Effect of telepharmacy in diabetic patients at Service Units in the Network of Somdejprajoataksin Maharaj Hospital
Keywords:
telepharmacy, diabetes, blood sugar controlAbstract
Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine systems have been developed to complement standard medical care. These systems enable patients to access healthcare services remotely via technology and communication, facilitating the exchange of information for diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention, regardless of time and location. Telepharmacy, a component of telemedicine, further reduces physical contact and direct interactions between patients and healthcare providers, enhancing efficiency in care delivery and alleviating hospital congestion.
Objective: To compare the outcomes of blood glucose control and medication knowledge before and after telepharmacy services among diabetic patients with a mean HbA1c ≥ 7.0% in a primary healthcare center in Mueang Tak District, Tak Province.
Research Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted between May 1, 2023, and March 30, 2024. The participants were diabetic patients with a mean HbA1c ≥ 7.0% from a primary healthcare center in Mueang Tak District, Tak Province. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 100 participants who received telepharmacy services and 100 participants who received standard services.
Results: The group of diabetic patients who received telepharmacy services had an average age of 57.39 ± 8.56 years, 74 female (74%). The group who received standard services had an average age of 58.39 ± 8.51 years, 73 female (73%). The mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in the telepharmacy group services was significantly reduced from 183.58 ± 23.31 to 158.65 ± 23.31 mg/dL (95% CI = 20.76 - 30.34, p<0.001). The mean HbA1c level was significantly reduced from 9.03±0.80 to 8.21±0.94 (95% CI = 0.69 - 0.95, p<0.001). The standard services group had a significantly reduced FPS value from 175.61±11.65 to 158.12±23.28 mg/dL (95% CI = 12.30 - 22.67, p<0.001), but no significantly reduced HbA1c, (from 8.50±0.91 to 8.21±0.94, 95% CI: -0.17 - 0.30, p=0.601). Telepharmacy also improved medication knowledge, adherence, and problem-solving.
Conclusion: Telepharmacy services improved glycemic control and enhanced medication knowledge, adherence, and problem-solving abilities among diabetic patients.
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