Data analytics in pharmacy practice – current review and future directions and recommendations

Abstract

Purpose of review Efficient application of data management is becoming vital in demonstrating value-based healthcare in health organizations more broadly as well as improving pharmacy practice capabilities. Recent findings The uptake of data analytics in pharmacy settings has been variable. Limited guidance and recommendations have been published on the use of data analytics in current practice and future recommendations in different pharmacy settings. Data analytics in pharmacy settings to date has been limited mostly to its use for optimization of health information for clinical decision making, standardization of processes, formulary management and tracking and measuring of performance indicators and costs. Summary Developing a data driven culture in pharmacy settings is important in advancing pharmacy practice and leveraging of the plethora of data available in healthcare. Possible expansion of applications of data analytics in pharmacy practice could focus on creating a data driven culture, establishing partnerships with digitally advanced departments and leveraging of their practice and expertise as well as investing in upskilling staff in digital health literacy.