Video-based teleconsultations in pharmaceutical care - A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Care
• Health Informatics
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Telemedicine, particularly video conferencing, is increasingly vital for pharmaceutical care.
• It offers solutions for managing growing populations of elderly and chronically ill patients.
• The impact of these technologies on patient outcomes in pharmaceutical care requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review randomized controlled trials on the use of real-time video conferencing in pharmaceutical care.
• To assess the influence of telepharmacy interventions on patient-related outcomes compared to standard care.
• To evaluate the risk of bias in included studies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library, and PubPharm in December 2018.
• Included were randomized controlled trials comparing real-time video conferencing between pharmacists and patients/healthcare providers with standard care.
• The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias instrument was used to assess bias potential.

Main Results:

• Four randomized controlled trials were included, involving complex interventions for conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.
• No significant influence on clinical or psychological endpoints was observed.
• Some studies indicated improved medication adherence and correct usage, but healthcare utilization remained unchanged.
• All studies exhibited an increased risk of systematic bias.

Conclusions:

• Teleconsultations with pharmacists can support general pharmaceutical care provision.
• Current evidence does not strongly support telepharmacy for improving patient-related outcomes.
• Further research is essential to fully elucidate the influence of telemedical interventions in pharmaceutical care.