Telepharmacy services to support patients with epilepsy in Thailand: A descriptive study

Abstract

BackgroundTelepharmacy shows an effective option to provide pharmacy services in several settings. It could improve patients’ outcomes and save costs. However, the impact of a telepharmacy services in low resource settings remains limited. ObjectivesThis study assessed the feasibility and effect of telepharmacy services on patient-reported clinical and economic outcomes among patients with epilepsy in Thailand. MethodsA prospective descriptive study was conducted at a university hospital. Patients with epilepsy visiting the clinic from February 2021–December 2021 were included. Telepharmacy services were provided by hospital pharmacists through an application platform. Patients met a pharmacist synchronously using a video conference feature embedded in our developed website. Patients were interviewed for improved clinical symptoms, drug-related problems (DRPs), and health and social behaviors. Travel costs, food and accommodation costs and productivity costs due to hospital visits were also evaluated. ResultsA total of 80 patients were included. Of those, 39 patients (48.75%) were men, averaging 35.44 ± 15.09 years old. A total of 22 patients (27.50%) reported better clinical symptoms after the telepharmacy service. Sixty-four DRPs (69.56%) were observed, along with 28 health and social behavior problems (30.44%). The most common DRPs were adverse drug reactions (20/64; 69.56%), followed by patients' non-adherence (20/64; 31.25%). Sixty-six problems (68.04%) were corrected during the telepharmacy service. From the patient's perspective, the average direct nonmedical cost per visit was 1257 ± 857 THB/visit. Travel costs were the major cost driver, accounting for 67.7% of the total cost. Cost savings averaged 6511 ± 4996 THB/year or 54.75% of usual care. ConclusionTelepharmacy services are likely to improve patient outcomes, detect DRPs, and effectively provide cost-savings. However, further studies hosting a larger number of participants are warranted to assess the impacts of telepharmacy services.