Assessing Pharmacy Students’ Perceptions of Tele-Pharmacy: Insights for Enhancing Pharmacy Education

Abstract

Tele-pharmacy is an innovative approach to delivering pharmaceutical care at a distance. As this approach is increasingly being integrated into healthcare, pharmacy education providers are incorporating it into their curricula to prepare future pharmacists. This study investigates perceptions of pharmacy students regarding tele-pharmacy and examines how their views are influenced by factors such as their gender, educational background, and stage in their pharmacy programme. Using an online survey, a cross-sectional study was conducted over eight weeks (1st March to 30th April 2023) among undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university in Malaysia. The survey captured comprehensive data on students’ perspectives by asking closed-ended questions. Most participants were female (64.5%) and in their clinical semester (67.5%). Students expressed favourable views of tele-pharmacy, with 95.6% recognising its convenience, 98.0% highlighting time savings, and 97.5% acknowledging energy savings. However, concerns were raised about accessibility and pharmacists’ training. Optimism about and agreement on certain aspects of tele-pharmacy declined with study progression. However, 93.1% desired tele-pharmacy training, and 93.6% showed interest in providing such services, with enthusiasm growing among advanced students. These findings underscore the need for curricular enhancements, including hands-on simulations, structured patient follow-ups, and self-learning modules, to address the evident tele-pharmacy training gaps. Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate how students’ perceptions evolve with increased exposure to tele-pharmacy and its practical applications.