It can be difficult to know when to implement today’s technological breakthroughs in your independent pharmacy and when to hold off. The amount of learning required and the uncertainty that comes with newer products and devices can be a deterrent. But at the crossroads of patient care and pharmacy needs sits one device that can improve your pharmacy: the tablet.
Tablets, such as the Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Note, are essentially mini touch screen computers with the processing power to host hundreds of useful applications (better known as apps.) They’re convenient for staff use and are a great way to provide free education for patients.
In the realm of health care, professionals have developed thousands of apps ideal for using in your pharmacy. We’ve sorted through the clutter of the health app marketplace for you. Here are our recommendations for apps to use in your pharmacy.
OTC Guide
The OTC Guide app from Pharmacy Times compiles its annual survey of the OTC products most recommended by pharmacists. Free. Available on Apple and Android.
Drug information apps
The number of apps designed to help you find and digest drug information will make your head spin, so we’ve summarized the most useful. Epocrates, Micromedex, and Lexicomp are three of the most popular apps for health professionals, and preference will depend on your budget and style. PocketPharmacist presents information in a simple format that suits both pharmacist and patient. Prices vary. Most available on Apple and Android.
WebMD and Medscape
WebMD and Medscape apps from the popular online medical resource offer a comprehensive look at health care, from a symptom checker to medical news, local health listings and resources for professionals. Free. Available on Apple and Android.
HealthClips Rx
HealthClips Rx is a valuable patient education resource that contains more than 500 videos on an array of health topics and conditions. All videos are under three minutes in length and are targeted at laymen, making them easily digestible. Free. Available on Apple.
Medical journals and pharmacy news sources
Many of the journals and pharmacy news outlets that you read offer their content in app form, usually for free. Some of the most popular include: MedPage Today, Pharmacist’s Letter, Drug Topics, US Pharmacist and Pharmacy Times. Prices vary. Most available on Apple and Android.
iTriage
iTriage contains a variety of patients’ health needs in one spot, like information on symptoms and medications, maps showing the closest medical provider and wait times at nearby hospital emergency rooms. Free. Available on Apple and Android.
RxShortages
RxShortages provides up-to-date information on drug shortages. Free. Available on Apple and Android.
Pocket First Aid & CPR
Pocket First Aid & CPR from the American Heart Association is an excellent resource and potentially life-saving tool for the general public. It includes step-by-step instructions on a variety of emergency situations, and a succinct medical profile section. $1.99. Available on Apple and Android.
Need more ideas?
A wide variety of apps are available on each of the following health topics.
Tobacco cessation
The objectives of apps devoted to helping smokers quit range from goal setting to tobacco education to a statistical visualization of how much each smoker has to gain by quitting.
Weight loss and nutrition
This subset is perhaps the most saturated on the health app market. There are apps that offer recipes for success, fitness plans and diet regimens, education on the ill effects of obesity and ways to track your progress.
Diabetes
From diabetic cookbooks to glucose trackers, a plethora of resources help patients with diabetes live healthier lifestyles. Here are a few more ideas.
Resources for kids
Parents and other customers will appreciate your pharmacy having a tablet on hand with apps to assuage grumpy children. From educational resources to health-related games, the marketplace for kid-targeted apps is flourishing.
Related articles:
There’s an App for That: Using Smartphones to Manage Diabetes
8 Reasons to Offer Text Alerts to Patients
How to Create a Health Information Center
