How AI is Transforming LTC Pharmacy | FrameworkFocus™
Exploring the Transformative Power of AI in Long-Term Care Pharmacy
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept. It’s quickly becoming a transformative force in long-term care pharmacy. In the newest episode of FrameworkFocus, host Todd Eury sits down with Rick Pollick and Kyle Nilson from SoftWriters’ Alpha Labs to explore how AI is reshaping pharmacy operations, what it means for the future, and how SoftWriters is engineering practical, clinical-grade solutions that elevate the entire FrameworkLTC ecosystem.
AI’s Big Moment in LTC Pharmacy
The conversation opens with the why: Why is AI gaining momentum in pharmacy now?
For many LTC pharmacies, staffing shortages and rising operational demands are daily challenges. Kyle shared an example that highlights the reality:
“A lot of pharmacies don't have a huge staff... some pharmacies have pharmacists typing in orders. When they spend that much time doing manual tasks that's high-cost labor that can be shifted toward more quality work.”
AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about enabling them to work at the top of their license. By reducing repetitive tasks, AI helps pharmacies redirect limited time and resources to higher-value, patient-focused work.
Addressing Concerns Head-On
Of course, innovation brings questions—and Rick noted that pharmacies are asking the right ones.
“Is this going to replace jobs? We’re going to implement AI and we don’t need the human aspect in some areas. Second, how do we secure this? And what are we doing to make sure it’s clinical grade.”
Ensuring AI is safe, secure, and trustworthy is a core theme of this episode. Both Rick and Kyle emphasize that the goal isn’t speed at the expense of accuracy—it’s speed because the system can be relied on.
Kyle explained this with clarity:
“If I am looking at patients, and drugs, and allergies, I can't have a fuzzy match. I can't have AI guessing on a drug name or an allergy. We have to cut through that and make sure we're speeding things up, but making sure we're 100% accurate.”
Accuracy isn’t optional—it is essential.
The Vision Behind Alpha Labs
Much of the discussion centers around Alpha Labs, SoftWriters’ cross-functional innovation team dedicated to accelerating AI and automation throughout the product suite. Todd explores what makes this team different—and why it matters for customers.
Kyle reflected on how the group’s “AI-first” mindset has shifted their approach to solving problems and uncovered new possibilities. Rick added that the structure of Alpha Labs gives the team something they’ve never had before: protected time and space to innovate deeply.
AI Order Entry Automation: The First Step Forward
The team’s first major initiative—AI Order Entry Automation—is already in alpha testing. While the episode dives into how it works, one theme stands out: meaningful, measurable impact.
Kyle put it simply:
“We are looking for the tangible impact we can show pharmacies when it comes to AI.”
Rick echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of creating solutions that are not just cutting-edge but dependable:
“What excites me the most about what we’re doing at SoftWriters is clinical grade… We are going through and making sure there's actual value to our customers and ultimately the patients. Look to SoftWriters for very hardened, quality… In 2026 and 2027, it’s going to be great.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AI in FrameworkLTC
As the conversation turns toward the future, Rick and Kyle outline a roadmap driven by customer feedback, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to innovation. Whether it's additional workflow automation, data-driven decision support, or new AI-assisted fields within the FrameworkLTC interface, the possibilities ahead are significant.
And while the technology is exciting, the mission is even clearer: build AI that empowers pharmacies, elevates care, and delivers real-world value.
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FrameworkFocus is focused exclusively on Long-Term Care Pharmacy. We release a new episode every month that addresses the hottest topics in LTC pharmacy through timely interviews with industry trailblazers, thought leaders, and LTC pharmacists. Follow and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen so you do not miss an upcoming episode.
