Being a Pharmacist in 2025 - Part One
The traditional healthcare model is becoming increasingly unsustainable. We cannot merely change the funding model; we are confronted with a complex ecosystem of challenges that require innovative solutions.
The Healthcare Landscape
The current healthcare system stands at a critical juncture. Healthcare provider shortages represent a genuine strain on medical professionals and patient care. We are witnessing:<br>
🔴 Burnout rates among healthcare workers<br>
🔴 Increasing volume of health data<br>
🔴 A growing disconnect between training (pre-grad) and real-world challenges in healthcare<br>
Patient-Centric Care: Beyond Clinical Intervention
Today's healthcare demands more than just medical expertise. Pharmacists must evolve into:
🟠Technology savvy
🟠Financial advisors
🟠Health Data analysts
🟠Digital health coaches
The New Pharmacist’s skills
Modern Pharmaceutical care now requires skills that extend well beyond traditional training:
🟢 Advanced communication skills
🟢 Digital Health literacy
🟢 Health data interpretation
🟢 Coaching techniques
Health Tech and Human Touch
While digital health solutions deliver efficiencies, the human element remains irreplaceable.
Our role is evolving from treatment and medication intervention to holistic patient guidance—helping individuals look after and understand their healthcare needs and navigate the healthcare ecosystem effectively. Pharmacists are being looked to support the healthcare needs of South Africa and can deliver primary healthcare services through their PCDT registration. Patients need to understand more complex treatments, interpret information from their smartwatch, Digital Health Checks and understand the value, or not, of the gazillion mobile apps promising a healthcare benefit.
Understanding their medical aid benefits and how to claim for services and benefits successfully, often requires a discussion between patients and pharmacists.
Modern Pharmacy needs to deliver primary care services as part of a multi-disciplinary team. With a growing number of Diabetic Nurse Educators employed at pharmacies, pharmacists have an opportunity to become a key healthcare provider in a diabetic patient’s team.
Looking Forward… 👀
In 2025, the most successful pharmacists will be those who can blend clinical services, work successfully in a multi-disciplinary team embracing technology, are effective communicators and can apply …… to problem-solving.
" What are your thoughts on this evolution as a pharmacist in 2025? "
