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Implementation of a telepharmacy service in outpatient’s pharmaceutical consultation

European Statement

Clinical Pharmacy Services

Author(s)

QUERALT LOPEZ NOGUERA, ÀNGELA CASTELLÓ NÒRIA, CRISTINA DIEZ VALLEJO, LAURA VIÑAS SAGUÉ, MARTA COMA PUNSET, SILVIA CABARROCAS DURAN, MIREIA VILA CURRIUS, ANNA DORDÀ BENITO, EDUARDO TEJEDOR TEJADA, CRISTINA TORO BLANCH, ROSA NURIA ALEIXANDRE CERAROLS, ROSA SACREST GÜELL

Why was it done?

The declaration of the state of emergency by SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on March of 2020 had an impact on hospital PC.
During that period, it was advised by Healthcare Authorisations to minimize the risk of infection or spread of SARS-CoV-2 in order to protect vulnerable groups. For that reason, it was not recommended to assist in the hospital if it was not necessary. This fact caused some organizational changes in OPC to adapt to the current situation.

What was done?

Our hospital Pharmacy Department created a telepharmacy service in outpatient’s pharmaceutical consultation (OPC) after state of emergency declaration by SARS-CoV-2. We created a standard operating procedure working together with communitarian pharmacists and the Region Pharmacist’s College. The main aim was to ensure pharmaceutical care (PC) quality in vulnerable patients and the correct medication distribution and conservation. Pharmaceutical care was developed by telephone call and medication was send to communitarian pharmacy.
A comprehensive analysis was made to concern the impact on drugs delivery selecting certified distribution company which ensured drug traceability, custody and conservation.

How was it done?

In 2020, approximately 60 patients per day used to attend in OPC. According to the large number of patients, we defined which patients could take advantage of this programme. The selection criteria were adherent patients with pulmonary pathologies (cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchiectasis, etc.), multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, reduced mobility or patients over 65 years old who lived in more than 30km closed to the hospital or without any family member that could come.
In order to ensure the process traceability, an informatics tool has been created by Region Pharmacist’s College. Pharmacy Department, community pharmacy and the distribution company assumed all expenses.

What has been achieved?

369 of 2.346 patients were included in our telepharmacy service during the state of emergency. There was high level of acceptance by all patients. Only low-risk patients or patients who had an on-site doctor visit were attends in OPC. Nowadays, 196 patients still benefit from the initiative.

What next?

Telepharmacy program avoids patient’s displacements that are particularly susceptible to COVID-19 negatives effects. Moreover, it guarantees PC quality, patient’s adherence, process traceability and correct medication conservation from hospital to patient’s home.

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