Telepharmacy: Pharmacists’ Perspective on the Benefits and Limitations in Health Care Facilities in Yogyakarta

Abstract

Telepharmacy is defined as a method of delivering pharmacy service without direct contact. The study aimed to assess pharmacists’ perspectives on the benefits and limitations of telepharmacy in healthcare facilities in Yogyakarta. Phenomenology qualitative research was conducted in Yogyakarta from June 2022 to June 2023; 15 pharmacists were recruited to participate with maximum variation criteria. Data collection was performed through face-to-face interviews with semi-structured open-ended questions until a saturation point was achieved. This study was guided by interview protocol; member checking and data triangulation were accomplished. The interview was conducted through Zoom meeting media with field notes organized. Miles and Huberman used in data analysis. The perceived benefits of telepharmacy were improved minimal service standard for patient waiting time, decreased workload and human resources efficiency, decreased patient queue, promote healthcare and pharmacists, improved patient loyalty, improved healthcare income, improved community coverage, as well as improved treatment profile documentation. The main highlighted limitations of telepharmacy were related to the inadequacy of an official platform, medication regimen restriction, lack of service system, novel service for the broad community, lack of pharmacy services, human resources as well as telecommunication and information system issues, along with the limitation of telepharmacy service facilities.