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IMPLEMENTATION OF A TELEPHARMACY PROGRAMME TO HOSPITAL OUTPATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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European Statement

Selection, Procurement and Distribution

Author(s)

Rosalia Fernández-Caballero, Virginia Collados Arroyo, Clara Herranz Muñoz, Araceli Henares López

Why was it done?

Every month, an average of 700 patients receive pharmaceutical care in the outpatient consultation (OC) of our first-level hospital. Given the mobility restriction measures applied by the spanish government during the pandemic, access to this consultation was difficult for some patients. The aim of this program is to ensure the access to medication for all patients and prevent them and professionals to virus exposure. Telepharmacy program consists of providing pharmaceutical care based on available means of communication and access to medication through home drug delivery.

What was done?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we designed and implemented a telepharmacy programm to ensure access to medication for all patients.

How was it done?

Once weekly, the pharmacist contacted the listed patients during the following week in OC by telephone or via the hospital’s electronic platform, to offer the possibility of participating in the program. During teleconsultation, pharmacist provided the same attention as in face-to face consultation: administrative situation of the patient, adequate medical follow-up, assessment of adherence, review of interactions and adverse events and treatment changes. Moreover, we e-mailed the patient’s consent for home drug delivery by and external company. In case the patient didn’t have a web mail, we requested verbal consent. Once a week, one pharmacy technician prepared the medication and the selected company performed the home delivery in guaranteed storage conditions. To minimize the burden of work, the medication was sent for two months per patient. Oncohematological patients, who came to their doctor’s appointment every month, were excluded from this program.

What has been achieved?

Between March 20 and October 9, we have included 595 patients in this program and conducted 1190 teleconsultations and 872 home drug deliveries with a great satisfaction of outpatients.

What next?

Our next step is to improve the web system for sending alerts through our electronic platform to automate the home delivery process and thereby to reduce the logistic burden of the pharmacist and to increase the pharmaceutical care given to patients.

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