2/27/2025 12:00:00 AM
By Lee Ann Stember, President and CEO
Our executive team recently returned from attending ViVE 2025 in Nashville. The conference sparked important conversations about the future of healthcare, reinforcing the need for pharmacists to play a bigger role in innovation. Our executive team walked away with key insights on where the industry is headed and the opportunities that lie ahead. Below are observations from our team and what stood out during the three-day event.
Absence of Pharmacy Discussion
Pharmacy's role in healthcare is growing, but it's often left out of important industry discussions. At ViVE 2025, AI, interoperability, and new care models were hot topics, but pharmacy’s presence was noticeably limited. Aside from one major announcement from DoseSpot and a panel on Retail Health, there was little representation from the sector. Given its impact on chronic disease management, medication adherence, and patient outcomes, it’s clear that pharmacy needs a bigger seat at the table to help shape a more connected, patient-focused future
AI and Emerging Technologies Reshaping Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword in healthcare, it’s actively transforming the way we live and operate. AI-driven solutions are being used to enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and improve care delivery. However, responsible AI governance is critical to ensuring ethical implementation and equitable outcomes. AI should enhance, not replace, the human elements of healthcare.
One of the most promising applications of AI is ambient listening technology, which is improving workflow efficiency by reducing administrative tasks and enhancing real-time data exchange. By automating documentation, this technology allows clinicians to give more time back to patient care. Pharmacists can also utilize these advancements to improve collaboration with care teams and optimize medication management.
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is another area that we will see benefiting from AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of patient data. With new ICD codes enabling reimbursement for RPM services, providers and pharmacists now have an opportunity to play a larger role in these initiatives such as driving better medication adherence and patient engagement while reducing provider burden.
Pharmacy’s Expanding Role in Chronic Care and Physician Support
As physician shortages continue to strain the healthcare system, the need for alternative care models are becoming more critical. This gives pharmacists the opportunity to step in as essential care providers, particularly in chronic disease management and medication therapy. Expanding their role alleviates physician burden while ensuring patients receive timely, comprehensive care.
At the same time, the decline of community pharmacies is driving health systems to strengthen their own pharmacy services. Many are integrating pharmacies within primary care clinics, improving medication management, adherence, and overall clinical outcomes. With the rise of virtual care and RPM, pharmacy teams are becoming integral to care coordination, working directly with patients to optimize medication use and alleviate pressure on physicians.
Policy Shifts and the Importance of Self-Governance
Federal regulatory changes and the potential for deregulation remain key topics of discussion for healthcare industry leaders. While policy shifts can introduce a feeling of uncertainty, one thing remains the same, the importance of maintaining ethical, patient-first care. Regardless of the direction of policy changes, the focus is on ensuring that patient care remains a priority.
In light of these developments, organizations are encouraged to uphold self-governance and ensure that care practices remain aligned with patient needs. This approach supports a healthcare system that is both adaptable to changing regulations and committed to delivering quality outcomes for patients, regardless of external influences.
The Path Forward: Elevating Pharmacy in Healthcare Innovation
While ViVE 2025 showcased groundbreaking advancements, it also brought to light the need for greater pharmacy representation during industry discussions. Pharmacy professionals play a crucial role in chronic disease management, medication adherence, and overall quality improvement. Making sure they are heard in future healthcare discussions is key to creating better, more connected care.
As AI, interoperability, and new care models continue to reshape healthcare, pharmacy must be included at the forefront of innovation. With collaboration, embracing technology, and advocating for a stronger role in patient care, pharmacists can help lead the charge toward a more connected and patient-focused healthcare system.