Boots and HIMSS will produce virtual modules on subjects such as the future of digital health, adopting digital solutions in community pharmacy settings and the benefits of providing care digitally, the multiple said.

The modules will be made available to all 5,600 Boots pharmacists, with the aim of getting HIMSS accreditation for them by September, according to Boots.

However, it is optional for pharmacists at the multiple to take the training, a Boots spokesperson told C+D last week (February 18).

Read more: Boots UK: Rumours bidders given two weeks to submit offers

Rich Corbridge, Boots chief information officer for UK and Ireland, described the partnership with HIMSS as an “incredible opportunity” for the multiple.

Allowing community pharmacists to “extend their knowledge about digital health, care and wellbeing” will allow them “to offer more and more services to our patients in locations where they want to receive healthcare and wellness advice”, he added.

Growth of digital offering

“Digital healthcare has grown throughout the population” over the past two years, Mr Corbridge explained.

Boots’ partnership with HIMSS will let pharmacy teams develop “a level of knowledge about digital healthcare that will mean they will be able to offer new types of advice and guidance in every store every day”, he added.

Read more: Boots took 20 pharmacies off register within three months, GPhC data shows

In August 2021, Boots piloted a partnership with the Deliveroo app, offering nearly 100 over-the-counter medicines via delivery, C+D reported.

Meanwhile, in 2020, Boots trialled an online pharmacy video consultation service with digital healthcare provider LIVI, following a pilot in two Boots branches.

C+D reported last week that 30 pharmacies in England have tested a platform to carry out remote consultations, as part of an NHS Digital pilot.