How advancing automation can improve medication management

Today’s healthcare system is hallmarked by complexity, with automation growing more and more present. In the pharmacy, robotics and other automation systems now help us maintain inventories, dispense medications, and reduce time, cost, and errors. Because medicine cannot operate through these solutions alone, maintaining the human connection remains a priority. But how do we balance human and machine for the best patient outcomes? “We’re inundated with buzzwords: ‘AI.’ ‘Robotics.’ ‘Technology is the future and is going to solve all the world’s problems,’ ” says Doina Dumitru, senior director of medical affairs at BD Medication Management Solutions. “But buzzwords are buzzwords for a reason. There’s a lot of promise, a lot of potential, but it’s a long road to travel.” We’ve already seen glimmers of what a tech-enabled future can look like, says Dumitru, but we have some time before we reach what she calls the “George Jetson visions” of our dreams.

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