The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has published a new policy outlining how artificial intelligence can be used to support pharmacy services.

While the RPS supports the responsible and effective use of AI, it warns that it must be deployed in ways that protect and enhance the human dimension of care.

“The automation of routine tasks could allow all staff to take on a more patient-centred focus. While AI will radically alter how work gets done and who does it, the larger impact will be in complementing and augmenting human capabilities, not replacing them,” the Society suggests.

Developed in consultation with RPS members, an Expert Advisory Group, experts in digital technology and AI, and external stakeholders including the General Pharmaceutical Council, the policy highlights the challenges and opportunities AI presents to enhance patient access, support clinical decisions and improve the safety and efficiency of medicines supply chains.

For community pharmacy the policy suggests AI could enhance public health services by providing patients with tailored ongoing support and signposting e.g. smoking cessation, sexual health.

It could provide decision support tools in electronic prescribing systems and patient services such as Pharmacy First, and support virtual consultations for minor ailments. It could also support medication adherence with reminders, notifications and educational resources.

Other areas of the policy cover:

• Improving patient care: AI is a tool to support pharmacy professionals to improve the safe and effective use of medicines in any setting, and achieve better patient outcomes
• Education and training: Investment in AI skills and knowledge is vital to equip the pharmacy workforce for the future
• Data protection: Pharmacists must safeguard patient data and ensure compliance with privacy standards when using AI tools
• Collaboration: AI tools must be developed in partnership with pharmacists, data scientists, developers and patients and to ensure they meet clinical needs
• Governance and safety: AI systems must adhere to strict regulatory standards, with ongoing testing and oversight to safeguard patients
• Patient focus: Transparency and diverse data are essential to ensure fair and effective AI-driven care.