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Pharmacy lockers reduce waiting times for repeat prescriptions

Enquire.

Online drug distribution

This week Pharmacy2U announced they have leased a major new warehouse space in Leicestershire. Prescribed medications are delivered to a patient free of charge or left in a safe place. It’s clearly popular, the company has already served repeat prescriptions to 270,000 NHS patients.

Following retail’s example

But use of online channels for distributing drugs is just one side of the coin. Pharmacies can benefit by following retailers like Amazon and Walmart who offer omnichannel distribution (a seamless customer experience both online and offline). Making patient experiences more consistent and convenient.

If it hasn’t got one already, your local community pharmacy or doctor’s surgery could soon have it’s very own ATM for drugs. Working in a similar way to e-commerce lockers, patients receive a digital notification to collect medications from a specified locker once dispensed by their pharmacist.

New technologies

Key features to consider include temperature controls (as some medications must be refrigerated), and security features – keeping medications secure is paramount. The ability to send patient notifications can be useful, and logging pick-ups can help alert doctors to patients who have not collected drugs.

Like ordering online, such a system may require an element of patient re-education. Elderly and vulnerable patients in-particular may struggle with understanding and using new technologies. But for the younger and more able workforce, its’ use in retail will mean pick-up technology is more familiar.

Benefits of a seamless experience

In spite of the potential issues, there are many benefits to a pick-up system. Prescription collection units help staff by saving man hours and ensuring patients with chronic conditions are kept on track. If regular patients are taking their medication they’re less likely to need medical intervention, freeing doctors and nurses to offer care to others.

Drug lockers can also reduce long waiting times and are more convenient for patients – particularly those who do shift-work or work flexible hours. If the lockers are inside, patients can either pop in and out when the surgery is open. While if the bank is situated outside, they can attend at their own convenience.

Bridging the gap

While Pharmacy2U’s approach is increasingly popular, omnichannel should be considered a bridge between the old and new style of drug distribution. Like online ordering and delivery it offers convenience. But unlike mail-order, pick-up services work alongside your familiar community healthcare centre, and where necessary patients are still able to seek face-to-face advice from a pharmacist when they need it.

 

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