KHẢO SÁT HOẠT ĐỘNG, LỢI ÍCH VÀ KHÓ KHĂN KHI TRIỂN KHAI HOẠT ĐỘNG DƯỢC TỪ XA (TELEPHARMACY)

Abstract

Background: Currently, in Vietnam, evidence of pharmacist’s impact on improving patient outcomes through telepharmacy is sparse. Objectives: To investigate the practice and its benefits and difficulties of telepharmacy in Vietnam. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey accessible through an questionnaire-based online survey was administered to pharmacists working in hospital’s pharmacy department and community pharmacies during August and September 2022. Results: Of 170 pharmacists responded, 44.7% are community pharmacists and 55.3% are hospital pharmacists. 57.1% pharmacists confirmed implementation of teleconsultation and/or home delivery. 75.3% pharmacists answered that the patient's condition "often or always" stabilized after telepharmacy. The majority of pharmacists (strongly) agreed with the statement that “telepharmacy makes an easier access to medical services for remote patients” (84.7%), “reduces the risk of COVID-19  infection” (84.7%) and “saves time and expenses” (84.1%). The most favourable difficulties reported were “an inability of patients to use information technology” (72.4%), “unclear laws and regulations” (61.2%), and “lack of facilities and technology” (54.1%). Finally, 69.4% pharmacists desired for telepharmacy to be developed more in the future. Conclusion: Telepharmacy was viewed as a practical and potential model for its significant benefits. However, barriers need to be overcome to successfully implement telepharmacy in the future in Vietnam.