Feasibility and acceptability of incorporating telemedicine into pharmacy services in the rheumatology clinics of the School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: P < 0.05 threshold used, no significant differences found

• Effect Size: Not reported in abstract

• Primary Outcome: Patient satisfaction scores showed no significant differences between telemedicine and face-to-face modalities

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Mean 10.2 medications per patient, suggesting complex polypharmacy management

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Demonstrates telemedicine pharmacy services are acceptable to patients and feasible for identifying drug-related problems in rheumatology settings Relevant to Australian rheumatology services, particularly given PBS complexity for rheumatic diseases and rural/remote access challenges. Would need adaptation for Australian pharmacy practice standards and telehealth regulations Adult patients with rheumatic diseases requiring pharmaceutical care, particularly those with polypharmacy (mean 10+ medications)

Abstract

PURPOSE: Incorporating telemedicine into pharmacist services can promote medication adherence, reduce polypharmacy, and prevent adverse drug events as part of identification of drug-related problems. Our primary aim was to measure the acceptability to patients of telemedicine services using a standardized patient satisfaction survey and compare it to that for face-to-face services. Our secondary aim was to assess the feasibility of the telemedicine modality for pharmaceutical care interventions by measuring, quantifying, and categorizing drug-related problems identified during the service. METHODS: The study followed a prospective crossover design from October 2021 to September 2022. Adult patients (21 years or older) with rheumatic diseases evaluated at a university-based outpatient clinic were eligible to be enrolled. After the intervention, patients completed a survey regarding satisfaction and perception of their appointment. Descriptive statistics were used for patient demographic characteristics. Patient satisfaction with the modalities was compared using a t test. RESULTS: In this study, 296 patients were enrolled with a mean (SD) age of 50.4 (12.5) years. Participating patients were utilizing a mean (SD) of 10.2 (4.7) medications. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for any of the survey questions when comparing responses for the face-to-face and telemedicine encounters. In general, patients strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the services they received and perceived the services as unique and valuable in both types of encounters. CONCLUSION: Overall satisfaction was very high, and no differences were found in the perception of or satisfaction with services between the telemedicine and face-to-face modalities.

References

1. 1.Rodríguez Nazario, I., Vilá, L. M., & Melin, K. (2026). Feasibility and acceptability of incorporating telemedicine into pharmacy services in the rheumatology clinics of the School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 83(8), 123-132. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxaf311