Tsunagaru Pharmacy Adds Electronic Signature to Home Care Support Feature, Digitizing Operational Workflows

Pharmashift Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Kentaro Tago; hereinafter 'Pharmashift') launched an electronic signature feature for the home care support function, an optional service of 'Tsunagaru Pharmacy,' on May 12, 2026. This feature digitizes the signatures required for multiple documents at the start of home care services, allowing the entire process—from document creation to signing and management—to be completed within 'Tsunagaru Pharmacy.'

Background of Development Demand for home medical care continues to grow alongside the aging population. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of home care patients is projected to increase from approximately 670,000 in 2016 to about 1.3 million in 2030. The 2026 medical fee revision also emphasizes the role of pharmacies in community-based integrated care systems, making the establishment of high-quality home medication management guidance systems a priority.

However, pharmacies face challenges when initiating home care services, such as the need to create, sign, and seal multiple documents like contracts, notices of important matters, and privacy consent forms. These requirements impose a significant burden on elderly patients and their families and create storage and management costs for pharmacies. These tasks have acted as hurdles for pharmacies entering home care or increasing their caseload. Although the 'Tsunagaru Pharmacy' home care support function, released in July 2024, improved efficiency in report creation and submission, the contract procedures remained paper-based.

This new feature was developed based on feedback from over 500 pharmacies. Since a single signature is reflected across multiple documents, it reduces the burden on patients and their families while streamlining document management for pharmacies.

Features of the Electronic Signature 1. Eliminates printing, sealing, and storing documents It removes the administrative burden and costs associated with paper-based operations.

2. Completion with a single signature By using a device, elderly patients can sign easily without confusion.

3. Centralized management of contract information Signed contracts are stored within 'Tsunagaru Pharmacy' for access when needed, eliminating the risk of loss.

Note: This feature is an electronic signature designed to simplify contract procedures and streamline management in home care and does not constitute a legally binding electronic signature.

Future Outlook Pharmashift plans to continue expanding its home care support functions. With the addition of electronic signatures, the digitalization of the home care workflow—from contracts to visit plans and reports—has progressed. Moving forward, the company aims to continue improving functionality based on feedback, contributing to increased productivity in home care for pharmacies and strengthening community home medical care systems.