Wolters Kluwer has introduced two new pharmacy solutions designed to enhance patient education and streamline operations within retail pharmacies. The move comes as the industry grapples with the challenges of delivering effective medication information in a digital age.
The company’s 2023 Wolters Kluwer survey highlighted a significant gap in patient understanding, with nearly half of Americans admitting to not reading the accompanying medication printouts. This statistic underscores the need for innovative approaches to patient education.
UpToDate Digital Architect offers pharmacies digital health content to provide patients with accessible medication and health information. This solution allows pharmacists to deliver tailored educational resources, addressing the growing expectation for personalized care.
Christopher Sullivan, vice president for clinical effectiveness commercial segment at Wolters Kluwer Health, emphasized the growing role of pharmacies in patient education. “Retail pharmacies are doubling down on patient experience and playing a much more central role in educating patients on their medications and overall health,” he said. UpToDate’s new digital tools are designed to empower pharmacists to deliver effective care and improve patient outcomes.
The FDA first introduced a proposal to replace paper medication information with digital alternatives in 2014. While this initiative faced opposition from groups like the Pharmaceutical Printed Literature Association, the push for digital solutions has gained momentum. Wolters Kluwer’s new offering aligns with the broader industry trend toward paperless and patient-centric care.
By providing patients with easily digestible and up-to-date medication information through digital channels, pharmacies can improve patient adherence, reduce medication errors, and strengthen the patient-pharmacist relationship. The Alliance to Modernize Prescribing Information has advocated for similar initiatives, recognizing the potential benefits of digital medication education.
Wolters Kluwer’s UpToDate platform, already trusted by millions of clinicians worldwide, will serve as the foundation for these new pharmacy solutions. With access to comprehensive drug information, interactive videos, and patient-friendly articles, pharmacies can better support patients in managing their health conditions.
As the role of pharmacies evolves, the ability to deliver effective patient education becomes increasingly crucial. Wolters Kluwer’s new solutions offer pharmacies a valuable tool to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes.
