#Japan #Tokyo #Remote Guidance #Pharmacy System #Medication Support

Transforming Pharmacy Services with Remote Medication Guidance

In recent years, the demand for efficient pharmacy services has surged, notably due to challenges like pharmacist shortages and the need for streamlined operations. A consortium of companies, including TimeLeap Inc., Solamichi System Inc., Corte, Falmo, and MEDIENCER, is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing remote medication guidance for pharmacies.

Collaborative Efforts

The collaboration has introduced a new remote medication guidance system tested at MyLife Inc.'s “All Pharmacy” model, allowing for efficient management of up to 15 prescriptions per hour. This initiative represents a significant step toward providing a patient-centered approach in remote healthcare settings, set to launch on August 27, 2023.

The need for innovation in the pharmacy sector has never been greater. As the digital age evolves, incorporating technology into healthcare remains critical. Through this new integrated system, key stakeholders are working to ease the burdens faced by both pharmacists and support personnel.

The Driving Forces Behind the Collaboration

1. TimeLeap Inc.: As the backbone of this initiative, TimeLeap offers its remote customer service platform, RURA, which facilitates video, audio, and chat-based consultations. This integration aids in seamless communication between on-site staff and remote pharmacists, effectively acting as a hub for different systems.

2. Solamichi System Inc.: Known for their CARADA electronic medication history system, they help manage patient prescriptions in a unified manner. Their cloud-based solution ensures smooth collaboration with Corte and EveryPick for clear and effective medication guidance.

3. Corte: This company leverages artificial intelligence to enhance medication guidance. They provide a service that automatically generates medication histories in SOAP format by interpreting audio instructions. This innovation drastically cuts down on documentation workloads, allowing pharmacists to focus on direct patient interactions.

4. Falmo: Their EveryPick application streamlines picking and auditing processes. Coupled with RURA’s screen-sharing capabilities, patients can view images of their medications, thus improving trust during consultations.

5. MEDIENCER: This firm has made it possible for pharmacies to manage patient calls remotely through their 'Pharmacy Go!' system, enhancing both operational efficiency and patient experiences without the need for on-site staff.

Achievements of the Collaboration

The introduction of this remote service has already shown promising results, as evidenced by the initial trials at All Pharmacy. Key accomplishments include:

• - Remote pharmacists handling up to 15 prescriptions each hour, showcasing increased efficiency.
• - A collaborative framework that allows a single pharmacist to manage roles across multiple locations, effectively serving three stores worth of work.
• - Enhanced quality of communication and explanations to patients, bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and community needs.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The executives from the participating companies highlight the importance of this collaboration:

• - Makoto Itoga, MyLife’s CEO, remarks on the necessity for innovation in pharmacy operations, stressing the importance of aligning services with community needs and enhancing the role of pharmacists.
• - Takahiro Taura, CEO of Solamichi System, expresses pride in contributing to a more reliable and heartfelt online medication guidance experience, aiming to alleviate the operational burdens on pharmacists while improving healthcare quality.
• - Yusuke Asazawa, CEO of Corte, emphasizes their commitment to enhancing pharmacy efficiency through AI technology, seeing this partnership as a stepping stone toward comprehensive industry reform.
• - Yoshikane Hiroi, CEO of Falmo, finds the creation of a high-quality remote guidance structure especially significant in responding to workforce shortages the healthcare sector faces.
• - Yuuki Nishikubo, CEO of MEDIENCER, highlights the relevance of coordinating digital solutions to support the evolving pharmacy landscape.

RURA: A New Era of Remote Service

RURA is not just about responding to the immediate needs of the pharmaceutical industry; it also reflects a broader commitment to innovating patient care across multiple touchpoints. By enabling remote interactions, it allows for flexibility in service delivery, improves efficiency, and supports safe practices in healthcare, particularly relevant in today’s context of ongoing global health considerations.

As this consortium of companies continues to work together, the potential for creating a more efficient, patient-oriented pharmacy environment is vast. With technology as a driving force, the future of pharmaceutical care appears promising, enhancing both the roles of health professionals and the experiences of patients.

For more information about the RURA service, visit RURA's Official Website.