Forget the creepy-crawlies and the heebie-jeebies : an overflowing pharmacy is enough to incite fear in the heart of any pharmacist.
Phone lines are ringing, patients are flooding in, and techs are getting more and more frazzled with each passing minute.
As service slows, customers grumble, pharmacists scramble, and no one wins.
That’s why, for pharmacists, efficiency is key: in workflow, in automation, and of course, in the technology you use every day.
You’ve likely taken steps to boost efficiency — managing tasks better, setting up med sync, and maybe even installing an IVR system to handle calls.
But are you using one key tool that can make or break your pharmacy’s flow?
Why Does Your Pharmacy Need a Mobile App?
Today, it’s not enough to get by with a half-hearted website and a Facebook page, offering sporadic updates that leave your patients left behind.
Patients want information — but they also want ease, efficiency, and convenience — and these days, they’re getting it through mobile apps.
Today, 42% of small businesses already have a mobile app up and running. Another 30% plan to get one moving in the near future.
And it’s not just retailers: it’s independent pharmacies just like yours, who are using the power of technology to increase their efficiency and keep their patient base happier than ever.
If you haven’t already invested in a mobile app for your community pharmacy, you’re missing out.
What Should You Pharmacy App Do?
Different apps have different capabilities, but most apps are set up similarly and should carry out similar purposes.
At its most basic level, your app should offer the following features:
- Prescription refills: Patients should easily request prescription refills with a few taps, making the process quick and convenient.
- Secure messaging: A HIPAA-compliant messaging system allows patients to communicate directly with pharmacy staff.
- Appointment scheduling: Patients should be able to schedule appointments for consultations, with reminders to keep them informed of upcoming visits.
- Medication reminders: Patients should get medication instructions and reminders to help them stay on track with their regimens.
- Health resources: Patients should get information on medication management, which can position your pharmacy as a trusted health partner.
Benefits of Mobile Apps for Pharmacies
With a pharmacy app, you will have the ability to:
- Offer timely updates and information
- Share your services
- Easily offer refills to patients
- Cut down your phone lines
- Shorten your wait time
- Communicate with patients more effectively
- Increase medication adherence
- Minimize adverse drug reactions
- Strengthen patient-provider relationships
In independent pharmacy, efficiency is the name of the game — and a mobile app can help you to increase efficiency across the board.
And you’re not the only one who benefits. In fact, with a mobile app, you can ensure that your patients are getting the services they need and staying happy.
Benefits of Mobile Apps for Patients
Among other things, an app can enable your patients to:
- Stay informed on the latest at the pharmacy
- Request refills on their prescriptions
- Eliminate wait times
- Shop OTC and other items
- Schedule upcoming appointments
- Open up communication with you
- Ask questions and get answers
- Feel connected to you and your team
- Increase overall satisfaction and customer loyalty
How Do You Get an App for Your Pharmacy?
Pharmacy apps might seem tricky to get your hands on — especially if you aren’t a developer — but they don’t have to be.
If you’re looking to get your own app going, there are a few different ways you can go about it. Different options require different time commitments, money, and resources, so consider how much you’re willing to invest.
Keep in mind, though, that apps are one of the best tools for connecting with your patients.
1. Make Your Own Pharmacy App
Designing your own app is the most complex option, but it also provides the most control. If you or someone you know has experience with apps, you can create your own.
You can control the design, features, and functionality, tailoring it to your pharmacy.
Keep in mind, though, that this option requires ongoing maintenance and updates, which can be time-consuming.
If you don’t have the time to commit, consider some of the other options.
2. Hire an App Developer
If you want help designing and hosting your app, you can hire a third-party app developer to create (and maintain) your app in the coming months and years.
This is a costly option, but it can give you more control over the design process.
Your developer will work with you on both the design and functionality of the app and allow you to make important calls about how the app will work in action.
3. Use a White-Label App
If you’re looking to circumvent the development process, consider working with a white-label pharmacy app.
White-label apps are pre-built apps that you can brand as your own.
They come with standard features like prescription refills, reminders, and patient messaging, but you can customize the appearance to reflect your pharmacy’s branding.
This option is faster and less expensive than custom development, while still giving you an app that looks and feels personalized to your business.
4. Use Your Pharmacy Software System
An even easier option than using a third-party host is taking advantage of your pharmacy software system.
Many popular vendors support mobile apps for your pharmacy. They can even integrate with your software system so you get refill reminders and patient messages from right within your system.
Typically, this is a cheaper, easier option: and it still provides you with flexibility and control over your app.
Next time you speak to your software vendor — or when you’re looking to switch to a new one — make sure to ask about mobile app capabilities.
Conclusion
Mobile apps are the future of pharmacy service. With a fully functioning app, you can increase your efficiency and make sure your patients stay satisfied.
Say goodbye to lengthy calls, long lines, and wasting time on mundane tasks.
Your app can handle all of that and more. Instead, with all the extra time available, invest back in your pharmacy and start proving your commitment to patient care.
A pharmacy app is just one tool, but it’s the tool you need to make sure your pharmacy runs at maximum efficiency.
