Telefarmacia e transizioni di cura: esiti, limiti e prospettive dell’innovazione digitale in sanità.

Abstract

Purpose: Telepharmacy (TF) represents a tool to manage the complexity related to drug therapies and to guarantee continuity of patient empowerment in transitions of care. The aim of this work is to analyze the critical issues related to the implementation of the TF service, in order to enhance its application.

Results: Over 27 months, the TF service was offered to 60 patients. 48% of patients used the service (mean age=38 years; N=13 (45%) M). Although they accepted the service, 17% of patients (mean age=56 years; N=2 (20%) M) were unable to access the platform once they returned home. Poor digital skills and lack of a caregiver were barriers to service acceptance for 35% of patients (mean age=63 years; N=13 (62%) M). Overall, patients with a mean age ≥56 years did not use the service.

Conclusions: TF represents an opportunity in care transitions to identify early critical issues related to drug therapy and to contribute to the integration of different levels of care. The analysis highlights that only the youngest patients (with an average age of 38 years), being more skilled in IT, have actually had access to the TF service. It will be necessary in the near future to make health teleconsultations increasingly widespread and accessible.