International Telepharmacy Education: Another Venue to Improve Cancer Care in the Developing World

Abstract

Objective: In developed countries, pharmacists play a crucial role in designing and implementing cancer treatments as part of a multidisciplinary oncology team. However, developing countries have a shortage of pharmacists, and their role is generally limited to dispensing and selling drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of providing clinical pharmacy educational activities via international teleconferencing to improve cancer care in developing countries. Materials and Methods: Meticulous preparation and intense promotion of the workshop were done in Egypt before the telepharmacy conferences began. Multiple connectivity tests were performed to resolve technical problems. Nine telepharmacy conferences were delivered during 3-h sessions that were held on three consecutive days. Talks were subsequently made available via Web streaming. Attendees were requested to complete a survey to measure their satisfaction with the sessions. Results: The teleconference was attended by a total of 345 persons, and it was subsequently reviewed online via 456 log-in sessions from 10 countries. Technical issues (e.g., poor auditory quality) were resolved on the first day of the event. The rate of attendees' responses on the survey was 30.1%, and satisfaction with the event was generally good. Conclusions: Telecommunication is a relatively inexpensive approach that may improve pharmacy practices, especially those used to treat patients with cancer in developing countries. Special attention to patient-based telepharmacy education, including the use of cost-effective technology, should be considered.

Evaluation of Telepharmacy Services in Light of COVID-19

“…In Egypt, a telepharmacy model was established to enhance the pharmacists' role in pediatric oncology and improve medication safety by educating patients about pulmonary diseases, specifically asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 10,[34][35][36] The effectiveness of telepharmacy services were evaluated by examining the rate of dispensing errors, 37,38 by documenting number and nature of pharmacist interventions, 29 or by demonstrating the saving of time and staff for more quality-enhancing initiatives. 39,40 The findings of this study suggest a potential role for pharmacists in the emergency response to COVID-19.…”

Effect of the international pharmacy education programs

“…AlFaar et al supported telecommunication as a relatively inexpensive approach to improve pharmacy practices, especially in developing countries. [ 23 ] Additionally, a bibliometric analysis of literature in pharmacy education also supported the utilization of social networks with advanced telecommunication technologies as an emerging new direction in pharmacy education. [ 24 ] The confirmed benefits by the GC program via internet conference in our study may encourage similar courses around the world in the future.…”

Evaluation of urban-rural differences in pharmacy practice needs in Maine with the MaPPNA

“… 26 It has been used for medication reconciliation at discharge 27 ; to improve adherence 28 ; and for cancer care in developing world. 29 It is interesting to note that less than one third of Maine pharmacists agree than tele-pharmacy would help. It could be lack of broadband access in our vast state.…”