Community pharmacists' perspectives on E-pharmacy: an imminent threat or an opportunity in disguise?

E-pharmacy has transformed healthcare delivery, enhancing access and affordability, yet its impact on community pharmacists remains debatable. Although these advancements improve efficiency and reduce errors, they limit pharmacist-patient interactions, raising concerns about medication adherence and healthcare quality.

This study assessed community pharmacists' perceptions of e-pharmacy as a potential threat or opportunity. It explored the challenges, barriers, and opportunities it presents and its impact on professional roles, business sustainability, and patient care.

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between June and September 2024 among licensed community pharmacists. A total of 305 pharmacists participated. Chi-square (χ²) and Spearman's rank correlation tests examined differences in pharmacists' perceptions of e-pharmacy using SPSS version 24, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Significant associations were observed between demographic variables and pharmacists' perceptions of e-pharmacy. A significant association was found between age and perceptions of e-prescribing challenges (χ² = 10.85, p = 0.012, V = 0.19), with pharmacists over 50 years showing greater concern (75.0%). Pharmacists in chain pharmacies demonstrated more favorable attitudes (62.7%) than those in private pharmacies (59.5%) (χ² = 8.24, p = 0.016, V = 0.16). Younger pharmacists (20-30 years) held more positive attitudes toward e-pharmacy than those over 50 (χ² = 12.14, p = 0.007, V = 0.20).

Community pharmacists play a vital role in mitigating e-pharmacy errors and adapting to digital workflows. Policymakers must partner with pharmacists to enhance efficiency while preserving their essential role in patient care. Although conducted in the Aseer region, these findings provide exploratory insights that may inform, rather than represent, broader national discussions on e-pharmacy regulation and integration.