A qualitative exploration on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and the feasibility of conducting telepharmacy in a geriatric clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Telehealth has been widely used during Covid-19 pandemic to maintain continuity of care all over the world. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research investigating the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and the feasibility of conducting telepharmacy in geriatric clinics. Therefore, the aims of this study were (1) to explore the pharmacists’ views on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on pharmacist-patient consultation and the feasibility of conducting telepharmacy to maintain the continuity of care in the Geriatric Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (GMTAC). Materials and methods: In this study, we conducted an exploratory study that focused on pharmacists’ view of GMTAC, Malaysia. We conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with pharmacists who had experienced at least one telepharmacy consultation in GMTAC during Covid-19 pandemic. Pharmacists were selected via a purposive and convenience sampling method. NVivo software was used to store and manage the data. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed to identify key themes and subthemes. Results: Eleven pharmacists from public hospitals participated in the study. Three themes emerged on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on pharmacist-patient consultation: (1) management of GMTAC services, (2) inefficient communication, and (3) the pandemic's effect on patient behavior. As for the feasibility of conducting telehealth: (1) utility, (2) readiness, and (3) acceptance are the three main themes that emerged. Conclusion: Pharmacists from public hospitals believed that telepharmacy can be used to preserve the continuity of service in the geriatric clinic. However, challenges and barriers pertaining to the adoption and implementation of telepharmacy must be addressed.