news&views Autumn 2021 | Page 24

Improving the Pharmacy Experience

Improving the Pharmacy Experience

Many people think of a pharmacy simply as somewhere they can pick up prescriptions . It ’ s a grab-and-go business model , built to move people through the pharmacy as quickly as possible . While members can , of course , use ARTARx to pick up their prescriptions , it goes above and beyond the standard model , and members can expect a few exciting innovations on top of this basic level of service .
First , ARTARx will focus on the holistic health of members , not just on filling prescriptions . “ There are more and more opportunities these days for pharmacists to counsel patients on their health needs ,” says Yatin . “ We tend to see people more often than their doctors do , so we can get a better idea of how medications align with an individual ’ s health goals . Is the patient experiencing side-effects ? Are there problems remembering to take the medication regularly ? We can sit down with members , make recommendations , and provide information to help them better manage their own health .”
Not all of this advice is medication-based . ARTARx pharmacists can offer advice for health conditions that might be better served by increasing physical fitness or by kicking a bad habit ; in that way , a member could potentially reduce the number of medications they are taking .
ARTARx pharmacists are also available for travel consultations , to help ARTA ’ s jet-setting members understand what travel vaccinations and medications to consider for their next big trip . If they ’ re visiting in person , they can schedule any necessary vaccinations at the same time .
These consultations , whether for health or travel , aren ’ t just for the benefit of individual members . “ In talking to members , we ’ ll not only be able to meet their health needs , but we can get a better picture of what plan improvements ARTA ’ s whole membership wants and needs ,” says Yatin . “ Rather than relying on surveys and direct suggestions , we can identify trends in membership needs
through each conversation we have .”
Next comes improvements in communication and distribution . While the physical ARTARx space is located at ARTA ’ s main office in Edmonton , ARTA ’ s members live all over . Luckily , we live in a world where distance is no obstacle . “ For all of its complexities , the pandemic has really pushed the envelope for delivery services and virtual consultations ,” says Yatin . “ We have the opportunity to use this technology , along with our members ’ increased familiarity with technology , to bring our pharmacy services to any location .”
If ARTA members aren ’ t able to meet for in-person consultations , they can meet virtually and receive the same quality of care from the same pharmacists . In addition to these online consults , members can register their prescriptions online and have their medications mailed out to them , no matter where they live in Alberta .
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