What is Pharmacy Informatics?
Pharmacy informatics is taking the healthcare informatics field to a new level by making the practice of prescribing and administering medications more precise. Drawing on both medical knowledge and computer science, this field uses information technology solutions to improve patient outcomes.
Pharmacy informatics is defined by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists as the integration and use of knowledge, information, technology, data and automation in the medication-use process. The practice is meant to streamline patient care and outcomes while enhancing efficiency and accuracy in the administration of medications.
Often coinciding with the use of electronic health records (EHR), pharmacy informatics is being used to replace paper-and-pen prescriptions to provide more precision and clarity for medication suppliers. Although not perfect, this technological practice has fast proven itself effective as an aid to error prevention while streamlining operations, information sharing and more.
Roles of Pharmacy Informatics in Healthcare
Pharmacy Informatics plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry with five central pillars.
- Information Management – Managing vast amounts of data related to patient care ensures that the right information is available when healthcare professionals need it. Pharmacy informatics plays a vital role in organizing, tracking, and handling this crucial data.
- Knowledge Delivery – Delivering accurate and up-to-date information to healthcare providers at the right time ensures effective patient care. Advanced systems enable pharmacists to automatically receive updates on new research or changes in standards of care.
- Data Analytics – Data analytics involves the interpretation of patient data to make informed healthcare decisions. Pharmacy Informatics can bring to light trends and patterns that may have been overlooked otherwise.
- Clinical Informatics – Clinical informatics refers to the application of informatics principles to healthcare services. In the context of pharmacy, it involves using digital tools and systems to improve medication management and patient safety.
- Change Management – Implementing new technology in a healthcare setting often entails extensive changes. Pharmacy informaticists are key players in managing these changes to enhance efficiency and success in pharmacies.
What is an Informatics Pharmacist?
An informatics pharmacist is a healthcare professional who uses their pharmaceutical knowledge in tandem with their expertise in informatics, to improve both the practice of dispensing medication and healthcare outcomes. Tasked with creating, implementing, and optimizing technology solutions relating to pharmaceutical practices, these professionals play a crucial role in streamlining operations, reducing errors, and enhancing patient care.
Pharmacy Informatics Career Outlook and Earning Potential
As of June 2024, the estimated total pay for a Pharmacist Informatics is $135,191 per year, with an average salary of $120,095 per year, according to Glassdoor.
As EHRs are implemented nationwide, the demand for pharmacy informaticists is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes pharmacy informatics under medical records and health information technicians and reports that the role is expected to grow by 8% through 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Professionals in this field are tasked with the development, implementation, and application of technology. Informaticists work with technology, but they may also have a medical background that comes from advanced clinical training in pharmaceuticals.
How to Become an Informatics Pharmacist
Becoming an informatics pharmacist requires a solid foundation in both healthcare and technology. A strong grasp of health informatics is crucial. Many professionals can further their education by pursuing a master’s in health informatics. Practical experience working with healthcare analytics, data management, EHR systems, and clinical informatics could also help provide an advantage. As the field is constantly evolving, continuing education and staying abreast of the latest technology and healthcare trends is key.
Learn more about how health informatics degree and graduate certificate programs can help you gain the knowledge and skills to prepare for a career.
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.
