4CPS-155 Perception of hospital pharmacies about telepharmacy in the provision of healthcare for people living with HIV

Background and Importance The aim of telepharmacy (TF) is to maximise the potential of telehealth and transform remote monitoring by hospital pharmacies (HP) into added value to society. This service should be made available preferably to the most vulnerable patients in terms of mobility, geographic distance, economic capacity or work constraints. Aim and Objectives To evaluate the knowledge of HP about TF in Portugal with regards to possible benefits and barriers for the implementation of a regulated and funded model for antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery proximity programme for people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). Material and Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out through application of a previously validated questionnaire to 32 HP in Portugal that provide ART. Outpatient care for HP and their perception of follow-up using TF was characterised. It was assessed whether there was a statistical correlation between medicines delivery proximity programme and remote follow-up of PLHIV. Results Our data shows that more than two thirds of the HP have opening hours outside regular hours and >90% are opened during lunchtime. More than half of PLHIV live close to the hospital, >80% have outreach programmes that are close to PLHIV, and around 60% have long-distance follow-up for this pathology. More than 60% of HPs believe that TF is useful in the absence of face-to-face contacts. There is a consensus about the advantages of TF for patients, HP and health systems. All HP have considered an elaboration of a TF regulation manual and its inclusion in hospital funding. We have found correlation between the existence of ART delivery proximity programme to PLHIV and high rurality (p<0.05) and low population density (p<0.05). The existence of ART delivery proximity programme to PLHIV has also been associated with adherence to this service (p<0.05). Conclusion and Relevance The results of this study suggest that medicines delivery proximity programme and the follow-up of patients through TF enhance the adherence of PLHIV, thus avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital. Distance or time constraints are minimised and health outcomes are maximised. References and/or Acknowledgements 1. Sociedad Española Farmacia Hospitalaria. Proyecto MAPEX: marco estratégico en telefarmacia, Available from: https://www.sefh.es/mapex/images/Telefarmacia_SEFH.pdf Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.