Technology Moves Senior Care Pharmacy into the Future.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Geriatric Technology

Background:

• Healthcare systems face rising costs and readmission rates, particularly among elder populations.
• Traditional health informatics (computerized prescription order-entry, electronic medical records) are insufficient alone.
• Patient safety and quality of life are increasingly influenced by interconnected and consumer-oriented technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of pharmacists in adopting evolving technologies.
• To emphasize the need for understanding both clinical and consumer technologies.
• To explore how technology can reduce hospital readmissions and support elders aging in place.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on current health informatics and emerging consumer technologies.
• Analysis of technology's impact on medication adherence and patient outcomes.
• Discussion of pharmacists' evolving responsibilities in technology integration.

Main Results:

• Evolving technologies offer significant potential for reducing readmissions and associated healthcare costs.
• Consumer-oriented technologies can enhance medication adherence and patient safety at home.
• Pharmacists require new skills to leverage technology for improved patient care and aging in place.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists must actively engage with technological advancements to meet evolving healthcare goals.
• Integrating clinical and consumer technologies is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.
• Proactive adoption of technology by pharmacists can empower elders to live independently longer.