Accessing specialized medical care can be challenging, with numerous hurdles for nursing home patients and their care teams to overcome. Specialists are less widely available than primary care physicians, often requiring patients to travel significant distances or wait for extended periods. To address these barriers, telehealth and telepharmacy services are transforming access to specialized care.
Telepharmacy enables pharmacists to provide vital healthcare services and support, enhancing patient outcomes and broadening the scope of care delivery. These technologies empower patients to access care from the comfort of their nursing homes and help reduce healthcare disparities.
Telehealth for mental health services
Telehealth has revolutionized mental health services, especially in areas with limited access to therapists and psychiatrists. Studies show that before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 40% of mental health facilities offered telehealth. Post-pandemic, availability surged to more than 88%. Mental health telehealth visits now rank among the most common forms of specialized care.
Through telehealth, practitioners can provide individual, group and family therapy sessions. Telepsychiatry adds another layer by enabling psychiatrists to assess patients, manage medications, and deliver psychotherapy remotely. Pharmacists can play a pivotal role in this model, offering medication counseling, adherence support, and monitoring side effects for patients on mental health treatments.
Telehealth tools also support crisis intervention and substance abuse counseling services, enhanced by 24/7 availability and remote access. As part of telepharmacy services, pharmacists can provide ongoing medication therapy management, ensuring that patients adhere to treatment plans and avoid complications.
Teledermatology
Advancements in telehealth technology have made it easier for dermatologists to evaluate and treat conditions that require visual assessment. Teledermatology enables patients to upload high-resolution images of areas of concern for diagnostic review using the “store-and-forward” method. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer are commonly treated through this approach.
Similarly, telepharmacy services can complement teledermatology by ensuring timely access to medications and providing counseling on topical or systemic treatments. Pharmacists can also educate patients on proper medication application and monitor for adverse reactions.
In wound care, telehealth allows specialists to remotely monitor healing and detect complications early. Telepharmacists can play an active role by ensuring patients have the necessary supplies, coordinating refills and offering guidance on medication regimens related to wound management.
Telecardiology
Wearable devices and telehealth platforms have revolutionized cardiology by enabling specialists to monitor patients’ heart conditions in real-time. Telecardiology tools allow cardiologists to analyze trends in key metrics, provide consultations, and collaborate with primary care providers for rapid diagnosis and intervention.
Pharmacists can enhance telecardiology services by managing medications for cardiovascular conditions, monitoring adherence, and educating patients on lifestyle modifications. Telepharmacy services are particularly valuable for patients managing complex regimens, ensuring they receive the guidance and support needed to achieve better health outcomes.
The role of telepharmacy services in medication management
Telepharmacy services extend the reach of specialized care by addressing one of the most critical aspects of healthcare: medication management. Through telepharmacy, pharmacists can conduct medication therapy reviews, identify drug interactions, and provide adherence counseling. These services are particularly beneficial for patients managing chronic conditions or requiring specialized medications.
For example, telepharmacists can collaborate with telehealth providers to ensure seamless medication access for mental health patients requiring antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. They can also assist patients in remote areas who need compounded or specialty medications.
Telepharmacy in preventative and chronic care
Pharmacists are increasingly leading telepharmacy services to address preventive care and chronic disease management.
Services such as medication synchronization, remote patient monitoring, and virtual consultations are essential for managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Pharmacists can work collaboratively with specialists and primary care providers to optimize therapy and improve patient outcomes.
Expanding telehealth access and reducing barriers
Telehealth and telepharmacy services are breaking down traditional barriers to specialized care. They reduce costs, minimize travel, and provide patients with timely access to healthcare professionals. By integrating telepharmacy services into the telehealth ecosystem, pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring safe, effective and personalized care.
These innovations are reshaping healthcare delivery, empowering patients to take control of their health, and bridging the gaps in access to specialized care. Whether it’s mental health support, dermatological evaluations, cardiovascular monitoring, or medication management, telehealth and telepharmacy are leading the way to a more accessible and equitable healthcare system.
Lindsay Dymowski is President of Centennial Pharmacy Services, a leading medication-at-home pharmacy, and co-founder and principal of The Centennial Group, a pharmacy management company supporting community pharmacies and health systems.
The opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News guest submissions are the author’s and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News or its editors.
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