The future of pharmacy is now – health systems must take action to drive innovation, access and sustainability

Healthcare is at a critical inflection point: an aging population, breakthrough therapies, regulatory changes and technological advancements are combining to reshape how care is delivered, with some unexpected consequences. While some hospitals and health systems are simply adapting to the changes as they come, many are not only responding to the challenges, but also seeing the opportunities and how to take advantage of them.

Future-minded organizations have recognized that pharmacy is becoming a transformative force in healthcare. In today's healthcare landscape, the role of health system pharmacy has never been more important. Faced with rising costs, regulatory uncertainty and changing patient needs, pharmacy leaders need to drive innovation, improve access to medicines and provide sustainable solutions to help ensure better outcomes for their communities.

Health system leaders are increasingly integrating pharmacy into decisions aimed at modernizing care and improving patient access. However, providing these experts with the resources needed to achieve this positive shift is not without obstacles and will require strengthening networks within a historically siled industry to optimize operations and achieve more successful patient outcomes.

rapidly changing landscape

The massive pressures and uncertainties facing health systems can seem daunting: drug shortages disrupt operations, force difficult treatment decisions, delay critical treatments, and create financial stress as health systems scramble for alternative sources; policy shifts and changing global dynamics require new operating methods; and, to name a few, limited staff bandwidth can impact patient care.

At the same time, the healthcare ecosystem is on the verge of transformation, with specialty pharmacy programs maturing, home infusion services poised to explode, and cell and gene therapies redefining care delivery. Still, barriers such as payer restrictions, financial inefficiencies, and workforce shortages may hinder progress.

A new report based on a proprietary survey of more than 100 health-system pharmacy leaders reveals the nuances of the situation. Established specialty pharmacy programs face significant barriers, with 50% of patients still getting their prescriptions filled outside the health system. Likewise, home infusion services, a market expected to double in size by 2034, remain underutilized, with two-thirds of health systems lacking programs entirely. Despite the transformative potential of cell and gene therapies, only 4% of health systems report being fully prepared to integrate these breakthrough therapies.

These challenges are significant, but not insurmountable. Health systems have the tools, expertise and opportunities to take the lead in addressing these issues and shape the future of health care.

Pharmacy is the center of healthcare

Health systems face opportunities for change, but leaders are required to take innovative approaches. In this environment, pharmacy has moved from the periphery to the center of healthcare transformation. This expansion reflects a fundamental shift: The pharmacy business is no longer a cost center to be managed, but a strategic asset that can drive organizational performance. It’s clear: The future of pharmacy is now, and health systems must act boldly and decisively to overcome obstacles, embrace innovation, and deliver on the promise of better care.

Collaborative transformation

This future is rooted in the critical importance of collaboration. While dynamic collaboration among health systems and distributors continues, true transformation requires industry-wide collaboration to address challenges that no single organization can solve alone. Successfully addressing these interconnected challenges requires experienced industry partners to provide health systems with expertise and resources. This collaborative approach among hospital and pharmacy leaders and industry experts lays the foundation for lasting improvements in health care delivery.

Shaping the future of pharmacy together

These challenges also present significant opportunities for organizations ready to invest in the strategic potential of pharmaceuticals. For health system leaders, the question is simple: Will your organization lead or follow this change? By innovating to solve real challenges, elevating the role of pharmacies as strategic assets and accelerating implementation of proven solutions, health systems can better navigate supply chain complexities, regulatory requirements and operational changes while focusing on what matters most – delivering unparalleled care to patients.

Health-system pharmacies are uniquely positioned to lead changes in health care delivery. By embracing innovation, optimizing operations, and championing change, pharmaceutical industry leaders can ensure that their organizations are not only preparing for the future, but are actively shaping it. Health systems should proactively engage with industry partners, participate in collaborative initiatives and commit to implementing proven solutions. With the right industry partnerships and comprehensive support systems, the future belongs to those organizations that recognize the strategic value of pharma and invest accordingly. Health systems face huge challenges, but so do the opportunities.

Photo: PeopleImages, Getty Images

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