This is the second article in a two-part series discussing the impact of embracing digital solutions and moving away from paper-based operations.
Patient education is a cornerstone of successful healthcare outcomes. And while the pharmacy industry continues to transform and embrace new processes and technology, one vital component of patient education remains startlingly antiquated: the leaflets patients receive when they leave the pharmacy.
Whether they are drug monographs, vaccine information statements, FDA medication guides, or other information, these paper printouts need to be revisited.
Quick to be thrown out and often difficult to read, printed medication information leaflets regularly fail to serve their crucial role in patient welfare: educating the patient about the medication they are taking or the vaccine they just received. What side effects could occur? Are there any potential drug interactions? The paper may be disposable, but the information isn’t.
So, what can be done differently? The answer is in your pocket.
Imagine a world where patients have 24/7 access to crucial medication information — no more worrying about losing a slip of paper or forgetting their pharmacist’s instructions. But what does this transformation entail, and how might it shift the healthcare landscape?
Let’s explore the benefits and implications of digitizing necessary drug and vaccine information, paving the way for a more informed and empowered patient community.
Why Go Digital with Information Leaflets?
The Case for Change
Sending patients home with paper printouts presents a myriad of issues. In addition to being environmentally unfriendly and greatly contributing to the vast amount of paper waste in this country (not to mention toner cartridges and staples that end up in landfills), there’s a strong case to be made around the efficacy of printed info sheets.
The paper printouts given to patients with prescriptions, immunizations, and other services are easily tossed out or lost, forcing the patient to contact the pharmacy for the information they need — or, worse, not getting that information at all. Making that vital information electronically accessible ensures that patients will always have that resource at the ready.
Each year, approximately 1.5 million adverse drug events land Americans in emergency rooms. How many of those events could be prevented by more accessible medication information?
Another Step Toward Healthcare Equity
As of 2023, an estimated 92% of Americans own at least one smartphone. Making information accessible by phone is one of the most effective methods for reaching a broad audience. Digitizing medication and vaccine information can be seen as not just an upgrade in convenience, but as a public health initiative that aims to provide every patient with the tools to manage their health effectively. In a world where many disparities in health outcomes can be linked to differences in access to information and care, digitization can play a pivotal role in addressing these inequities.
Overcoming the Challenges
Technological Literacy
A potential obstacle in digitizing pharmacy leaflets is the issue of technological literacy among patients. Not everyone is comfortable navigating digital platforms, and this poses a challenge to ensuring universal access. Simple, intuitive interfaces and comprehensive onboarding can smooth this transition, however, and the benefits far outweigh the obstacles.
Because of this, a key consideration in the digital transition is designing for universal access. The content provided by the digital platform must be responsive, easy to read, and understandable for users of all ages and technical abilities.
Looking Ahead
The digitization of medication and vaccine information could be a game-changer for patient education, but it’s also a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. As with any pharmacy industry innovation, the end goal should be to improve the way pharmacists deliver care and support patient well-being.
Recently, EnlivenHealth® launched Digital Medication Information Delivery (DMID), which allows pharmacies to send drug monographs, vaccine information statements, and other prescription-related documents directly to their patients via SMS text, email, mobile app notification, or QR code.
The Evolution of Patient Empowerment
Digitizing vital medication and vaccine information has the potential to transform patients from passive recipients of care to active participants in their own health management. With a wealth of information at their fingertips, patients can ask informed questions, spot potential issues, and take charge of their health in a way that was previously impossible.
Make the Transition to Digital
It’s time to digitize these essential drug guides. By leveraging digital tools to enhance patient education, pharmacists can not only reduce the volume of paper waste in landfills but also contribute to a more informed and empowered patient community. The task ahead is significant, but the potential rewards in terms of public health and patient outcomes are considerable.