Future of pharmacy in Wales: an e-Delphi study with expert pharmacists on digital technology, automation and artificial intelligence for 2030 and 2050

Abstract Introduction Rapid advances in digital technology, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to transform pharmacy practice. While other healthcare professions have explored these impacts,[1] evidence capturing pharmacists’ perspectives, particularly within the UK, remains limited. Aim To achieve consensus among expert Welsh pharmacists via the Delphi method on: (1) anticipated impact of emerging technologies by 2030; (2) priority innovations for pharmacy practice by 2050; and (3) key enablers and barriers to implementation. Methods A three-round electronic Delphi study was conducted between September 2023 and January 2024 using Qualtrics XM. Thirty-eight expert pharmacists were recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling (including members of the Welsh Pharmaceutical Committee and other senior NHS Wales pharmacists). Round one collected qualitative data via open-ended questions. This was thematically analysed[2] to develop predictive and prioritisation statements for subsequent rounds. Statements incorporated participants’ own language to enhance reliability and reduce bias. In rounds two and three, participants rated and ranked these statements, with consensus defined as >70% agreement. Survey materials were piloted for validity and anonymity was maintained. Results The study achieved a high initial response rate (70%), low attrition (82% completed round three) and broad participation across pharmacy sectors. Targeted recruitment strategies were shown to improve participant engagement. Consensus was reached on 31 of 39 statements. By 2030, participants predicted widespread adoption of digital systems, including electronic medicines records (94%), digitalised procurement and invoicing (94%) and fully automated dispensing (88%). High agreement was also observed for AI-assisted functions in medicines information (88%), pharmacy education (85%), patient advice (82%) and prescription validation (79%). Looking further ahead to 2050, consistent priorities for the experts includes integration of patient wearables, big data analytics and a single digital health record. The strongest consensus (97%) highlighted the enduring importance of pharmacists’ expertise in supporting, rather than being replaced by, AI systems, alongside challenges related to funding and digital integration. Participants were confident in Wales’s capacity for innovation, citing national infrastructure, robust professional networks and supportive leadership as key enablers. However, barriers such as fragmented systems, funding constraints and limited digital skills persist. Conclusion This is the first Delphi study capturing Welsh pharmacists’ predictions on the future role of digital technology and AI, providing insights into short- and long-term priorities for pharmacy practice. However, the absence of industry pharmacists may account for the lower prioritisation of technology and AI in drug discovery. These findings provide timely evidence for policymakers, educators and leaders to guide digital transformation in pharmacy, highlighting workforce readiness, infrastructure investment and clear strategic direction as priorities. Future research should include pharmacy technicians and support staff to provide a more comprehensive understanding of digital technology adoption across the pharmacy workforce. This study contributes original evidence to the literature and offers practical recommendations for shaping digital pharmacy policy and practice in Wales and comparable healthcare systems.