Pharmacists meet with software developers

Representatives from the Regional Union of Healthcare Professionals (URPS) Pharmacists of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur met with developers of pharmacy management software on Tuesday, October 6, in Aix-en-Provence. The meeting included several companies and the Federation of Editors of Ambulatory Medical and Paramedical Informatization (Feima).

Pharmacists describe evolving roles

The pharmacists emphasized the evolving nature of their work, which now includes securing, preventing, accompanying, following up, coordinating, and orienting patients. They highlighted the need for recognition of pharmaceutical interventions, which they believe are currently underappreciated.

Challenges with current software

Félicia Ferrera, a pharmacist and director of the URPS, pointed out the fragmented computerized workflow, where each different tool represents a break, time spent, and a risk. Patrick Magnetto, vice president of the URPS, called for a single entry point to access multiple functions.

Pharmacists demand specific features

Pharmacists are also demanding double checks of prescriptions, structured interview reports, the possibility of targeting patients, and follow-up reminders. They noted shortcomings in software when dealing with tele-services such as Asafo or the platform Adac.

Questions about legal provisions

Stéphane Honoré, a hospital pharmacist and former president of the French Society of Clinical Pharmacy, questioned whether software developers are considering a provision of the 2026 Social Security Financing Law, which provides for the implementation of a system to assist in pharmaceutical dispensation.

Developers highlight AI capabilities

In response to these requests, representatives of LGO developers provided answers centered around artificial intelligence. For example, LGPI uses AI to save time through preloading of prescriptions, visualization of the history and patient profile, and suggestions of generic drugs based on rotations.

Regulatory challenges for developers

However, regulatory constraints weigh on the developers, with Infosoft indicating that it is allocating 90% of its resources to this. Feima advocates for realistic compromises, noting the difficulty of "reconciling the irreconcilable" in software development.

Progress in interoperability

According to Grégory Cobena, vice president of Feima, developers have taken "the turn of a great openness" regarding interoperability. He noted that software has significantly improved the cash flow of pharmacies, with invoice rejection rates reaching nearly 0.7%.