Identification of Content Information and Functionalities to Design an Online Pharmacy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Many pharmacies provide pharmaceutical services through information technology. Many people also prefer online pharmaceutical services to face-to-face services. Online pharmacies can facilitate access to pharmaceutical services. When designing an online pharmacy system, designers need to know the content information, features, characteristics, and facilities of online pharmacies. Objectives: The present study aimed to systematically collect and provide content information, features, characteristics, and facilities of online pharmacy systems. Data Sources: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus until July 2021. Study Selection: Two authors independently reviewed and evaluated the primary studies and examined the content information, features, characteristics, and facilities in three categories: Study characteristics, system attributes, functionality and services. Data Extraction: From 2005 to July 2021, related keywords were found. Books, animal studies, conference papers, and letters to editorial were excluded. Only English-language papers were included. Results: From 3,028 extracted papers, 16 met the inclusion criteria and entered the study. After screening the papers, 35 content information, features, characteristics, and facilities were examined. None of the plentiful content information, features, characteristics, and facilities found in this study followed the same rules and regulations. Conclusions: The present findings showed that online pharmacy systems are somewhat different in terms of content information and other properties. Depending on some circumstances, some parameters may or may not be used in an online pharmacy system. If international standards and rules are developed in the design of online pharmacy systems, which ultimately makes it easier to use. Also The design process will be easier for designers.