Digital tools in pharmacies remain complex

The Cercle de réflexion de la pharmacie d’officine (Crepoff) highlighted during a presentation on October 21 that although digital tools have reduced the need for paper in many processes, they do not yet make the daily work of pharmacists significantly easier. This conclusion comes from a survey conducted between December 2024 and April 2025, with nearly 1,000 pharmacists participating, most of whom are pharmacy owners.

Most pharmacies use certified digital systems

Nearly all the surveyed pharmacists use a certified Ségur pharmacy management software known as LGO. Almost three out of every four use a secure health messaging system (MSS) and have dispensed at least one digital prescription. A similar number use the Asafo tele-service, and about half use a platform to track drug shortages. Management tools are well established, particularly for ordering and billing with suppliers.

Digital tools are less effective for voluntary tasks

When tasks require more initiative, the use of digital tools becomes more complicated. Only half of the pharmacists validate the national health identity (INS) of each patient at the time of dispensation. A quarter often consult the shared medical record (DMP), while another quarter say they have never accessed it. The MSS does not fully replace traditional email, with 7 out of 10 pharmacists using both. Nine out of 10 still exchange emails with patients using standard email.

Pharmacists feel underprepared and dissatisfied

Three quarters of the respondents rated their knowledge of digital tools as null or average, and most admitted they have not received any formal digital training. Training comes mostly from publishers and focuses on how equipment works rather than broader digital issues. Two thirds of the respondents are not satisfied with their LGO software, believing it should perform better or offer more features. They expect improvements in accessing the DMP, better integration of pharmacy tasks, and automation of orders, invoices, and administrative work.

Simplification of digital processes is incomplete

According to Crepoff, the goal of simplifying digital processes has only been partially achieved. While pharmacies are well-equipped with technology, pharmacists still have to manage multiple platforms, channels, and interfaces. Key priorities include making the LGO the main entry point for the DMP, INS, MSS, and prescriptions, automating data exchanges, and reducing the need for repeated data entry and administrative tasks.

Crepoff includes major pharmacy organizations

The Crepoff association includes the Union of Pharmacy Syndicates (USPO), the National Association of Pharmacy Students in France (Anepf), and the College of Assistant Pharmacists in France (CPAOF). However, the survey sample may not represent all French pharmacies, and the responses are based on self-reported information rather than verified data.