The shortage of health professionals experienced by certain nations, such as Canada, the USA, and South Africa, has led to the creation of a new electronic pharmacy model. This model consists of a drug dispensing system that doesn't require the physical presence of the pharmacist. (ηλεκτρονικό φαρμακείο )
As a result, electronic pharmacy therapies primarily target chronic illnesses, including the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or HIV.
This emerging electronic pharmacy model is being implemented through various systems, including the following:
Medicine Dispensing Machines:
Patients use electronic dispensing cards to access their treatment directly from the machine.
The patient has the option to communicate remotely with a pharmacist during the dispensing process.
The system monitors treatment adherence and provides technical support alongside the dispensing machines.
Telepharmacy:
Enables medication dispensing in locations other than traditional pharmacies through remote communication.
Pharmacists, located in different geographic areas, interact with the patient during dispensing to assess treatment effectiveness and safety.
Telepharmacy ensures the availability of pharmacists for teleconsultations, with the option for videoconferencing and recording consultations.
This system is considered safe and offers economic advantages.
Mobile Application (Babylon):
Provides three key services:
Consultation with a doctor using a telemedicine format.
Guidance on healthy living habits.
Patient direction through a questionnaire that directs them to emergency services, primary care doctors, or pharmacies for advice or non-prescription medication.
In the specific context of Greece, the current electronic pharmacy model is not considered feasible. This is due to health regulations explicitly stating that the care, preservation, and dispensing of medicinal products for human use are exclusively the responsibility of publicly accessible and legally authorized pharmacies.
Moreover, the extensive network of pharmacies in Greece and its widespread availability make the implementation of this electronic pharmacy system impractical within the current healthcare framework. (ηλεκτρονικο φαρμακειο)