Artificial Intelligence in Community Pharmacy: Redefining Professional Practice

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining popularity across healthcare sectors, including community pharmacy, where it is transforming dispensing practices by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing precision, and improving patient safety [1]. AI-based technologies have demonstrated significant potential in minimizing medication errors and improving dispensing accuracy. Additionally, AI-driven adherence tools have shown encouraging results in improving patient medication adherence [1].

Rather than replacing pharmacists, AI is expected to function as a trusted assistant that supports clinical decision-making, improves workflow efficiency, and enables pharmacists to focus more on patient-centered care and counselling [2]. Furthermore, robotic pharmaceutical dispensing systems combined with barcode scanning technology have significantly improved both the safety and operational efficiency of pharmaceutical services in community pharmacy settings [3,4]. Studies indicate that such systems can reduce dispensing error rates by more than 50%, with some reporting near-zero dispensing errors [3,4]. Barcode verification ensures that the correct medication, dose, dosage form, and route of administration are confirmed before dispensing, thereby reducing the risk of medication-related errors and adverse drug events [3].

Overall, the current advancement of AI-based technologies highlights a promising future for pharmaceutical care by improving accuracy, safety, and the overall quality of healthcare services in modern society [1,2].