Pharmacy Apps: a new frontier on the digital landscape?

Abstract

*Background: Over the course of recent years smartphone and tablet technology has evolved rapidly. Similarly, the sphere of healthcare is constantly developing and striving to embrace the newest forms of technology in order to optimise function. Many opportunities for mobile applications (i.e. 'apps') pertinent to the healthcare sector are now emerging. Objective: This study will consider whether registered pharmacists within the United Kingdom (UK) believe it appropriate to use mobile apps during the provision of healthcare within the community setting. Methods: Further to Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) ethical approval, the 30 item questionnaire was distributed to UK registered pharmacists (n=600) practising within inner city Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. The questions were formatted as multiple choice, Likert scales or the open answer type. On questionnaire completion and return, data were analysed using simple frequencies, cross tabulations and nonparametric techniques in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (v18). Results: The majority of respondents (78.4% of 211 participants) confirmed that they were confident when using mobile apps on their technology platform. In general, mobile apps were perceived to be useful in facilitating patient consultations (55%) and supporting healthcare education (80%). The main barrier for mobile app use within the workplace was company policy, deemed significant in the case of regional / national chain pharmacies (p<0.001). Pharmacists alluded to the fact that whilst mobile apps demonstrate potential in modern day practise, they will have a greater impact in the future (p<0.001). Conclusion:The data indicate that although pharmacists are supportive of mobile apps in healthcare, a number of factors (i.e. risk, company policy and lack of regulation) may preclude their use in modern day pharmacy practise. Clearly, limitations of the technology must be addressed in order to maximise uptake within healthcare systems. Pharmacists suggest that as the younger generation ages, mobile apps will become a more accepted method by which to manage healthcare in the wider population.

Assessment of the pharmacy students e-health literacy and mobile health application utilization

“…In our study, 55.00% of the students were using mobile health apps to monitor or change personal health behaviour whereas 97.00% of the students were using medical apps in another study [25]. Mobile health apps safe and useful in pharmacy practice according to the study conducted in the UK [26]. Similarly, in our study, it was demonstrated that almost all of the pharmacy students agreed that the medical apps were important tools to use in pharmacy practice.…”

The Top Chinese Mobile Health Apps: A Systematic Investigation

“…On the other hand, pharmacology apps targeting clinicians, pharmacists, and other HCPs provided references for dosing, interactions, and alternative drugs. The incorporation of pharmacology apps into HCPs’ daily practice appears to be a mainstay in China and many other countries [ 31 , 32 ].…”

The attitudes of pharmacists, students and the general public on mHealth applications for medication adherence

“… 3 Mobile apps have infiltrated into society through services including gaming, social networking, news, education and healthcare. As previously reported 3 , the rapid evolution of software platforms on advanced mobile devices over the past decade has paved the way for mobile healthcare (mHealth) apps, which have seamlessly infiltrated healthcare systems in the developed world. 1 At present, thousands of mHealth apps are available 4 , 5 and include for example ‘Dario’ and ‘MyMeds’.…”

“…Here, the pharmacist is able to conduct medicines use reviews (MURs) and deliver the new medicines service (NMS) in order to underscore the importance / use of prescribed medication and why it is imperative to take medication as prescribed. 3 Notwithstanding the success of such advanced services, scope now exists to exploit mobile technology platforms along with app-based software to support the patient in following daily treatment plans to optimise treatment outcomes.…”

“…At present mHealth is an emerging concept within developed countries and is not positioned directly at the forefront of healthcare service provision. 3 Typically, workplace activities within a community pharmacy premises in the UK involve prescription dispensing, over-the-counter sales and the provision of related advice plus services such as blood pressure monitoring. There is great potential, however, for mHealth apps to support the pharmacist in daily activities, as mentioned herein, and offer support to the patient to derive the maximum benefit from prescribed / purchased medication regimens.…”