Telepharmacy: a pharmacist’s perspective on the clinical benefits and challenges

Figures & data

Table 1 Types of telepharmacy models

Types	Process
Traditional full-service pharmacy	Like traditional pharmacies, this telepharmacy site encompasses services such as filling prescriptions, medication reviews, and patient counseling. These telepharmacy sites have complete drug inventories that include prescription and over the counter medications along with other-health-and beauty aids and other general merchandise
Remote consultation sites	Prescriptions are prepared at the central pharmacy and are delivered to the rural sites. Audio and video computer links are used to deliver patient counseling and education
Hospital telepharmacy	Hospital pharmacist in urban medical center reviews processes and verifies the prescriptions that are issued and electronically sent from rural hospitals. Automated dispensing machine (ADM) is used to electronically release the prepackaged medication. A nurse or pharmacy assistant at rural end double- checks the label and medication prior dispensing them to patients. The pharmacist from central (urban) location monitors the verification process and involves in consultation between the patients, nurses, or physicians when required via videoconference link
ADMs	Pharmacist at a central location upon receiving drug order (electronically or by fax) confirms the patient profile, conducts proper drug utilization review, and finally instructs the ADM to release the medication. With the help of audio and video computer links, patient counseling is then conducted

Note:

Data from Peterson et al¹, Casey et al⁹, and Casey et al¹⁶.

Figure S1 North Dakota telepharmacy project – step-by-step protocol for processing new prescriptions at remote telepharmacy site.

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