DECEMBER , 2022 | THE HEALTH

This digital technology is considered as a novel breakthrough in healthcare sector as it has changed the horizon how healthcare services are delivered to the public . Telepharmacy was born in the last quarter of the 19th century when an invention , the telephone was first installed in a pharmacy .

With the passage of time and the rise in digital technology , telepharmacy has gained more attention globally , from researchers , stakeholders , regulators , healthcare professionals and public . Pharmacists in many countries have started using telepharmacy as a platform to communicate , consult and counsel their patients for illnesses , and medications .

The Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed the rise and acceleration of telepharmacy services , as during these periods , physical contact was not permitted in many countries ’ pharmacy premises . There has also been a monumental shift in the buying behaviours and information seeking on medicines and illnesses to online sources by the public due to this pandemic and the high accessibility of internet .

The public is now more responsive and receptive in using virtual solutions as a safe , viable , and even more convenient alternative to face-to-face meetings seeking healthcare . This innovation benefits the public from all walks of life , especially those living in remote and rural areas to access high-quality pharmacy services .

Why you should use telepharmacy

Imagine if you fall sick on a gloomy rainy night and your cold and flu medicine has run out . Are you going to leave the house and grab the medicine at your nearest pharmacy ?

A more likely scenario would be staying in the house and wait until the rain stops . Things become profoundly different with the use of telepharmacy .

Distance or weather is no longer a barrier to healthcare services . If you have your phone in hand , you can talk to your usual personal pharmacist even when you are having a vacation overseas .

With the utilisation of telepharmacy , you can access healthcare services in the comfort of your home . With just a click of button , your monthly medication supply will arrive at your doorstep . Counselling or consultation can be given regardless of your location and time zone .

Healthcare services such as medication review and management , quitting smoking , weight management , complementary and alternative medicines , halal pharmaceuticals , mental health , vaccination , minor ailments , self-care , and healthy lifestyle management can also be provided by pharmacists to you via telepharmacy .

Healthcare services , therefore , is no longer dull and time-consuming . In fact , this technological revolution aims to reduce healthcare costs , the waiting time and overcrowding situations at emergencies , improve health outcomes and quality of life , and improve efficiency and quality of care .

In an era of digital technology , there is an uncontrollable explosion of information on health-related matters that are easily accessible online be it on Facebook , Google , or even TikTok . However , have you ever stopped and begun to ponder if any of this information is accurate or reliable ?

Confidentiality of information

What is the actual purpose of this information ? Is it meant as a marketing tool to promote products ? Who are the providers or sources of such information ?

Are they qualified to even provide this information ? This is another plus point of using telepharmacy , where you can consult and verify this information with pharmacists on a digital platform , to ensure that you get correct , accurate , reliable , unbiased and quality healthcare information , advice and guidance at your fingertips .

You will enjoy the freedom to choose topics related that you want from a list of dedicated pharmacists . If further

BY MUNAVER AHMAD investigations or interventions are warranted , the pharmacists will issue a reference letter to medical doctors or other allied healthcare professionals . Collaboration between allied healthcare professionals in managing diseases will enhance patient care and treatment outcome .

With all the amazing convenience that telepharmacy services can provide , you may start wondering and even begin to worry if the confidentiality of your consultations and data are under threat . Telepharmacy technology uses advanced and secured platforms to ensure that all your sensitive information such as personal information and medical history will be strictly kept confidential . Next , only certified and licensed pharmacists can provide you with the necessary consultations and counselling .

A value proposition for pharmacists

The role of community pharmacists is increasingly appreciated and recognised especially when it comes to patient communication and counselling . This is evident due to a burgeoning community pharmacy industry . Being the frontliners in the healthcare industry , community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals in a community .

Pharmacists are known as “ Guardians of Medicines ” advocating medication safety , patient safety and patient ’ s rights . However , community pharmacists should be alert on the demands and needs of their patients , especially in this era of digital health revolution .

The conventional business “ brick and mortar ” model may not be complete without digital health technologies . To provide a person-centric approach , it ’ s high time to change the narrative and extend pharmacy services beyond brick-andmortar services .

Virtual care via telepharmacy is the way forward . A telepharmacist has the flexibility , autonomy , and freedom to fix consultations and counselling sessions , and extend services beyond the traditional community . Furthermore , telepharmacy is a digital health hub that connects and involves dynamic interactions with other healthcare professionals to provide a holistic person-centred patient care . – The Health

Munaver Ahmad is CEO of Rhazes Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd , a knowledge-based digital health technology provider .