Perception and Attitude of Malaysian Community Pharmacists Towards the Implementation of Telepharmacy
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.18.5.11
- Author:
Wei Liang Ng
1
;
Wei Thing Sze
1
Author Information
1. Faculty of Pharmacy, SEGi University Kota Damansara, Jalan Teknologi 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Telepharmacy, Community pharmacist, COVID 19, Telemedicine, Telehealth
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.5):72-78
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Telepharmacy refers to the delivery of pharmaceutical care service through telecommunication to
patients in locations where they may not have direct contact with a pharmacist. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
the role of pharmacist has expanded to provide services remotely through telepharmacy. This study aimed to assess Malaysian community pharmacists’ perception and attitude towards implementing telepharmacy. Method: This
cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2020 to October 2020 using an online self-administered questionnaire. 217 community pharmacists in Klang Valley were recruited through convenience sampling method. 5-point
Likert scales were used to evaluate the respondent’s perceived benefits, perceived barriers and attitude towards
the implementation of telepharmacy. Results: 37.8% of the respondents showed positive perception while 53.9%
are moderately positive towards towards the benefits of telepharmacy. Age (p=0.019) was shown to impact on the
perceived benefits on implementation of telepharmacy. Only 8.3% of the community pharmacists perceived low
barriers in telepharmacy implementation and it was significantly associated with education level of the respondents
(p=0.032). Younger community pharmacists and community pharmacists who have less years of working experience
were more likely to have a positive attitude towards the implementation of telepharmacy (p<0.001). Conclusion:
In conclusion, most Malaysian community pharmacists practicing in urban area has shown positive perception
and attitude towards the benefits and implementation of telepharmacy. However, the perceived barriers towards
its implementation is high. A separate training or education on telemedicine may be useful to promote the use of
telemedicine to all the pharmacists.
- Full text:11.2022my1330.pdf
