Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

Keywords

telepharmacy, community pharmacists, perceived telepharmacy benefits, perceived telepharmacy barriers, telepharmacy readiness

Abstract

Access to primary healthcare services in the Philippines is still a major challenge due to its fragmented healthcare system. The implementation of telepharmacy can help address these gaps by improving the accessibility of pharmaceutical services, especially for patients located in remote areas. Despite the widespread practice of telepharmacy in other countries, it is not yet well utilized in the Philippines. There are also no existing published studies looking at readiness for telepharmacy implementation.

The objective of the study is to determine the perception and readiness towards telepharmacy of community pharmacists in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The study used an exploratory, analytical, cross-sectional research design. Data collection was done through a close-ended survey administered to 168 community pharmacists working in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The results of the study show that most community pharmacists highly perceive the benefits and barriers of telepharmacy and consider themselves as ready for telepharmacy implementation. There is a significant relationship between previous work experience and perceived telepharmacy barriers, implying that past experience in utilizing information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the delivery of pharmacy services increased pharmacists’ awareness of the barriers in telepharmacy implementation. The study also demonstrated that readiness was influenced by the type of community pharmacy, as well as perceived benefits of telepharmacy. Pharmacists working in chain pharmacies and those with a high perception of benefits possessed higher readiness for telepharmacy implementation. To improve telepharmacy readiness among pharmacists and address perceived barriers, the development of policies and training frameworks is recommended. Community pharmacy owners looking to implement telepharmacy services may also consider exploring partnership opportunities and promotional strategies to improve patient awareness and access to these services.

First Advisor

Katrice L. Binos

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