AI
advocate for the interests of pharmacists in AI-related discussions with regulatory bodies and healthcare organizations. By participating in the development of AI standards and ethical guidelines, professional organizations can help ensure that AI is integrated into pharmacy practice in a way that supports both pharmacists and patients.
Developing Ethical and Responsible AI Practices
Ethical Frameworks and Guidelines As AI becomes more integrated into
pharmacy practice, the profession must develop robust ethical frameworks to guide its use. T ese frameworks should be developed in collaboration with colleges of pharmacy, boards of pharmacy, professional organizations, and healthcare institutions to ensure consistency across the profession. Key ethical considerations include
ensuring patient privacy, preventing bias in AI algorithms, and maintaining transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes. T ese guidelines should be incorporated into both educational curricula and professional standards.
Human Oversight in AI-Driven Processes While AI can enhance decision-making, it
is important that human oversight remains a central component of AI-driven processes. Pharmacists should be trained to critically evaluate AI-generated recommendations and make fi nal decisions based on clinical judgment and patient needs. T is approach will help maintain the quality of patient care and prevent over-reliance on AI.
Regulatory Alignment and Compliance
Harmonization Among Boards of Pharmacy Boards of pharmacy must collaborate to
harmonize regulations related to AI use in pharmacy practice. T is includes establishing consistent guidelines for AI-driven processes, such as medication dispensing, clinical decision support, and telepharmacy services. Regulatory alignment will help ensure that
patients receive consistent care regardless of where they are located and that transitions of care between diff erent practice settings are smooth and eff ective. It will also
provide clear guidelines for pharmacists on the ethical use of AI, helping to prevent discrepancies in practice standards.
Adapting Regulatory Frameworks for AI Existing regulatory frameworks may need
to be adapted to accommodate AI-driven practices. T is could involve updating standards for telepharmacy, clinical trials, and drug approvals to refl ect the capabilities of AI. Boards of pharmacy should work with federal and state regulators to ensure that these updates are consistent and that they support the safe and eff ective use of AI in pharmacy practice.
Investing in AI Infrastructure and Integration
Infrastructure Development in Healthcare Organizations Healthcare organizations must invest in
the necessary infrastructure to support the integration of AI into pharmacy practice. T is includes data storage and processing capabilities, cybersecurity measures, and AI-compatible healthcare management systems. T ese investments will enable seamless integration of AI tools into existing workfl ows and enhance overall effi ciency.
Ensuring Interoperability and Seamless Integration To maximize the benefi ts of AI, it
is essential that AI-driven tools are interoperable with existing healthcare systems. T is will require collaboration between AI developers, healthcare organizations, and regulatory bodies to establish standards for data exchange and system compatibility. Seamless integration will ensure that AI enhances, rather than disrupts, the continuity of care.
Collaborating with AI Developers and Stakeholders
Building Partnerships for Innovation Pharmacy schools, healthcare
organizations, professional pharmacy organizations, and AI developers should form partnerships to drive innovation in AI applications for pharmacy practice. T ese collaborations can focus on developing new AI tools that address specifi c challenges in pharmacy, such as medication adherence,
IN Pharmacy
drug interaction monitoring, and patient education.
Engaging Stakeholders for Inclusive AI Development It is important to engage a broad range of
stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and regulators, in the development of AI tools. T is engagement will help ensure that AI solutions meet the needs of all parties involved and are designed with patient safety and care quality as top priorities. Additionally, integrating consistent monitoring, survey collection, and feedback mechanisms into the development process will allow for continuous refi nement of AI tools to stay aligned with evolving stakeholder needs.
Preparing for Workforce Changes
Workforce Transition Planning and Upskilling As AI takes on more routine tasks, the
roles of pharmacists and other healthcare staff will evolve. Healthcare organizations should develop workforce transition plans that include retraining and upskilling programs. T ese programs will help pharmacists adapt to new roles centered around clinical decision-making, patient engagement, and AI oversight.
Mitigating Job Displacement Risks While AI can enhance effi ciency, it
also creates a risk of job displacement, particularly in roles that involve standardized workfl ows and administrative duties. To mitigate these risks, healthcare organizations should off er retraining programs for employees whose roles may be aff ected by AI automation. T ese programs can help employees transition to new roles that require human expertise, such as AI management, and data analysis and oversight.
Addressing Workforce Changes with Universal Basic Income (UBI) T e automation brought by AI has the
potential to reduce the need for human workers, particularly in roles focused on standardized tasks. Companies that gain from these effi ciencies should contribute to a universal basic income (UBI) program. T is income could support workers displaced
>> THE LEADING VOICE FOR THE MISSOURI PHARMACIST |
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