In what timeframe do you see things changing in pharmacy practice and how will those changes impact society. this is part of my final project due Sunday, promptness is greatly appreciated.

Pharmacy practice is rapidly changing now. Prescriptions come from the physicians hand-held "telephone" (read IPod or equivalent to the pharmacy via internet. Pharmacy records automatically pull up the health insurance on file, as well as the patients other medications, and cross-checks for interactions and allergies.

Pharmacists have the same access back to the physicians on questions on the prescriptions. Pharmacies in many wide geographic area automatically have schedule 1 drugs issued, so that other pharmacies and physicians can check to see if a patient is Doctor Shopping for pain killers.

While many areas do not have all of this, it is rapidly growing, and I envision most of the US under these systems within a very few years.

The other practice growing widely is the 24 hour pharmacy, and mail order.

Lastly, there is a growing practice of many pharmacies having a "clinic" open on weekends for urgent care...a physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician's assistant ...for someone to examine routine illnesses (flu, earaches, sore throats) at the pharmacy and issue needed prescriptions. This greatly allows weekend sick kids to get medical attention without an agonizing and expensive trip to the emergency room.

You figure out the impacts.

to bobpursley; Thank you so much.

To answer your question about the timeframe and impacts of changes in pharmacy practice, we can follow a step-by-step approach:

1. Identify relevant sources: Start by gathering information from reputable sources like research articles, academic journals, and professional pharmacy organizations. These sources will provide insights into current trends, ongoing developments, and future projections in pharmacy practice.

2. Review recent advancements: Look for recent advancements in pharmacy practice, such as technology integration, automation, telepharmacy, pharmacogenomics, and collaborative care models. Explore how these advancements are shaping the field.

3. Analyze pharmaceutical policies: Understand the evolving policies and regulations in the pharmaceutical industry. Analyze how changes in policies, such as healthcare reform and insurance coverage modifications, can impact pharmacy practice.

4. Explore emerging roles: Investigate new roles and responsibilities for pharmacists, such as medication therapy management, immunizations, and prescribing authority. Understand the potential impact of these expanded roles on patient care and healthcare systems.

5. Consider societal implications: Reflect on how changes in pharmacy practice can influence society. For example, increased access to healthcare services, improved medication management, expanding patient education, and personalized treatment plans can positively impact society's overall well-being. Conversely, factors like rising drug costs, medication shortages, and decreased face-to-face interactions may have negative societal implications.

6. Evaluate timelines: While predicting precise timeframes can be challenging, analyze current initiatives and forecasts made by pharmacy experts or organizations within the field. Consider their projected timelines for the implementation and widespread adoption of new practices.

By following these steps, you will be equipped with the necessary information to answer your question about the timeframe and impacts of changes in pharmacy practice. Remember to cite your sources and provide evidence-based explanations to strengthen your final project.