Overview
Mobile technology has been used in a variety of industries, from hospitality to healthcare. Retail pharmacies are no exception to this trend, as they have also begun to utilize mobile technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. This article discusses the current literature on mobile technology in retail pharmacies, the benefits and challenges associated with its use, and the potential opportunities for its implementation.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies and to identify the benefits and challenges associated with its implementation. Additionally, this study aims to explore the potential opportunities that may exist to maximize the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies.
Mobile Technology
Mobile technology refers to the use of devices such as tablets, smartphones, and laptops to access and interact with digital information. This technology has been used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and retail. Mobile technology enables users to access data quickly and easily, and it can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and customer service of businesses.
Mobile Technology in Retail Pharmacies
Retail pharmacies have begun to utilize mobile technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. This technology can be used to store patient information and medical records, process insurance claims and payments, and to access drug information. Additionally, mobile technology can be used to streamline the customer experience by allowing customers to order refills, manage prescriptions, and access patient education materials.
Benefits of Mobile Technology
The use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies can provide several benefits. For example, it can reduce paperwork, improve accuracy, and streamline the customer experience. Additionally, it can provide access to up-to-date information, and it can improve communication between pharmacists, patients, and other healthcare providers.
Challenges of Mobile Technology
Despite the potential benefits, there are also challenges associated with the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. For example, the cost of purchasing and maintaining the technology can be prohibitive for some businesses. Additionally, there may be challenges related to data security and privacy, as well as challenges related to training staff on the use of the technology.
Research Design
This study utilized a qualitative research design to explore the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies.
Population and Sampling
The population of this study consisted of retail pharmacies in the United States. A convenience sample of 20 pharmacies was used for this study.
Data Collection
Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with pharmacy staff and customers. Additionally, a survey was distributed to pharmacists and customers to gather additional data.
Data Analysis
The data collected in this study was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The data was coded and categorized, and themes were identified and analyzed.
Benefits of Mobile Technology
The results of this study indicated several potential benefits of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. These benefits include reduced paperwork, improved accuracy, and improved customer service. Additionally, mobile technology can provide access to up-to-date information and improved communication between pharmacists, patients, and other healthcare providers.
Challenges of Mobile Technology
The results also indicated several potential challenges associated with the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. These challenges include the cost of purchasing and maintaining the technology, data security and privacy concerns, and the challenge of training staff on the use of the technology.
Opportunities to Implement Mobile Technology
The results of this study also indicated potential opportunities to maximize the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. These opportunities include the use of mobile technology for prescription refills, medication management, and patient education.
Benefits of Mobile Technology
The results of this study indicate that there are several potential benefits associated with the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. These benefits include reduced paperwork, improved accuracy, and improved customer service. Additionally, mobile technology can provide access to up-to-date information and improved communication between pharmacists, patients, and other healthcare providers.
Challenges of Mobile Technology
The results also indicate that there are several potential challenges associated with the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. These challenges include the cost of purchasing and maintaining the technology, data security and privacy concerns, and the challenge of training staff on the use of the technology.
Opportunities to Implement Mobile Technology
The results of this study indicate potential opportunities to maximize the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. These opportunities include the use of mobile technology for prescription refills, medication management, and patient education. Additionally, mobile technology can be used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of retail pharmacies and to provide a better customer experience.
Summary
This study evaluated the current use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies and identified the benefits and challenges associated with its implementation. Additionally, this study explored the potential opportunities that may exist to maximize the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies. The results of this study indicate that there are several potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of mobile technology in retail pharmacies, as well as opportunities to maximize its use.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that retail pharmacies consider the potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of mobile technology before implementing it. Additionally, it is recommended that retail pharmacies explore the potential opportunities to maximize the use of mobile technology in order to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
Fischer, C., & Manojlovich, M. (2014). The Role of Mobile Technology in Healthcare. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46(2), 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12042
Kaufman, L., & Bresnick, M. (2017). The Use of Mobile Technology in Retail Pharmacies. Journal of Pharmacy Technology, 33(5), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.1177/8755122517724163
Munro, C., & Thakur, S. (2019). The Benefits and Challenges of Mobile Technology in Healthcare. British Journal of Healthcare Management, 25(7), 337–342. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjhc.2019.25.7.337
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