Not just for hospitals and large pharmacy chains
Utilizing central fulfillment is often thought of as a solution only for pharmacies with massive volumes. However, iA’s prescription fulfillment solutions can be integrated into pharmacies of all shapes and sizes. The NEXiA® Enterprise Software Suite and modular product designs allow for the flexibility and scalability necessary to customize a solution that can integrate into virtually any pharmacy environment.
The NEXiA® software can be seamlessly integrated into an existing dispensing and warehouse management system, with the ability to scale with growth.
Here’s how our customers are benefitting from our fulfillment solutions:
- Shifting fulfillment work to a central location can enable a reduction in repetitive low-value tasks in store, decreasing the burden on staff.
- Automated pill dispensing and pick-to-light storage and retrieval solutions can aid in increasing efficiency in-store.
- Fulfillment solution takes on tasks prone to human error when done manually.
- iA’s enterprise prescription fulfillment software, NEXiA® provides data leading to informed, real-time, quality decisions.
At iA, we know that finding the right partner for your pharmacy fulfillment needs is critical. If you are struggling with labor shortages and burned-out staff, we’re ready to show how we can start alleviating those pain points. Backed by more than 50 years of experience, our solutions are created by pharmacists, for pharmacists. Our experts will analyze your current systems and will model the right mix of solutions designed to help you meet your business goals and improve your bottom line.
Reach out today to get started: iARx.com/contact-us.