Going Green: Eco-friendly initiatives help retail pharmacies cut costs and appeal to consumers

Digital medication education: saving paper and costs

Because concern for the environment is of paramount importance to many consumers, pharmacists do their utmost to work green where possible.

One of the easiest ways to make progress toward that goal is to implement digital drug package inserts as part of your consumer engagement and education strategy.

For most pharmacies, operating costs are one of the values ​​when moving from paper medication education leaflets to digital education – delivered via a text link, emails, QR codes on pill bottles or online patient portals. Just by saving on the costs of paper supplies and print maintenance, pharmacies can achieve a return on investment of 70% or more from the transition to digital education.

Moreover, there is a safety advantage.

If you gave your average consumer a piece of paper six months ago and today he has questions about his medicine, chances are he won’t be able to find it, or he’ll suddenly take it out of storage. potentially outdated. Using a digital experience allows the pharmacist to make the most up-to-date clinical evidence available regardless of when they printed that QR code or sent that URL to the consumer.

Even if the initial impetus is cost savings or patient safety or both, the end result includes a measurable reduction in paper and other resources and less waste, as well as less potential waste taken home to consumers. All of this is a clear step in the right direction towards going green.

A win-win-win.

‘Environmentally friendly’ means consumer friendly

Another factor that cannot be ignored in taking incremental, green steps is the big steps a pharmacy can take to demonstrate that its values ​​align with potential consumers. Research shows that younger consumers make choices based on an organization’s reputation and track record of sustainability and environmentally friendly initiatives.

By demonstrating ESG commitment to a younger consumer base, pharmacies have the opportunity to build and maintain loyalty within this age group, ultimately leading to an increase in health literacy and medication adherence through evidence-based digital medication education.

But it won’t just have an impact on your customer base, the commitment to the environment will ultimately pay off in the impact it has on your recruitment, as younger pharmacists and techs may prefer an environmentally conscious employer.