#Japan #Tokyo #PharmaShift #Electronic Prescription #Connected Pharmacy

Pharmashift and the Advancement of Electronic Prescriptions

In response to the increasing demand for safer and more efficient healthcare services in Japan, Pharmashift, a Tokyo-based company, is making significant strides by supporting the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's initiative to promote electronic prescriptions. This collaboration is a part of their service known as 'Connected Pharmacy', which provides patients with comprehensive support for medication management.

The Benefits of Electronic Prescriptions

Electronic prescriptions are a digital alternative to the traditional paper prescriptions, offering numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. They play a vital role in ensuring safe medication usage, especially for elderly patients and those managing multiple chronic conditions, which are increasingly common in Japan’s aging society. With over 45% of patients visiting multiple medical institutions, the risks of miscommunication and medication errors are heightened.

One of the key advantages of electronic prescriptions is their ability to enhance communication between healthcare providers. Doctors, dentists, and pharmacists can quickly access patient information across various healthcare facilities, mitigating the risks of duplicate prescriptions and adverse drug interactions. Furthermore, in disaster situations such as earthquakes or floods, electronic prescriptions ensure that patients' medical information is readily available, thus maintaining continuity of care and safety.

Key Advantages of Using Electronic Prescriptions:

• - No need to carry paper: This eliminates the risk of losing or forgetting prescriptions.
• - Reduced waiting times: Patients can share their prescription verification number with pharmacies in advance, speeding up the dispensing process.
• - Access to medication info via MyNumber Portal: Patients can conveniently check their prescription information online.
• - Information accessibility during emergencies: Essential medication details are always retrievable during disasters.
• - Consistent info across multiple providers: Ensures accurate medication management, even when consulting different doctors.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Health

Pharmashift is highly committed to enhancing healthcare accessibility by harnessing the power of digitization in medical information technology. Their 'Connected Pharmacy' service allows patients to send prescriptions electronically and seek online consultations regarding their medications via an official LINE account.

By aligning with the Ministry’s initiative, Pharmashift has laid out several actionable steps to promote electronic prescriptions:
1. Launch of a Special Page: A unique webpage has been created to guide patients on how to receive and manage their electronic prescriptions, as well as providing a directory of participating pharmacies. This resource is invaluable for ensuring ease of access and understanding for patients. Visit it here.
2. Utilization of Ministry-sanctioned Content: The special page includes engaging comic content designed to simplify the understanding of electronic prescriptions, reinforcing their acceptance among the public.
3. Website Integration: Banners are strategically placed on the 'Connected Pharmacy' site and the 'Connected Pharmacy NAVi' site, directing users to accessible information about electronic prescriptions.
- Connected Pharmacy Service Site
- Connected Pharmacy NAVi
- Ministry of Health Information

Summary of Pharmashift

Pharmashift was established in October 2020 and is headquartered in the Toranomon area of Tokyo. The company focuses on supporting patients in consolidating their pharmacy management services through digital solutions. Under the leadership of President Kentaro Tago, Pharmashift strives to create a seamless healthcare experience through technological advancement.

Company Overview:

• - Name: Pharmashift Inc.
• - Established: October 2020
• - Capital: 50 million yen
• - CEO: Kentaro Tago
• - Headquarters: 1-1-18 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo
• - Office Location: 1-5-2 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
• - Business Type: Support for becoming a primary pharmacy
• - Website: Pharmashift Official Site

This innovative approach toward electronic prescriptions is expected not only to enhance patient safety but also foster a more integrated and responsive healthcare system in Japan.