Guidance for Use of Artificial Intelligence in Community Pharmacy Practice: Perspectives and Needs of Pharmacists in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND: As Artificial Intelligence (AI) proliferates in society, community pharmacists must make decisions as to how to responsibly adopt this technology in their practice. Currently, there are few regulatory requirements or tools to support pharmacists in ensuring safe and ethical integration of AI in their work. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study of community pharmacists in Ontario, Canada was undertaken to examine their needs for guidance, regulation, and support in adopting AI in their practice. RESULTS: Semi-structured interviews with 24 community pharmacists were undertaken to the point of thematic saturation. Constant-comparative analysis highlighted three key themes: (a) currently, AI is being used in unstandardized and unregulated ways; (b) pharmacists desire guidance or regulation focused on patient safety considerations; and (c) in the absence of regulation, ad hoc informal decision making is occurring. CONCLUSIONS: With or without formal regulation, AI is being adopted in pharmacy practice. Current reliance on informal network support without clear regulatory guidance raises concerns for pharmacists regarding patient safety and their work as professionals.