Pharmacist Expectations of Telepharmacy Services in Community Pharmacies in Indonesia.

Abstract

Background: The introduction of new digital-based services such as telehealth, telemedicine, telepharmacy, and other digital health services is expected to continue to evolve, both for the benefit of science. Increasing pharmacists' roles in pharmaceutical services is critical and strategic in accelerating and recovering public health in the digital era because pharmacists can ensure the availability of appropriate, safe, and effective drugs while also monitoring the rational use of drugs to achieve therapeutic goals.

Objective: This study will look at patient and pharmacist preferences for telepharmacy. This study examines pharmacist preferences for telepharmacy.

Material and methods: This study includes a sample of 457 Indonesian pharmacists. This cross-sectional study was carried out on pharmacists throughout Indonesia in December 2023. The tool utilized was a questionnaire with an online data collection mechanism. The online questionnaire was designed to capture pharmacists' expectations for existing telepharmacy service practices using the inclusion criteria listed below. This study followed the standards of the Declaration of Helsinki, and electronic informed participant consent was acquired. The Medical Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, approved the study.

Conclusion: According to the study's findings, the vast majority of pharmacists support the extensive and integrated usage of telepharmacy. This is backed by the belief that pharmaceutical services will be a lucrative possibility in the future. Overall, the data show that patients and pharmacists are willing to adopt and incorporate telepharmacy services.