Are you struggling to effectively manage workflow in your pharmacy?
If yes, then you have come to the right place.
If you want your pharmacy to run as efficiently and productively as possible, you need to make sure that all your practices run like a well-oiled machine.
However, if you employ a combination of permanent staff and locum pharmacists, this can be easier said than done.
Fortunately, all you need to do is read on to discover all the best practices for managing workflow in your pharmacy.
Evaluate your workflow
Before you can take steps to better manage the workflow in your pharmacy, you first need to evaluate how you are doing things currently.
Many companies get stuck in a rut when it comes to the best business practices, so it is highly likely that you need to make quite a few changes to the way you operate.
Start by creating a flowchart of your current processes, from the moment a customer walks into your pharmacy until they leave with their prescription. Look at what is working and what is causing any issues or delays.
Streamline movements
Take a step back and look out how many steps it takes for your pharmacists to get their work completed.
Are they taking unnecessary steps that are costing you both time and money? If yes, then these steps need to either be eliminated or altered so that they are more efficient.
It can be a good idea to talk to your staff about their daily routines, as they probably have some great insights and ideas on how you can operate more efficiently.
Use a locum management system
If you employ locums, you will know only too well how long-winded and time-consuming this process can be. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Due to advancements in technology, you can now use software systems that are specially designed to help find, book and manage a pharmacist locum for your business.
These can save you as much as 30% of the total cost of employing locum pharmacists and make your job as a business owner so much less stressful.
Use automation
As well as software that can help you to book and manage locums, there are so many other new technologies within the healthcare sector that can help you to manage your workflow and streamline operations.
Automation tools are now a must for any modern business, with the ability to carry out a wide variety of admin tasks so that your employees can focus their time and expertise on your customers.
From dispensing machines that can process hundreds of scripts per hour to virtual receptionists who can answer the phone 24/7, there are so many automation tools that you can take advantage of.
Invest in staff training
If you want your pharmacy to be as efficient and productive as possible, then you need to make staff training and development a priority.
Make sure that everyone feels confident and competent in their abilities and fill any gaps in knowledge with the relevant training programs, either online or with face-to-face training.
