Retail pharmacists are evolving from medication dispensers into accessible health advisors and community care leaders, thanks to digital innovation and expanded clinical roles. This article highlights a recent webinar hosted by Fierce Healthcare and Wolters Kluwer, where industry experts discussed how technology, automation, and patient engagement are driving the shift toward community-centered pharmacy practice.
Rising responsibilities and persistent pressures
Pharmacy’s role in the healthcare ecosystem continues to grow, shaped by physician shortages and growing patient reliance on pharmacies. Over 80% of surveyed patients now express comfort with pharmacists diagnosing minor illnesses. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted pharmacists’ ability to step up when needed most — two-thirds of U.S. vaccinations at pandemic peaks occurred in community pharmacies. At the same time, prescription unit growth remains slow while cost pressures, especially through Direct and Indirect Remuneration fees, have sharply increased, squeezing already tight margins.
