Arlington, Va.Business WireNearly half of pharmacists and two-thirds of pharmacists have reported an increase in the use of technology, according to a new study by Surrescript. The survey found that most pharmacists and many physicians have increased the responsibilities of caregivers, including nurses, physician assistants, physicians, specialists, and non-clinical professionals, starting with COVID-19. Although the epidemic is putting more pressure on caregivers than ever before – with more than half of pharmacists reporting more patient requests over the past 18 months – only 1 out of 5 pharmacists feel they are ready to take on the new role.
“These changes will continue to put pressure on the healthcare system and strengthen the need to address challenges related to partnerships, prescription costs, and service provider burnout,” said Tom Skulton, CEO of Surrescript. The next important step in the industry is to share information, replace outdated technology, and overcome care-based barriers, including the human condition, in how care teams communicate.
Improved communication between caregivers is crucial
All pharmacists (99%) and pharmacists (91%) expect future health care to be driven by a team-based care model where communication between medical teams is critical. But the relationship between caregivers is still a challenge, and there is an urgent need to work together to help the industry understand the benefits of care management and value-based care.
According to the survey, the average person spends 42% of his or her eHR software communicating with pharmacists, and pharmacists communicate with physicians more than a third of the time in their pharmacy software – but most communication still happens by phone or fax. On average, pharmacists have 22% of prescriptions for prescriptions, and 35% of all requests from pharmacists are about prescription and low-cost options.
Cost transparency is critical to addressing continued risks in prescription costs
The majority of pharmacists (82%) and two-thirds of prescription drug prices are one of the three issues in health care today, and 19% of patients report that their ability to afford medication has been severe over the past 18 months. According to doctors, an average of 25% of patients require low-cost medication, and according to pharmacists, an average of 10% of patients spend their prescription medication. Despite this demand, more than half of pharmacists (58%) and most physicians (73%) find the patient out-of-pocket expenses to some extent or very difficult.
Workflow improvements and operational competencies are needed to address employee problems and burnout
Over the past 18 months, more than half of pharmacists have reported increased licensing requirements, and one-quarter still use fax to treat them. More than half of pharmacists and pharmacists described the licensing process as “disappointing.” On average, pharmacists spend up to three hours a week following the prescriptions.
“It is important that we encourage physicians and pharmacists to be patient and ready for the next major crisis,” said Andrew Melen, vice president of Surrecript. “Challenges still exist, we have the technology needed to reach practical patient awareness when and where it is most needed, so they spend less time on administrative tasks and focus on what is important – their patients.”
Escriptos is partnering with PSB Insights to conduct a 15-minute online survey for 520 pharmacists, 200 patients and 300 patients from June 25 to July 12, 2021. Pharmacy; Physicians had to work full-time, write at least one prescription a day, and spend more than half of their time treating their patients. And patients must have completed at least one prescription in the last six months.
To learn more about how technology changes health care, download the short article “COVID-19 Increases the need to improve collaboration, provide transparency and reduce burnout.”
About the superscriptions
Our mission is to serve the country with the most reliable and efficient health information network built to improve patient safety, reduce costs and ensure quality care. Since 2001, Surrecripts has spearheaded the movement to turn it into actionable intelligence, and has formed the Surescripts Network Alliance Alliance ለማሳ to promote prescription, inform care decisions, and promote the healthcare industry. Visit us at surescripts.com and follow us twitter.com/surescripts.