Community pharmacies have long been associated with dispensing medications and selling over-the-counter products. However, their role has evolved significantly in recent years. Despite this evolution, common perceptions persist—phrases like “you’re just shopkeepers” or “you can’t treat me, I need a doctor” reflect a limited understanding of the modern pharmacist’s role.

Recent surveys indicate that while 89% of people in England are comfortable with pharmacists treating minor illnesses, only 29% visit a community pharmacy at least monthly. This suggests a gap between public comfort with expanded services and actual utilisation.

This blog will explore some prevalent myths about community pharmacies and shed light on their current functions and contributions to healthcare in 2025.

1. “Pharmacists just count pills.”

Not even close. Pharmacists are highly trained clinicians who:

• Conduct clinical checks on prescriptions

• Review interactions, allergies, and dosing accuracy

• Deliver services like vaccinations, health checks, and medication reviews

• Work as independent prescribers managing long-term conditions and minor illnesses

Today, the dispensary is a clinical space, not just a production line.

TITAN transforms this role. With TITAN AI, prescriptions are automatically downloaded, clinically screened with over 40 safety checks, and prepared for dispensing — all without constant pharmacist intervention. This enables a walkaway workflow, freeing pharmacists to focus on clinical care, not paperwork.

2. “Prescriptions should only take 2 minutes to fill.”

In reality, every prescription involves:

• Clinical screening

• Product selection and labelling

• Accuracy and safety checks

• Possible prescriber communication

Thanks to TITAN’s intelligent workflow, simple repeats can flow from download to dispensing with minimal human input. Barcoding ensures correct item selection, and automation handles tasks that once relied on pharmacists.

But complex prescriptions still need attention, and if the process is taking a bit longer, it likely means your pharmacy is doing things safely.

3. “Community pharmacies just sell shampoo and paracetamol.”

Retail shelves are just the surface. Community pharmacies today provide:

• Blood pressure checks and hypertension case finding

• NHS and travel vaccinations

• Emergency contraception and smoking cessation

• Minor illness treatments via Pharmacy First

With digital tools like TITAN Mobile, pharmacists can complete services on the shop floor or remotely, enhancing flexibility and access.

Community pharmacies are fast, accessible, and increasingly central to NHS primary care.

4. “Independent pharmacies can’t match the big chains.”

They don’t just match them — they often outperform.

Powered by cloud-based PMRS like TITAN, independents benefit from:

• Automated workflows

• Full paperless operation

• High-volume processing via TITAN Batch

• Paperless prescription intake through TITAN Mail

• Walkaway clinical checking

And with TITAN’s agile updates and personal support, independents can implement changes faster, personalise care, and stay clinically ahead of legacy competitors like Pharmacy Manager or RxWeb.

5. “Out-of-stock medicines mean pharmacies are disorganised.”

Not true. Most shortages are due to:

• Manufacturing or supply issues

• National stock delays

• Pricing and reimbursement changes

Pharmacies work hard behind the scenes to source alternatives and get prescriptions filled.

Disorganised pharmacies are often national or manufacturer-driven and don’t cause medicine shortages. While TITAN Mail helps streamline GP communications and digital prescriptions, new stock control tools are on the way to make handling shortages even smarter.

Your pharmacy isn’t the problem — they’re the ones solving it.

6. “Generics don’t work as well as branded meds.”

They do. Generics contain the same active ingredients and are strictly regulated by the MHRA.

Differences are cosmetic: name, packaging, and price.

Pharmacists dispense generics not to cut corners, but to ensure NHS resources go further, with no compromise to your care.

7. “AI and robots will replace pharmacists.”

Not a chance. AI supports — it doesn’t supplant.

TITAN AI performs thousands of real-time clinical checks in the background, instantly flagging interactions, dosing issues, and anomalies. But only a pharmacist can:

• Make context-based clinical decisions

• Deliver face-to-face care

• Build trust and relationships with patients

AI powers safety and speed. Pharmacists provide care.

The truth? The pharmacy has changed. And it’s time the myths did too.

Today’s independent pharmacy is:

✅ Digitally enabled
✅ Clinically led
✅ Patient-focused

And with TITAN, it’s also:

🚀 Paperless and mobile
🔒 Safety-first with 40+ AI checks
📦 Fully integrated with batch, delivery, and stock systems
🧠 Smart enough to know when to flag, and when to let clinicians lead

Explore More:

• TITAN Repeat – End-to-end repeat prescription automation

• TITAN Mobile – Real-time team access and smart bag collection

• TITAN Mail – Email-to-prescription processing for paperless dispensing

• TITAN AI – Walkaway workflows with automated clinical safety

• TITAN Batch – Safe, high-volume dispensing for busy pharmacies

TITAN PMR for Community Pharmacies
Smart tech. Real care. Dispensing with the myths for good.