Telepharmacy and remote medication management: An empirical study from patients' perspectives

Background: Telepharmacy has emerged as a vital tool in healthcare, allowing remote medication management, especially for patients in rural areas. Despite its growing adoption, there is limited empirical evidence on its effectiveness and patient experiences in diverse healthcare settings. Aim: This study aims to investigate telepharmacy and remote medication management through the lens of patients, shedding light on their attitudes, challenges, and preferences. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design is adopted in this study. Survey participants included outpatients aged above 18 years, accessing telepharmacy services from public hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The survey questionnaire focuses on evaluating patients' experiences and perspectives regarding telepharmacy services for remote medication management. Excluding incomplete responses resulted in a final sample of 403. Results: Participants reported positive experiences with telepharmacy, rating it moderately to very effective (Mean = 3.12-3.21) across various factors. Significant age-related differences were observed, with younger participants perceiving telepharmacy more favorably (P < 0.0001). Education levels did not significantly affect perceptions. Residential location also showed no significant impact. Patients suggested technical support and improved communication methods to enhance telepharmacy services. Implementing these suggestions increased patients' likelihood of future telepharmacy use. Conclusion: Telepharmacy, by utilizing telecommunication technology, offers a transformative approach to remote medication management, significantly improving patient care across various healthcare environments.