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. 2023 Oct;39(5):241-246.
doi: 10.1177/87551225231190567. Epub 2023 Aug 17.

Effectiveness of Telepharmacy in Rural Communities in Africa: A Scoping Review

Chukwuemeka Augustine Nwachuya  1 , Anthony Uche Umeh  1 , Jennifer Chinaza Ogwurumba  1 , Ifunanya Ngozi Chinedu-Eze  1 , Chukwunenye Christopher Azubuike  2 , AbdulMuminu Isah  1
Affiliations

Effectiveness of Telepharmacy in Rural Communities in Africa: A Scoping Review

Chukwuemeka Augustine Nwachuya et al. J Pharm Technol. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: This review examined the effectiveness of telepharmacy in rural communities in Africa to identify the barriers that hinder its implementation and integration as well as highlight the gaps in the existing research on telepharmacy. Data Source: PubMed and Google Scholar search (2008-2023) was conducted using keywords related to telepharmacy, telemedicine, telehealth, and rural communities. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The inclusion criteria for the review include peer-reviewed articles published in English language and studies that focus on the implementation and evaluation of telepharmacy in rural communities. Data Synthesis: In all articles used, access to quality health care in rural communities has been a persistent challenge in Africa. Digital technologies such as telemedicine, telepharmacy, and artificial intelligence were reported to have emerged as promising solutions to improve health care access and outcomes in rural communities. Telepharmacy, in particular, has the potential to provide medication-related services to patients irrespective of one's location. However, the implementation of telepharmacy in Africa has been slow, and there are several barriers affecting its integration and adoption in rural communities that include access to technology, limited infrastructure, and regulatory challenges. Gaps and limitations in the existing research on telepharmacy in rural communities were highlighted from the articles. Conclusion: Telepharmacy can improve health care access and outcomes in rural communities by bridging the gap between pharmacists and patients. However, the lack of infrastructure, inadequate funding, and regulatory challenges pose significant barriers to its implementation. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges and exploring the potential of telepharmacy to improve health care in rural communities in Africa.

Keywords: Africa; health care; rural communities; telehealth; telemedicine; telepharmacy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Study selection process according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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