Kevin Graff

Mechanized Medication

August 20, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Convenience is one of the keynotes of vending machines. Now, one branch of Sainsbury's in England has a new prescription vending machine on trial. Do vending machines for prescription drugs make sense for retail pharmacy?      [more...]

"Blasphemy" says the Pharmacist.

"Eureka" says the Pharmacy Chain Operator.

"Thank Goodness" says the Patient.

We do a lot of work with pharmacy chains so I can appreciate both the value and the conflict that this vending machine operation would bring to the table. Pharmacists play (should play) a key role in patient care by providing exceptional counseling to their patients. However, the reality of the new 'labour models' in most pharmacies (less pharmacist hours, more technician hours) indicates the focus more on efficiency than counseling. The reality is that refills can easily be handled by vending machines. This would alleviate the pressure on pharmacy staff (and payroll costs) for mundane and routine Rxs. Customers will be better served through reduced wait times. In the end, everyone wins ... except the closed-minded pharmacist who thinks his/her job is being taken over by a machine.