The Benefits and Challenges of Telepharmacy
Monograph
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Course Summary
The delivery of pharmacy care to patients via telecommunications has been practiced in the U.S., for more than two decades. Originally conceived to serve remote, rural communities, telepharmacy has been expanding to reach other underserved areas and people. It was further spurred by the social and public health conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Telepharmacy can improve patient care and outcomes, but it also comes with challenges. This technology profoundly changes how people communicate and interact, and because of this, it can lead to changes that may not always be beneficial. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff who are aware of these challenges can mitigate them through proper education and practice.
Course Objectives
Define the term telepharmacy and describe its uses in the pharmacy setting
Describe the benefits and challenges of telepharmacy
Identify ways to overcome the challenges of telepharmacy
Identify regulatory issues related to telepharmacy
I. Introduction
II. The Evolution of Telepharmacy
1. Telepharmacy and Remote Access
2. Telepharmacy and COVID-19
III. Defining Telepharmacy
IV. Technologies Used in Telepharmacy
1. Technologies and Applications
2. Kiosks
V. Benefits of Telepharmacy
1. Pharmacy Access to Rural Communities
2. Expanded Role for Pharmacists though Telepharmacy
3. Telepharmacy and Patient Outcomes
4. Telepharmacy and Mandatory Social Distancing
VI. Identifying and Minimizing the Challenges of Telepharmacy
1. Telepharmacy and Digital Empathy
2. Telesecurity and HIPAA Compliance within Telepharmacy
3. Computer or Technological Literacy
4. Monopolization of Telepharmacy by National Pharmacies
5. Regulatory Issues Related to Telepharmacy
VII. Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
- Results are automatically submitted to CPE Monitor
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in the development of this activity: Gerald Gianutsos, Ph.D., J.D., and Susan DePasquale, MSN, PMHNP-BC. There are no financial relationships relevant to this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
Computer Hardware/Software Requirements
Please ensure the device you plan to use meets these requirements and specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 7,8,10, or 11 /Mac OS X 10.9 or later/iOS/Android
- Supported Browsers: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera
- A connection to the internet
- For Live Webinars or Conferences: GoToWebinar application for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC. You cannot 'call into' a live conference.
- Target Audience: Pharmacist
- Contact Hours: 1.0
- Activity Release Date: 12/19/2022
- Activity Expiration Date: 12/19/2025
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: 0669-0000-22-100-H99-P
- Topic: Additional Topic Areas
- CeBroker Number: 20-979610
Author:
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.