Tele pharmacy in Hospital Settings: Bridging the Gap in Rural Healthcare

Abstract

Telepharmacy is an innovative healthcare model leveraging telecommunications technology to deliver remote pharmaceutical care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In rural hospital settings, where access to pharmacists is often limited, telepharmacy enhances medication safety, optimizes patient care, and reduces healthcare costs. This review examines the benefits of telepharmacy, including improved medication management, better adherence to treatment protocols, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, telepharmacy contributes to increased patient satisfaction by ensuring timely access to expert pharmaceutical guidance. Despite its advantages, telepharmacy faces challenges such as technological limitations, regulatory barriers, and the complexity of integrating with existing healthcare systems. Successful implementation requires robust infrastructure, adherence to legal frameworks, and comprehensive training for healthcare providers. Furthermore, integrating telepharmacy with telemedicine and mobile health applications can further enhance healthcare accessibility and quality.To ensure its effectiveness, continuous education and research are essential to address resistance among healthcare professionals and policymakers. By bridging healthcare gaps, telepharmacy has the potential to significantly improve rural healthcare delivery, making quality pharmaceutical care more accessible and efficient.