​6 Ways To Improve Service Without Hiring More Pharmacy Staff

Pharmacies are struggling to keep up with the demand during the pandemic. Many pharmacies have had to reduce their hours or close entirely because they don't have enough staff. Hiring more staff is not always an option, especially if you are already struggling to find qualified candidates. In this blog post, we will discuss some ways that you can improve service without hiring more pharmacy staff.

1. Optimize Workflow

The first way to improve service is to optimize your workflow. Make sure that you are using the most efficient procedures and that everyone is aware of them. You may also need to make some changes to your layout so that people can move more quickly and easily between tasks.

Some items we recommend for organizing the back of your pharmacy include color-coded plastic mesh baskets, magnetic shelf dividers, and hanging storage solutions.

2. Use Technology

If you are having trouble optimizing your workflow, consider using pharmacy software that can help you automate tasks and optimize your procedures. Pharmacy software can also help you manage your inventory more efficiently and reduce the chances of stockouts.

This software can also help you to create standardized workflows that are specific to your pharmacy and then help you to identify areas where improvement is needed. There are many different pharmacy software programs available, so be sure to choose one that meets your needs.

3. Customer Facing Technology

Another way to improve service is to use customer-facing technology. This includes things like kiosks, tablets, and apps. Customer-facing technology can help you improve efficiency and reduce wait times.

Kiosks are a great way to improve service because they allow customers to check-in and pick up their prescriptions without having to speak to a pharmacist. You may also want to consider using mobile apps to help your customers place orders and track their prescriptions.

4. Train Staff Well

When you're low on staff it's important to have your current staff trained as well as possible. Make sure that they are familiar with the procedures and that they know how to handle customer inquiries. It's also important that staff is cross-trained so that they can cover multiple tasks.

Training staff well will help to improve service and reduce the chances of errors. It will also help to ensure that your pharmacy is running as smoothly as possible, even during times of high demand.

In addition, you may also want to consider training your staff on pandemic-related topics such as hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

5. Seek Assistance

If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it's important to seek assistance. There are many resources available, including online forums, webinars, and conferences. You can also find help from your pharmacy software provider or from other pharmacies in your area.

It's important to remember that you are not alone and that there are many people who can help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. At Total Pharmacy Supply, we're happy to answer any questions you may have about products to improve your workflow.

6. Manage Expectations

Finally, it's important to remember to manage expectations. Customers may be frustrated because they can't get their prescriptions filled as quickly as they would like. Pharmacists and staff members may also be feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

It's important to remember that we are all doing the best that we can and that things will improve over time. Be sure to communicate with your customers and let them know what you are doing to improve service. Let your customers know what you can and cannot do. Let them know about any delays or changes in service. This will help to avoid customer frustration and keep everyone informed. You may also want to consider putting up signage that reminds customers of the hours of operation.

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These are just a few ways that you can improve service without hiring more pharmacy staff. Implementing some or all of these strategies may help you to manage through this difficult time. In order to improve service without hiring more staff, you may need to make some changes to your layout and use technology. You should also train your staff well and manage customer expectations. If you are feeling overwhelmed, be sure to seek assistance from other pharmacies or your pharmacy software provider. We hope that these tips will help you to improve service at your pharmacy.