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The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has published guidance to support pharmacists to understand "the opportunities, limitations and professional responsibilities associated with artificial intelligence".

The organisation said that while AI has the potential to support pharmacy services, it also introduces new professional, clinical, legal and practical considerations. The guidance is based on a Professional-in-the-Loop (PITL) approach, which means pharmacists must retain active oversight, professional judgement and accountability for decisions that may be influenced by AI, it said.

The PDA’s guidance explores:

• How AI systems work and where they are currently used in healthcare
• Different types of AI and their associated risks
• Regulation, governance, data quality, bias and system limitations
• Professional accountability, oversight and liability considerations
• Practical steps pharmacists can take to reduce risk
• The use of AI in patient care and pharmacy workflows
• Future developments that may affect pharmacy practice.

As AI becomes more embedded in pharmacy systems, workflows and patient interactions, pharmacists may increasingly be asked to rely on outputs generated or shaped by technology, but "pharmacists remain accountable for the decisions they make, including those influenced by AI systems," it said.

In addition, the PDA has launched a member survey to gather information about pharmacists' experiences, views and concerns about of AI in pharmacy practice. The survey closes on 20 September 2026.

For a legal perspective on using AI in pharmacy see the article from Keystone Law on the Risks of Using AI in Pharmacy.