A new toolkit to support pharmacists when integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into daily practice has been launched by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
The toolkit for hospital, industry and community settings offers structured guidance on AI adoption. It covers ethical considerations, implementation strategies, regulatory compliance and real-world applications to help pharmacists optimise patient care, stimulate multidisciplinary interaction and enhance operational efficiency.
Developed by the FIP Technology Advisory Group and its Working Group on AI, the Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for Pharmacy also addresses key challenges such as variability in clinical guidelines, data privacy concerns and commercial pressures.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Whitley Yi, chair of the AI Working Group said: ‘Pharmacists are eager to embrace AI, but many don’t know where to begin. This toolkit bridges that gap by offering a clear implementation guide. Our goal is to make this transformative technology both accessible and actionable.’
The toolkit aligns with FIP Development Goal 20 (Digital Health) and contributes to building a digitally competent pharmacy workforce by providing actionable strategies, including continuous professional development, regulatory advancements and digital tools, FIP said.
An implementation checklist is included for pharmacists to use as a starting point to guide discussions when pursuing implementation of an AI tool or solution.
Empowering pharmacists with AI
Lars-Åke Söderlund, chair of the FIP Technology Advisory Group, said: ‘The AI Toolkit empowers pharmacists with cutting-edge tools to enhance patient care, streamline workflows and embrace the future of pharmacy practice.’
Indeed, the toolkit highlights the ‘immense potential’ of AI ‘to improve efficiency in clinical care, disease screening and surveillance, optimising health systems management and facilitating advanced pharmaceutical research and development’.
For pharmacists in particular, it outlines the potential of AI to augment pharmacists’ capabilities ‘across a spectrum of tasks such as logistical and pharmaceutical medication management, patient counselling, drug interaction checks, personalised medicine, pharmaceutical research and much more’.
By leveraging AI, pharmacists can personalise treatments, support clinical decision-making, and improve access to pharmaceutical care globally, FIP added.
