Telepharmacy: A Systematic Review of Field Application, Benefits, Limitations, and Applicability during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dat Truong Van, Tu Vo Linh, Quan Nguyen Khoi, Minh Nguyen Hong, Trung Tran Dinh, Le Tran Nhat, Phuc-Vinh Dang, Trinh Dieu-Thuong Thi, Pham Dinh Luyen, Nguyen-Thi Hai-Yen, Huy Nguyen Tien, ...

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Introduction: Telepharmacy is widely known as the delivery of pharmacy care offered by registered pharmacists and pharmacies using telecommunication technologies to patients at a distance. We conducted a systematic review of the reported usages, benefits, and limitations of telepharmacy models worldwide to further clarify the pros and cons of a telepharmacy model. Methods: A total of 39 relevant articles was included after searching for articles with a fixed term on four databases, including PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Global Health Library (GHL), and Google Scholar, as of April 2021. Results: Our review suggested that telepharmacy has played an essential role in addressing pharmacist shortages and helping patients both safely and effectively administer medications in underserved areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote dispensing and counseling are effective measures to avoid infection. Conclusion: Telepharmacy could potentially replace or complement pharmaceutical-related activities, facilitating future innovation in the health care industry.

Publisher: Telemedicine and E Health

ISSN (Electronic): 15563669

ISSN (Print): 15305627

Keywords

  • pharmaceutical activities
  • rural areas
  • systematic review
  • telemedicine
  • telepharmacy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Informatics
  • Health Information Management

Publication year

2023

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