AI is transforming pharmacy by enhancing patient care and medication safety: Dr Steven Chen

 Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of pharmacy, reshaping drug development, patient care, and medication distribution, states Dr. Steven Chen, Pharm D, FASHP, FCSHP, FNAP, associate dean for clinical affairs at the University of Southern California (USC) Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences while emphasizing the significant role AI is already playing in patient care.

“While much of the focus on AI in pharmacy has been on accelerating drug discovery—such as identifying new molecular entities, repurposing existing medications, and reducing overall costs—AI is also making a profound impact on pharmacy practice, improving patient safety and health outcomes,” Dr. Chen explains.

"When given sufficient data, AI is used to predict or identify patients at high risk for adverse health outcomes, requiring a commensurate level of care and intervention," says Dr. Chen. AI-driven Remote Therapeutic Monitoring and Remote Patient Monitoring are being increasingly utilized to analyse health trends, providing critical insights to both patients and healthcare providers.

Moreover, AI can assess social determinants of health—factors such as economic stability, education, and living conditions—to uncover social needs that impact a patient’s ability to achieve optimal health. "With sufficient data, AI can evaluate these determinants to ensure that underlying social issues are addressed, improving overall health outcomes," Dr. Chen explains.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI into digital therapeutics will provide real-time feedback to both patients and healthcare professionals. This innovation will help tailor treatment plans, optimize medication therapy, and improve patient adherence to prescribed regimens.

On the medication distribution side, AI enhances efficiency and safety, ensuring that patients receive the right medications faster. "Rather than replace the patient care role of pharmacists, AI will help pharmacists focus on the most challenging patient needs that require in-depth personalized evaluation, empathy, and patient-specific treatment plans," Dr. Chen notes. This includes making treatment adjustments, continuous monitoring, and providing education on self-management.

AI is essential in addressing the challenges posed by the US healthcare system, where high-quality, individualized medication therapy is crucial for improved patient outcomes. Additionally, in large countries such as India, where healthcare accessibility remains a concern, AI can play a transformative role in reaching patients who require better medication management and results.

As AI continues to evolve, its applications in pharmacy will expand, further strengthening the profession’s ability to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care. Dr. Chen underscores the importance of embracing AI in pharmacy: "AI in pharmacy is not just an innovation—it is a necessity to improve healthcare and medication outcomes worldwide."

“With AI-driven advancements, pharmacists will be better equipped to provide personalized care, ensuring patients receive the right medications at the right time while maintaining the human touch that is essential to patient-centred healthcare,” Dr Chen concludes.