Wolters Kluwer Health has unveiled two groundbreaking digital solutions, UpToDate® Digital Medication Education and UpToDate Consumer Education, aimed at transforming the way retail pharmacies operate. These innovations, part of the UpToDate® Digital Architect suite, are designed to replace traditional paper-based medication and health education materials with digital alternatives, aligning with the growing trend of digitization in healthcare.
As retail pharmacies evolve to meet the increasing demands of healthcare consumers, the shift toward digital solutions is becoming more critical. The new UpToDate offerings enable pharmacies to provide patients with easy access to medication and health information through digital channels. This shift not only enhances the patient experience but also supports pharmacies in their efforts to reduce paper waste and improve operational efficiency.
The launch of these solutions will be showcased at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo in Boston from August 17-19, 2024, at booth #1339.
A significant challenge in patient care is ensuring that individuals understand and adhere to their medication regimens. Traditionally, pharmacies have relied on printed medication leaflets, which are often lengthy and complex. However, a soon-to-be-published Pharmacy Next survey by Wolters Kluwer Health revealed that 40% of Americans do not read these printouts, raising concerns about potential health risks.
UpToDate Digital Medication Education addresses this issue by offering a digital alternative. Patients can receive medication information through links sent via text or email, or by scanning a QR code on their prescription bottles. This method not only makes information more accessible but also aligns with consumer preferences—nearly 75% of Americans expressed willingness to use QR codes over printed materials, according to the Pharmacy Next survey.
The platform provides up-to-date information on over 3,900 medications, covering more than 130,000 national drug codes. This extensive database includes FDA medication guides, images for 80,000 NDCs, and CDC vaccine information statements, making it a comprehensive resource for both pharmacists and patients.
As the role of pharmacies expands beyond dispensing medications to becoming key healthcare providers, the need for accessible health education is more critical than ever. UpToDate Consumer Education is designed to meet this need by offering a vast library of over 650 interactive videos and 8,500 articles, all curated to help patients better understand their health conditions and treatment options.
The Pharmacy Next survey highlighted that 80% of Americans would prefer to use easy-to-understand videos to learn about their health, indicating a strong demand for digital health education. By providing these resources, retail pharmacies can foster greater patient engagement, improve health literacy, and support informed decision-making.
Transitioning from printed materials to digital formats not only benefits patients but also supports pharmacies in their sustainability efforts. By reducing paper usage, pharmacies can contribute to environmental conservation while also realizing cost savings. Additionally, the time saved by not having to print and distribute leaflets allows pharmacists to focus more on patient care.
Wolters Kluwer’s UpToDate Digital Architect solutions represent a significant step forward in the digital transformation of retail pharmacies. By enhancing patient-centric care, improving efficiency, and promoting sustainability, these innovations are poised to set a new standard in pharmacy operations.
Click here to read the original press release.
