Walgreens is trialing a neat program, equipping some of its staff with iPads to better serve customers. At the moment, these so called “health guides” are helping customers in 16 stores in the Chicago area but I’m sure more stores will be “affected” if the scheme proves successful (and I see no reason why it shouldn’t).

According to Colin Watts (Wallgreens’ chief innovation officer), “The concept is meant to create a pharmacy and health care ‘help desk’ where customers get solutions or referrals for their personal health questions.”

But it’s not just the customers they’re trying to please. An article at the Chicago Sun-Times suggests that the company’s idea is also to keep customers from taking up valuable time with pharmacists for routine issues. Let’s face it, most patients are looking for an OTC drug and for that not much expertise is required. Those folks could be served by these “health guides” just as well as a pharmacist would serve them. At the same time, pharmacists would focus on issues where their knowledge actually helps.

Love the idea and again, it’s good to see more companies embracing tablets…

[Via: TUAW]