The new year is almost upon us. With another year of pharmacy excellence in the books, now’s a good time to look ahead. Pharmacy trends are always evolving. What was once yesterday’s fad can be today’s next great evolution.
The trends you’ll find here are no flashes in the pan. As you enter 2025, take note of these pharmacy trends — they might become the next big thing for your pharmacy, a catalyst for future success.
Here are some pharmacy trends and insights to look out for in 2025.
Your pharmacy’s capabilities are also evolving. Gone are the days when a flu shot or shingles vaccine are a niche commodity in your local pharmacy. Patients not only expect to get medications and vaccines, but so much more.
That's what makes clinical services an essential part of your pharmacy operations — specialized services that usually appeal to more specific or niche health demographics.
The growing demand for clinical services speaks to the changing outlook patients have on the average pharmacy. It's not just a place to pick up their medications. It is becoming a full-blown healthcare destination where patients go for just about all of their health-related needs (to a certain extent, of course).
Though implementing these services in your daily workflow or software will take some investing and adjusting, the long-term benefits will quickly outweigh the initial growing pains.
For more modern ways to care for your patients, read our additional blogs focused on clinical services. Also, check out this, clinical services-centric edition of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast to learn how other pharmacists are implementing new services to their pharmacy’s arsenal:
Convenience is the name of the game in the pharmacy industry. This applies to both sides of the counter. On the pharmacy side, automation is an absolute necessity.
Pharmacy work gets busy, hectic even. It's essential to have a pharmacy software that takes care of the more menial tasks, letting you focus on more urgent matters.
Leveraging your pharmacy technology enhances your pharmacy’s workflow, letting you take on more patients without feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s automated patient communication, refill requests, or even fill machines (if you have the budget), automation is not the way of the future — it’s Pharmacy 101 at this point.
Convenience isn’t just a trend — it’s become a customer expectation. As we move into 2025, pharmacy delivery services are becoming a cornerstone of modern pharmacy operations. Patients increasingly value the ability to get their medications delivered directly to their doorsteps, saving them time and offering a seamless experience.
Expanding into delivery can set your pharmacy apart from competitors. With the right pharmacy software (like RedSail's DeliveryTrack), you can streamline deliveries, track driver routes, and notify patients when their orders are on the way. Also, PioneerRx's Delivery App lets you seamlessly provide delivery operations while ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for both your staff and patients.
Delivery services not only meet patient needs but also help you reach underserved populations, such as the elderly or those with mobility challenges, which is a careful point of consideration for LTC pharmacies.
Offering same-day or even scheduled delivery options can enhance patient loyalty, boost prescription adherence, and grow your bottom line. As you consider your 2025 goals, explore ways to optimize your delivery service — it could be the game-changer your pharmacy needs.
You know, you love (or hate) it. AI is the latest technological advancement that will change nearly all aspects of work and even everyday life.
AI has the potential to transform the pharmacy industry and shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. From analyzing vast datasets that expedite drug development to identifying potential drug interactions, AI can enhance your workflow like never before.
AI-driven systems can predict medication demand, ensuring efficient inventory management. Virtual assistants and chatbots powered by AI engage patients, providing medication information and reminders, which improves adherence.
AI also personalizes treatment by analyzing genetic and health data. As we become more familiar with it, AI can revolutionize a pharmacy’s workflow, changing how we approach patient care. For pharmacies looking for a crash course on AI, read our blog, "Pharmacy Technology: Getting Schooled on AI."
Pharmacy technology not only shapes the future of patients’ health journeys, but it also shapes the future generation of pharmacists. With the constant innovations in technology, education technology is going through an intriguing change.
As mentioned earlier, AI has and will continue to play an important role in the pharmacy industry. Before long, pharmacy students will know firsthand the power of artificial intelligence.
Several pharmacy schools are offering courses focused on how they can utilize AI to improve their practice. For example, the University of Florida College of Pharmacy is integrating AI into its curriculum, stating that they are “training the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists to leverage AI in the workforce.”
When combined with your existing software, AI creates efficiencies that weren’t possible even a few years ago. As AI capabilities continue to grow, integrating this technology into your pharmacy could give you a significant edge in 2025 and beyond.
As we enter 2025, the pharmacy landscape is brimming with opportunities. From clinical services to delivery and automation to AI, these trends are shaping the future of the industry. By staying ahead of these innovations, your pharmacy can meet the evolving needs of patients, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen its position as a healthcare destination.
Don’t wait for the future to come to you — embrace it. Explore how these trends fit into your pharmacy’s vision and set your sights on a successful 2025.