Jayham, Amy (2025) Future of Pharmacy in Wales: A Delphi Study Exploring the Impact of Digital Technology, Automation and Artificial Intelligence. Doctoral thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
![[img]](https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
Jayham_A_DProf_Thesis.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (34MB) |
Abstract
Digital technology, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to significantly transform pharmacy practice. While previous research has explored these innovations in other healthcare professions, there is limited evidence capturing pharmacists' perspectives, particularly within the UK and Welsh contexts. This study addresses this gap by exploring Welsh pharmacists’ views on the impact of emerging technologies on pharmacy practice, their priorities for future developments and the perceived enablers and barriers to implementation. A three-round e-Delphi study was conducted between September 2023 and January 2024 with 38 expert pharmacists across Wales, recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling. Round One involved qualitative data collection from open ended questions, thematically analysed to inform statement development for subsequent rounds. In the quantitative Rounds Two and Three, participants rated and ranked predictive and prioritisation statements. Consensus was defined as >70% agreement, which was achieved on 31 of 39 statements. Findings reveal optimism regarding the integration of digital technologies in pharmacy. By 2030, participants anticipate widespread use of an electronic medicines record, automated dispensing and AI-assisted functions such as clinical validation, medicines information and pharmacy education. Looking further ahead to 2050, priorities include integration of patient wearables, big data analytics and the single digital health record. Participants expressed confidence in Wales’s capacity for innovation, citing national infrastructure, strong professional networks and supportive leadership as key enablers. However, barriers such as fragmented systems, funding constraints and limited digital skills persist. This research provides timely insights for pharmacy leaders, educators and policymakers seeking to enable digital transformation in healthcare. It highlights the importance of workforce readiness, investment in infrastructure and clear strategic direction. The study contributes original evidence to the literature and offers practical recommendations for shaping digital pharmacy policy and practice in Wales and other similar healthcare systems.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | pharmacy, AI, digital, technology, healthcare, automation |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica |
| Divisions: | Theses and Dissertations > Doctoral Theses |
| Identification Number: | https://doi.org/10.82227/repository.uwtsd.ac.uk.00003979 |
| Depositing User: | Amy Jayham |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Nov 2025 11:15 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Nov 2025 11:21 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3979 |
Administrator Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item - Repository Staff Only |