Growing role of a pharmacist in healthcare technology
Best practices needed for the secure use of technology to maintain quality, integrity and efficiency
Continuous integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and data science within education, research and pharmacy practice
Economic
Fluctuating state funding
Highly competitive federal research funding
Current state funding to reduce the disparity between general academic institutions and health science center institutions for Pharmacy Education with renewal contingent upon state legislature
Potential for future increased biomedical research and education funding as health science center develops
Overall university financial resilience given the unknown extent and impact of COVID
Growing number of pharmacy schools in the state and the potential negative economic impact
New revenue streams emerge as programmatic changes occur and practice models develop
Potential decreased Pharm.D. enrollment may negatively impact the revenue stream for the college
Competitive Trends in Education and the Profession
Unprecedented increase in pharmacy schools leading to oversupply of entry-level pharmacists
Increased competition for student applicants and decreased application pool for pharmacy schools nationwide
High competition for postgraduate training of Pharm.D. graduates due to demand of postgraduate training sites surpassing the current supply
High competition for Pharm.D. experiential training (Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences, IPPEs, and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, APPEs) at experiential sites due to demand of PharmD experiential sites surpassing the current supply
Growth of satellite campuses around Harris County
Growth of satellite campuses and/or early admit programs in rural and/or underserved areas such as the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Beaumont and East Texas areas
Increasing trend of applicants taking dual credit/AP coursework
Development of the UH Biomedical District that encourages interdisciplinary and collaborative education and research
Pharmacist roles are expanding where postgraduate education and training is an expectation
Expansion of Texas Medical Center (TMC) brings growth, opportunities and competition to the biomedical landscape in Houston
Growing need for College of Pharmacy participation and recognition in health initiatives on campus
Development and/or expansion of master's and certificate programs in continuing education that may serve to create revenue streams
Increasing complexity of diagnostics, medications, regimens, and distributive channels will require change of pharmacist-provided services
Demographics and Attitudes
Distrust of science and/or lack of understanding of the scientific process impacting behavior and attitudes toward expert scientific recommendations
General increased access to information (social media platforms and search engines)
Increased awareness and action to address racial, gender and cultural disparities within society
Decreasing visibility and accessibility within Texas Medical Center (TMC) affecting connectedness
Challenges within the underserved population underscoring the need for culturally competent care
Increased acceptance of and proficiency in distance learning, the virtual environment and flexible work structure in the wake of COVID
Public has growing acceptance and awareness of telehealth
Political—Federal, State and Local Public Policy
Heightened attention to vaccine development and vaccination delivery including psychosocial factors
Increased recognition of the pharmacist’s pivotal role in public health through patient-centered and preventative care
Pharmacist contributions to value-based care as health care reformation moves from volume based to value based
Changing policies related to immigration have substantial impact on student recruitment, retention and subsequent employment
Potential change to health care access due to health care reform
Potential changes to drug pricing, reimbursement and policies and its effect on future pharmacists
Changes in federal and state laws to ensure safe prescribing, dispensing and handling of controlled substances
Change in responsibilities and change in practice will be dictated by regulatory issues such as provider status
Changing public attitudes including lack of trust in expertise toward the value of science could impact research funding
Changes in policy regarding health care equity, access and disparities
