“The role of the pharmacist will primarily be that of an advisor in all therapeutic processes involving medication, both for other professionals involved and for patients.” This is how Alejandro Pazos Sierra, Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Universidade da Coruña, described it in his inaugural speech as a corresponding academic at the Galician Academy of Pharmacy.
Under the title “ICT in Pharmaceutical Professional Activity: Present and Foreseeable Future“, Pazos, also the founder and director of the multidisciplinary group Networks of Artificial Neurons and Adaptive Systems and Medical Informatics and Radiological Diagnosis, provided an in-depth analysis of the evolution of the pharmacist’s role. He argued that “pharmacists find a great ally in the tools provided by ICT.”
While noting that these changes will enhance the quality of care and the sustainability of the healthcare system, he also mentioned technical integration difficulties, economic costs, and resistance to change as barriers to the use of ICT.
Nevertheless, anticipating a revolution in the profession, he highlighted “personalized medicine and precision medicine” as significant challenges for evolving the service provided to society.