Early EHR Engagement: Key for Pharmacists & Advanced Therapies

March 4, 2026 Ananya Mittal - World Editor

The rapidly evolving landscape of advanced therapies – encompassing gene therapies, cell therapies like CAR-T, and complex biologics – demands a new level of precision and coordination from pharmacists. A growing consensus among experts highlights the critical importance of early and comprehensive engagement with electronic health records (EHRs) for pharmacists involved in these treatments. This isn’t simply about documenting administration; it’s about ensuring the integrity of the entire “chain of identity” and “chain of custody” for these often patient-specific, multi-million dollar therapies.

Navigating the Complexities of Advanced Therapies

Advanced therapies represent a paradigm shift in medicine, offering potential cures for previously untreatable conditions, particularly rare diseases and cancers. But, their complexity introduces significant logistical and clinical challenges. These therapies often involve personalized manufacturing, stringent storage requirements (frequently cryogenic), and intricate regulatory oversight. Pharmacists are increasingly positioned as central figures in managing these complexities, serving as the crucial link between manufacturing, clinical teams, and the patient. The Council on Pharmacy Standards has developed a certification pathway specifically for Advanced Therapies Pharmacists, underscoring the growing specialization within the field.

Central to this role is the ability to meticulously track and verify every step of the therapy’s journey, from the initial patient sample (apheresis) to the final infusion. This requires seamless integration with the EHR, allowing pharmacists to access and document critical information in real-time.

The EHR as a Central Hub for Chain of Custody

The “chain of identity” refers to the documented history of a specific therapy product, ensuring it’s the correct treatment for the intended patient. The “chain of custody” details the physical control and storage of the product at each stage. Maintaining both chains requires meticulous record-keeping, and the EHR provides the ideal platform for this. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association in 2016, effective EHR utilization is fundamental to clinical pharmacy practice, optimizing medication therapy and promoting patient safety. The study, authored by Nelson et al., emphasizes the pharmacist’s evolving role in leveraging EHRs for improved patient care.

Specifically, early EHR engagement allows pharmacists to:

  • Verify patient eligibility and treatment protocols: Ensuring the patient meets the criteria for the specific therapy and that the treatment plan aligns with established guidelines.
  • Document apheresis and manufacturing details: Tracking the collection of patient cells and the subsequent manufacturing process, including quality control data.
  • Manage storage and transportation: Monitoring temperature excursions and ensuring the product remains within specified storage conditions throughout the supply chain.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams: Facilitating communication between physicians, nurses, lab personnel, and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care.
  • Document infusion details and monitor for adverse events: Recording the administration of the therapy and closely monitoring the patient for any potential side effects.

Beyond Documentation: Enhancing Patient Safety and Efficiency

The benefits of early EHR engagement extend beyond simply maintaining accurate records. It also contributes to enhanced patient safety and improved efficiency. By having access to comprehensive patient information within the EHR, pharmacists can identify potential drug interactions, allergies, and other contraindications before the therapy is administered. This proactive approach can help prevent adverse events and optimize treatment outcomes.

EHR integration streamlines workflows and reduces the risk of errors. Automated alerts and reminders can ensure that critical steps are not overlooked, and electronic signatures can provide a clear audit trail of all actions taken. Advancements in pharmacy practice, as highlighted by U.S. Pharmacist in October 2024, emphasize the role of technology – including EHRs and e-prescribing – in enhancing medication management and reducing errors.

The Role of Telepharmacy and AI

The increasing adoption of telepharmacy, particularly accelerated during the pandemic, further underscores the importance of robust EHR systems. Telepharmacy allows pharmacists to remotely monitor patients and provide guidance, expanding access to care, especially for those in underserved areas. The same article in U.S. Pharmacist also notes the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) to automate routine tasks, such as prescription refills and identifying noncompliance, freeing up pharmacists to focus on more complex patient care activities. While AI is still in its early stages of development, it has the potential to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of pharmacy practice.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the clear benefits, several challenges remain in optimizing EHR engagement for advanced therapies. Interoperability between different EHR systems can be a significant hurdle, making it difficult to seamlessly share information between institutions. Standardized data formats and coding systems are needed to ensure that data is consistently captured and interpreted.

pharmacists require specialized training to effectively utilize EHRs for advanced therapies. This training should cover not only the technical aspects of the system but also the unique clinical and logistical considerations associated with these complex treatments. Ongoing professional development is essential to keep pharmacists abreast of the latest advancements in the field.

Looking ahead, the integration of EHRs with other technologies, such as blockchain and mobile health apps, could further enhance the management of advanced therapies. Blockchain could provide a secure and transparent platform for tracking the chain of custody, while mobile health apps could empower patients to actively participate in their own care.

What comes next: Continued collaboration between pharmacists, EHR vendors, and regulatory agencies is crucial to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of EHRs in supporting the safe and effective delivery of advanced therapies. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of different EHR functionalities on patient outcomes and to identify best practices for implementation.