E-Pharmacy & Telepharmacy: What is it and what is the difference?
The Covid-19 pandemic have driven an increased demand for online pharmacy service, or e-pharmacy service, primarily due to lockdown and movement restrictions.
So, what is E-pharmacy?
An e-pharmacy is a pharmacy that delivers, distributes and/or dispenses pharmacy items by the means of the internet.
It is interchangeably used with the term "online pharmacy".
Here are some of the key features for an e-pharmacy:
Then, what is Telepharmacy?
Telepharmacy is a way for you to receive healthcare consultations from a certified, licensed pharmacist through remote means –?Phone, Message?or?Online Chat.
It is a convenient way for patients to access pharmacist to consult them on medication-related problems.
What is the main difference between e-pharmacy and telepharmacy?
There is no official definition for both terms as the usage is currently very much upon industry players ourselves to define. However, to put it into a clearer perspective, e-pharmacy usually refers to online delivery service of medication and other health products while telepharmacy refers to the channel of which patient access to pharmacist for consultation.
In conclusion
Pharmacy have continually adopt to the evolving healthcare landscape to provide better service to patients. Going digital to improve accessibility and affordability of medications is definitely a crucial step ahead to advance pharmacy practice as a whole. With the increased adoption from patients, e-pharmacy and telepharmacy will definitely benefit more patients in improving their health and wellbeing.