We use cookies to ensure our website works properly and to personalise your experience. Cookies policy
Dasmesh College of Pharmacy, Faridkot, Punjab.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly changing the landscape of healthcare, including pharmacy practice, making it more efficient, accurate, and better at making decisions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perception of B. Pharmacy students towards fear or acceptance of AI to replace pharmacists, their awareness, attitudes, and willingness to use AI in their professional lives. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out on 100-150 undergraduate pharmacy students using a structured and self-administered online questionnaire through Google Forms. Demographic data, knowledge of AI, attitudes were assessed with a 5-point Likert scale, and perceived benefits and concerns were measured in the questionnaire. A total of 131 responses were analyzed. It was found that there was a great awareness of AI among 87.8 % students, and the majority were familiar with its use in drug dispensing, interaction checking, and patient counselling. Nevertheless, even with this awareness, the perceptions of AI replacing pharmacists were unclear, as 59.5% of the participants responded that it might be, which is ambivalence towards full automation. The issues of job security were also the most important, and more than half of the participants were afraid of decreased employment opportunities. It is important to note that more than 70% of the participants supported the idea of the introduction of AI education into the pharmacy curriculum, and a significant number of them were ready to learn AI-related skills.Summing up, the research shows that there is a neutral attitude of pharmacy students with both hope and worry. Although AI is largely embraced as an effective technology in the pharmacy practice, job replacement concerns and ethical dilemmas remain...
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an engineering and science branch to solve real-life problems, make evidence-based choices, and design systems that think and learn like people. Machine learning (ML) is a set of methods that enables a computer to learn based on previous experience, acquire knowledge based on an extractive experience, and achieve better predictions with new data [1]. Additionally, AI/ML is becoming more and more incorporated into many aspects of pharmaceutical practice. Clinical decision support systems apply AI/ML to enhance care of chronic illnesses by anticipating drug misplays, identifying medication errors, and providing dosage suggestions [2]. The robotic technology, which is powered by AI/ML, can effectively manage drug inventories, administer the drugs, respond to patient queries, and streamline consultations [3]. According to one study, teaching pharmacists how to use AI systems greatly decreased medical expenses, hospital stays, and Emergency Room (ER) visits. Examples of AI technologies are the capacity to learn, reason, and carry out tasks that had conventionally required human skills [4]. Training in pharmacy has conventionally been concentrated on patient education, medication reconciliation, and history taking. Nevertheless, AI-informed insights, knowledge of digital treatments and the combination and synthesis of wearable information is progressively significant elements in the profession of a pharmacist as healthcare is being digitized Pharmacy education has lagged behind with the changes in the way healthcare is being delivered as a result of AI [5]. There are occasions that curriculum emphasize the traditional healthcare processes and basic sciences over the emerging digital competencies. Lack of faculty experience in AI is a huge impediment since the majority of educators have not been professionally trained in AI [6]. Artificial intelligence or AI is the capacity of machines to perform jobs that supposedly demand human intelligence. It has potential to use in numerous medical applications and wastage of time and money is avoided [7]. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a scientific discipline that deals with intelligent machine learning, or smart computer software which offers results similar to those of the human mind. One of the primary stakeholders of the healthcare system that will be benefited by the use of AI technologies is community pharmacies [8]. Examples of artificial intelligence uses in pharmacy practice are the utilization of computers to perform tasks that in most instances involve the use of human intelligence, like the analysis and interpretation of data, automation of tasks, aiding in decisions and personalized patient care [9]. AI-driven breakthroughs like computer-aided medication development, intelligent decision support systems, robotic dispensing process automation, and predictive analytics for drug interactions could be taught to them. However, depending on the exposure and curriculum offered by their individual universities, their level and scope of knowledge may differ [10]. Some people may support the adoption of AI technology because they think it might enhance patient care, increase medication safety, and streamline pharmacy practice procedures. They might see AI as a useful tool for optimizing medicine therapy and lowering pharmaceutical mistakes [11]. Thanks to the addition of artificial intelligence (AI) to pharmacy apps, people can now obtain medical guidance, drug facts, and directions on how to use and how to take the drugs without ever leaving their homes. This would be particularly beneficial to people who reside in remote locations or who have limited mobility [12]. To guarantee that individuals are taking their medications properly and successfully, AI can also examine the healthcare history of an individual and assist in developing personalized medication regimens that involve dosage, frequency and timing [13]. Pharmacists can use AI-based solutions to assist with tasks such as medication reconciliation, medication adherence monitoring, drug interactions screening, and potential prescription errors, such as inappropriate dosage, and drug reactions [14]. They can also notify pharmacists to take the necessary action. This can help patient safety by minimizing medication-related injury and ensuring safe and effective usage of pharmaceuticals [15].
Objective of the study
The purpose of this study was to assess pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about AI; to identify perceived benefits and challenges of AI in pharmaceutical settings, including concerns about job security, ethics, and patient care; and to determine the need for integrating AI education into the pharmacy curriculum.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a revolution in the pharmacy field as it can be used to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making in various fields. AI combines machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics to recreate the human cognitive processes of reasoning, learning, and problem-solving [16].
AI in Drug Discovery and Development
Drug discovery and development is among the most important AI uses and the AI has been found to accelerate drug candidate identification, predicting molecular interactions and time spent in drug development has now been reduced to weeks and years [17]. Deep learning and neural networks are technologies that are mainly applied to virtual screening and optimization of drug properties [18].AI-based Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) can be used in clinical pharmacy practice to detect and recommend drug interactions, dose regimens, and evidence-based therapeutic options. These systems help to increase patient safety by reducing the number of medication mistakes and enhancing the treatment results [19]. Automation and robotics also are important aspects of AI in pharmacy in hospitals and communities. Robotic technologies and automated dispensing systems can prepare and deliver drugs with high accuracy, thus minimizing human error and enabling pharmacists to engage in patient-centered care [20]. Moreover, chatbots and virtual assistants operated by AI are becoming more popular to consult patients on medication, answer their questions, and enhance their adherence to treatment [21]. Pharmacovigilance and inventory management are another application of AI to increase drug safety monitoring and supply chain efficiency in general, AI is transforming pharmacy into a product-focused occupation into a technology-centered patient-centered field [22].
AI in Healthcare Industry
The introduction of AI into the healthcare industry has had a great impact on the roles and duties of medical practitioners, such as pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. The accuracy of diagnoses, treatment planning, and patient monitoring has been enhanced with the help of AI technologies, which have increased the overall quality of healthcare delivery [23]. To pharmacists, AI has altered the emphasis of traditional dispensing models to clinical and patient-centered services. Repetitive work, including prescription filling and drug dispensing can be automated to allow pharmacists to do a greater amount of direct patient care, medication therapy, and clinical decision-making [24].
On the same note, AI is useful to physicians because they have better diagnostic tools and decision support systems, which can analyze extensive datasets to suggest the best possible treatment options. Predictive analytics and machine learning models are AI systems that help in early detection of illnesses and tailored treatment planning [25]. Nevertheless, there is another aspect of the growing usage of AI, which concerns job displacement, skill needs, and ethical considerations. The worry of numerous medical practitioners is that automation will lead to less human touch, especially in the monotonous work [26]. Nonetheless, recent data indicate that AI will not replace healthcare professionals but, instead, will probably enhance the work of care providers as an aid, not a competitor [27].
Therefore, AI is transforming healthcare professions due to the emergence of new competencies, such as digital literacy, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Perception of Healthcare Students of AI
The attitude of students to AI in healthcare is a key element that will shape its further implementation and integration into the professional practice. Pharmacy and medical students tend to have a positive attitude to AI as they see the potential of AI to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes in healthcare [28]. According to many students, AI can support clinical decision-making, decrease workload, and promote learning with innovative learning resources. Academic training on the use of AI technologies has been reported to lead to greater acceptance and confidence with the use of the technology [29]. But along with acceptance, there is a considerable level of fear and apprehension, especially in terms of job security and professional identity. Other students also raise the issue that AI is likely to take over the conventional functions of pharmacists and other medical professionals, particularly in fields with routine and the repetitive functions [30]. Also, the insufficient knowledge and training in AI is another factor that leads to reluctance and opposition towards AI among students. The lack of exposure to AI concepts in the pharmacy curriculum can lead to a number of misconceptions and lower willingness to integrate technologies [31].
Thus, it is necessary to introduce AI education to healthcare education to fill this gap. To foster a more balanced approach, i.e., not seeing AI as a threat, but as a tool to be used collaboratively, increasing the knowledge of students about AI may help.
Fear vs Acceptance of Technology Replacement
The potential of AI to substitute pharmacists has become an increasingly popular topic in the recent literature, particularly due to the increase in AI programs to perform prescription checks, medication guidance, inventory optimization, and clinical decision guidance [32]. Although AI has been acknowledged as a revolutionary instrument in pharmacies operations, the majority of research indicates that it is seen as an assistant system as opposed to a substitute of pharmacists [33]. One study has found out that community pharmacists saw the benefit of AI in improving efficiencies in their work, reducing medication errors, and automating routine tasks [34]. One of the studies revealed that community pharmacists recognized the power of AI in enhancing operational effectiveness, minimizing medication errors, and automating repetitive functions [35].
A study found that community pharmacists acknowledged the benefits of AI in improving operational efficiency, reducing medication errors, and automating repetitive tasks [36]. Nevertheless, the general perception of the respondents was that AI was not going to be able to substitute the pharmacist in terms of patient counseling, ethical decision-making, and personalized care. This means that AI is considered as a complement rather than a replacement to pharmacists [37]. Reports on the same also showed that though pharmacists were willing to use the AI tools in data management and dispensing, a large percentage of the pharmacists worried about the possibility of excessive automation which may result to loss of professional autonomy [38]. Nonetheless, the study also identified that human judgment was identified as paramount to the pharmacists in the scenarios of complicated treatment decisions and patient confidence. Issues of misinformation, lack of contextual knowledge and empathy were mentioned as significant weaknesses [39]. These results are consistent with the larger medical literature that AI is most effective in automating tasks, though medical professionals like pharmacy are still needed to use clinical reasoning, communicate, and ensure ethical responsibility, where human workers are still vital. Consequently, existing data indicate that AI is expected to support the work of pharmacists as opposed to supplant it [40].
To start with, the majority of reports are dedicated to the perception, attitudes, and willingness of pharmacists to use AI, yet there are few studies that directly investigate the perceptions of the AI as a substitute of pharmacists as a profession. An instance is, the studies evaluate the acceptance and usability but fail to explore the fears of professional displacement of the pharmacists in detail. Second, the current studies are also limited in their geographical locations hence making it hard to make global conclusions. The evidence regarding the developing countries is scarce when it comes to the technological infrastructure, policy support, and workforce readiness that can vary significantly. These psychological factors can play a vital role in affecting the attitudes of pharmacists towards AI replacement. Lastly, little research has been conducted on the impact of demographic factors like age, years of experience, and specialization on attitudes towards AI taking over pharmacists. Knowing these variations would bring a more finely-tuned view of workforce preparedness and resistance. The filling of these gaps would enhance knowledge about the perception of pharmacists of AI, especially about the fear of being replaced, and would aid in the creation of policies and educational interventions to implement AI in pharmacy practice.
2.1 Study Design:
This research explored the perception of pharmacy students towards artificial intelligence (AI) in the pharmaceutical practices, and it was conducted using a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. It was believed that this method would be appropriate to collect the information related to a large sample simultaneously and observe the patterns of awareness, perceptions, and behavioral intentions. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted to assess the perception of B. Pharmacy students regarding fear versus acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmacy practice. The study included 100–200 undergraduate pharmacy students from different academic years using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through a self-administered, structured online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of four sections:
2.2. Sampling and Participants:
A total of 100–150 B. Pharmacy students from all academic years were selected using convenience sampling. Participation was voluntary, and data were collected through an anonymous online survey.
2.3. Instruments
Age, gender, educational attainment, and previous exposure to AI-related training are demographic characteristics. Knowledge and familiarity with AI: Evaluated using a mix of rating scales and closed-ended questions A 5-point Likert scale, from "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly Agree," is used to gauge attitudes toward AI. Future Goals and Concerns: Contains both multiple-choice questions and category alternatives.
To assess the questionnaire's validity, reliability, and clarity, pharmacy students participated in a pilot study. Small changes were made in response to the input in order to enhance comprehension.
2.4. Data collection procedure:
2.5. Survey
The survey consisted of a structured, self-administered questionnaire designed to assess students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice. It was divided into four sections: demographic details (age, gender, academic year), knowledge and awareness of AI, attitudes toward AI, and concerns about its impact on future careers. A combination of multiple-choice questions and a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree”) was used to evaluate responses. The questionnaire also included items related to perceived benefits, such as improved efficiency and accuracy, as well as concerns like job displacement and ethical issues. Prior to data collection, the survey was pilot tested on a small group of students to ensure clarity and reliability. Necessary modifications were made based on feedback to enhance understanding and validity.
2.6. Research Questionnaire:
A comprehensive review of the literature on AI in regard to Pharmacy Practice resulted in a designed questionnaire. The questionnaire was submitted to supervisor and depending on their remarks, there were some small changes made.
2.7. Data analysis:
Data were exported to Microsoft Excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics:
Frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.
Graphs (bar/pie charts) for visual representation.
There were 131 participants in the study, of which most students were of 3rd. year (77.9) as opposed to 4th. year (22.1). The level of artificial intelligence (AI) awareness was also high, with 87.8% of the respondents stating that they were familiar with AI in pharmacy practice. When it comes to applications, the vast majority of the students (76.3%) identified the application of AI in a variety of fields, such as drug dispensing, interaction verification, and patient counselling. The attitude towards the AI taking the place of the pharmacists was divided, with 59.5 percent choosing maybe, which means they are, at least, uncertain, and 21.4 percent think that AI can substitute a pharmacist and 19.1 percent do not. Employment as a factor was also seen as a concern with only 54.2% saying that they were worried about fewer job opportunities. Also, 61 per cent considered that AI has no human empathy when dealing with patients. Irrespective of these fears, there was a high level of acceptance of AI as an aiding tool, with 65.6% of the respondents expressing that it should not replace pharmacists but support them. Quite a large percentage (66.4) thought that AI enhances accuracy in dispensing. Additionally, two-thirds (66.4) of them were ready to acquire AI-related skills, and two-thirds (72.5) favored the inclusion of AI education in the pharmacy curriculum. The issues of data privacy were also mentioned by 76.3 percent of the subjects, whereas 77.9 percent were interested in taking AI training programs. Altogether, the findings suggest an ambivalent view of AI, with being optimistic about its usefulness and concerned with ethical and professional effects. Table 1 shows questions asked in questionnaire and the responses given by the participants.
Table 1: Survey Response on Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence in pharmacy Education.
|
Sr. |
Question |
Responses |
No. of respondents |
|
|
What is year your study? |
3rd year 4th year |
102 29 |
|
|
Have you heard about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pharmacy practice?
|
Yes No |
115 16 |
|
|
AI can be used in which pharmacy areas?
|
Drug dispensing Drug interaction checking Patient counselling All of the above
|
3 22 6 100 |
|
|
Do you think AI can replace pharmacists?
|
Yes No Maybe |
28 25 78 |
|
|
Are you worried that AI may reduce job opportunities for pharmacists? |
Yes No Maybe |
71 19 41 |
|
|
Do you feel AI human empathy in patient care? |
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree |
26 54 32 16 3 |
|
|
Do you think AI can improve accuracy in dispensing medicines? |
Yes No Not sure |
72 18 41 |
|
|
Should AI be used as a supportive tool rather than replacing pharmacists? |
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
|
27 59 24 20 1 |
|
|
Are you willing to learn AI-related skills for your future career? |
Yes No Maybe |
87 12 32 |
|
|
I am worried about job loss due to AI? |
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree |
18 39 39 35 0 |
|
|
AI education should be included in the B. Pharm curriculum? |
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree |
39 56 25 10 1 |
|
|
AI can help in research and drug development? |
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree |
35 68 19 4 5 |
|
|
Does the rise of AI make you worried about job security? |
Very worried Slightly worried Not worried Not sure |
33 63 19 16 |
|
|
Would you prefer working alongside AI tools in your future career? |
Yes, definitely Yes, if properly trained No Not sure |
43 57 17 14 |
|
|
Are you concerned about data privacy issues related to AI? |
Yes No |
100 31 |
|
|
Would you attend training programs related to AI in pharmacy? |
Yes No |
95 36 |
|
|
How did you first about AI? |
College syllabus Social media News/Articles Friends/peers Using ChatGPT |
32 76 10 12 1 |
|
|
AI will create new career opportunities? |
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree |
26 69 34 2 |
|
|
I feel unprepared to compete with AI technology? |
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree |
17 73 34 7 |
|
|
AI should be regulated by healthcare authorities? |
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree |
23 75 26 7 |
|
|
Have you attended AI-related programs? |
Multiple times Once Planning to attend Never |
20 28 26 57 |
Figure 1 and figure 2 demonstrates few of the major respones in graphical form, where A,B,C,D,E,F,G graphs represents the responses of particular questions that are mentioned in figure captions.
Fig 1: A) ;Demographic Distribution of Respondents (Year of Study) B) ;Awarness Level of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy C); Perceived Impact of AI on Pharmacy Practice D); Fear of job Replacement by Artificial Intelligence
Fig 2: E); Acceptance of AI Integration in Pharmacy Education F); Trust in AI-Based Drug Development G); Willingness to Adopt AI Tool in Future Practice
DISCUSSIONS
The current research shows that there is an equitable and dynamic attitude among B. Pharmacy students towards the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmacy practice. Although the awareness level was high, there was moderate uncertainty among students regarding whether AI can replace pharmacists or not. This is likely due to a transitional attitude as most of the responses use the word maybe because students recognize the potential of AI but are not yet certain of its overall effects, in line with earlier results. The number of people who were concerned with job security was fairly high, which means that fear of being displaced at work is one of the main obstacles to full acceptance. The same tendencies were mentioned in previous works, and students also acknowledged the benefits of AI but feared to lose their jobs. Simultaneously, most of them argued in favor of AI use as an assistive, but not a substitutive system, which implies that a collaborative human-AI model might be adopted in the medical practice. There were also ethical issues, especially concerning the absence of human compassion and privacy of data. The findings are consistent with the current literature that highlights the significance of patient-centered care and technological progress development. Positively, the vast majority of students expressed intent to acquire AI-related skills and its incorporation in the curriculum, which emphasized the desire to adjust. Altogether, the results indicate that fear could be reduced with the help of educational interventions and hands-on exposure to AI as it would help to improve the understanding and help integrate AI into the pharmacy practice effectively.
Expansion of predictive analytics in patient care
Predictive analytics is probably going to have the most impact of all the AI applications in clinical pharmacy, according to research. The ability of AI to trace the illness trajectories or treatment outcomes of patients using large volumes of patient data, including genetic and EHRs as well as patient lifestyles, further suggests that machine learning could be used to predict the potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs), ensuring pharmacists could prevent the potential risks [41]. This capability will be crucial to attaining the optimal therapeutic outcome and enhancing patient protection. The axiom will reinforce the knowledge that there are pharmacists who have to provide their patients with even more advanced care [42].
Personalized medicine and precision pharmacotherapy
The real era of precision pharmacotherapy will be brought about by the combination of pharmacogenomics, the study of the connection between genes and medication response, and AI. Big Data is able to identify the unique aspects of each patient in terms of genetic differences to determine the right medications and dose [43]. To illustrate, AI can be used to customize cancer therapeutic interventions by scanning tumor profiles, determining genetic peculiarities of cancer in patients and forecasting the effectiveness of specific chemotherapy [44]. Wearable technologies and AI applications will become the primary provider of patient data in the future, such as blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose monitoring AI systems may use this data to offer specific, real-time therapeutic advice. The innovations will make patients happier and reduce the unpredictability of popular medications [45].
Advanced drug discovery and development
One of the most promising methods to significantly cut the time and expense needed to create new medications is artificial intelligence. AI can help in this not only by narrowing down the search of these drug candidates, but also by predicting their effectiveness and safety profile as well as even selecting the most effective clinical trial methods to apply [46]. Deep Learning has already been effectively used by generative AI models to predict protein structures that have become therapeutic targets of interest faster. Consequently, the use of AI, to discover medicines to treat multisymptomatic diseases, which are not easily treated with traditional approaches, will get even further focus in the future [47]. Thus, AI technologies can enhance clinical trials by determining the right patient population, estimating the potential outcomes of clinical trials, and tracking patient reaction in real-time. This will enhance chances of gaining regulatory approval and effectiveness of clinical studies [48].
Integration with Internet of Things (IoT) for Real-Time Monitoring
The incorporation of AI into IoT in the next year will result in one more breakthrough, and there will be new possibilities to continue monitoring patients and potentially intervene. An example of smart patient treatment systems can be the connection of IoT-enabled devices to track the vital signs, medication adherence, and positive treatment outcomes. This data can then be processed using the AI algorithms and offer insights to healthcare providers, alert them about a possible problem and recommend changes to the therapy sessions in real time [49]. As an example, IoT users will be able to track medication compliance and chronic illness symptoms such as asthma or hypertension. AI technologies can fully understand these trends to anticipate an aggravation or complication and allow pharmacists to take the necessary step. This combination will enhance the service delivery quality in addition to compliance with medication.
Enhanced Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS)
The system will be in a position to offer the pharmacists evidence-based recommendations on the most appropriate action to take against a given patient since it is expected that use of AI in CDSS will increase in the future [50]. Such systems will provide precise and valuable information based on the data gathered with the help of wearable technologies, genomics, and Electronic Health Record (EHRs). As an example, AI-based CDSS can help pharmacists to solve complex problems related to polypharmacy, including drug interactions, contraindications or possible adverse effects, and effective treatments [51]. However, to develop more effective care plans, AI systems that produce these systems will require the inclusion of long-term treatment prognosis tests. The efficiency and caliber of pharmacy practice will increase with the present developments and integration of AI-CDSS into clinical practice models [52].
CONCLUSION
The current research paper tried to investigate how B. Pharmacy students perceive the fear or acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmacy practice. The results demonstrate the fact that students are rather aware of AI and AI usage in the pharmaceutical sphere. Most of the respondents were aware that AI can successfully be applied in drug dispensing, drug interaction verification, patient counselling, and research. This indicates a fair appreciation of AI as a disruptive technology in the healthcare sector. Nonetheless, even with this knowledge, the research study presents a contradictory attitude of students concerning the ultimate substitution of pharmacists by AI. A sizeable number of respondents stated that they were uncertain, which means that they are still in the period of learning of the complete effect of AI. Though, there are students who think that in the future AI will be able to replace pharmacists, there are also those who state strongly that human judgment, clinical expertise, and interaction with patients are the things that could not be replaced by AI in the pharmacy practice. Job security is one of the biggest issues that have been found in the study. Fear was one of the most common responses that many students gave when asked about the possibility of AI eliminating the need to hire pharmacists. This issue is also supported by the fact that AI is not seen as capable of having human empathy, which is an essential part of patient-centered care. Ethical concerns like privacy of data, algorithmic bias, and accountability were also noted as some of the critical challenges that must be considered before AI is implemented fully in the field of pharmacy. Nevertheless, the general disposition, regarding AI, is generally positive. The majority of the students subscribed to the notion that AI can serve as an assistant tool and not as a substitute to pharmacists. They admitted that AI could contribute to better accuracy, fewer errors among people, and efficiency in pharmaceutical services. This shows that there is an increased adoption of a cooperative approach where AI helps pharmacists in the decision-making process and other routine activities. What is more, the paper highlights the necessity of integrating AI-related education and training into the pharmacy curriculum as soon as possible. Many students were willing to gain AI knowledge and participate in training courses. It implies that with an appropriate education and exposure, the fear levels can be greatly decreased, and the confidence in the use of AI technologies can be improved. Educational institutions can prepare future pharmacists to be able to fit in the dynamic world of healthcare by providing them with the required digital skills. Conclusively, the research shows that the fear and uncertainty of AI among pharmacy students are present, but there is also a great acceptance and readiness to accept technological changes. The new face of pharmacy should not be an AI to replace pharmacists, but a useful tool that will help and benefit pharmaceutical care. It will be essential to focus on issues by educating, regulating ethical standards, and providing hands-on training to make AI integration into the pharmacy practice sustainable and successful.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to take this opportunity to thank all the researchers and scientists whose useful work has been used in various literature in this review. Their immense input has been very useful in developing knowledge in this field. The authors also make a recognition of their respective institutions to have offered the academic environment and resources that were required to prepare this review article. Lastly, the author has been grateful to co-author, colleagues and peers who were helpful and engaged in constructive discussions when developing this manuscript.
Conflict of Interest
NA
Funding
NA
REFERENCES
Ashish Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Saurabh singh, Raj pal, Himanshu Singh Dhaila, Fear Versus Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence Replacing Pharmacists: A Perception Study Among B. Pharmacy Students, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 5, 1701-1716, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20081817
10.5281/zenodo.20081817