STAT News: Pharmacies may have to change to stay relevant.

From a pharmacy perspective, I think we are going to see a shift in mindset in terms of how we view the traditional role of the pharmacist. The standard definition of a drug is something that treats an illness or a disease. However, we’re seeing now that digital therapeutics and apps can have similar benefits as traditional medications and improve clinical outcomes when used in conjunction with standard therapies. Thus, I predict we’ll see more front-line pharmacists becoming involved with data science and remote patient monitoring programs, which will enable the pharmacist to synthesize data gleaned from pharmacogenomic testing, wearable or digestible sensors, and connected health devices like blood pressure cuffs. All of these findings taken in concert will provide the pharmacist with a holistic view of the patient and ultimately help the community pharmacist better manage patients suffering from chronic diseases. — David Berkowitz, assistant director of clinical pharmacy, Newton-Wellesley Hospital