Implementation and Evaluation of Clinical Telepharmacy Services for Regional Hospital Inpatients: A Pilot Study in the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network in South Australia
Anna Fletcher, Kylie Poon, Jennifer Pink, Karen Macolino, Sally MarottiABSTRACT
Objective
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness, operational efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction of telepharmacy compared to face‐to‐face pharmacist reviews in regional hospital sites in South Australia.
Design
Quantitative observational cohort study using service activity data and structured survey feedback.
Setting
Two spoke hospitals and a central hub hospital within the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network in South Australia.
Participants
Hospital inpatients reviewed by a clinical pharmacist during face‐to‐face visits ( n = 39) and via telepharmacy ( n = 21), along with nursing staff and patients who provided feedback.
Methods
Data were collected on cohort sizes, pharmacist travel time, review timing, number of clinical interventions, and patient risk stratification. Patient and staff feedback was gathered using structured surveys.
Main Outcome Measures
The pilot assessed clinical activity, time efficiency, intervention rates, and patient risk profiles. Survey responses were analysed for satisfaction and perceived value.
Results
More patients were seen face‐to‐face than via telepharmacy (5.7% vs. 3.6%), and face‐to‐face reviews occurred sooner after admission (median 61 h (IQR 24.1–162) vs. 72.6 h (IQR 48.1–121.9)). A significant proportion of high‐risk patients were seen via telepharmacy (42.9%), and more clinical interventions were made per patient with telepharmacy than face‐to‐face (median 6 (IQR 2–8) vs. 1 (IQR 0–2)). Patient feedback was positive, with 92.3% reporting no dislikes. Nursing staff were mostly satisfied, though some preferred face‐to‐face interactions.
Conclusion
Telepharmacy is a feasible model for regional medication review, enabling prioritisation of high‐risk patients and clinical pharmacist interventions. Further research into barriers and enablers is required to support its continued use and broader implementation.