A. Leversha, C. Pendergast, J.S. Humphreys, R. James, C. Colley, S. Marty, & P. Bommer
A trial of videoconferencing between a pharmacy in an Australian regional town and a pharmacy depot located in a small isolated community was conducted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (Victorian Branch) and Monash University. The videoconferencing was used for patient medication counselling and to assist the pharmacist to make a more accurate diagnosis of conditions that are presented at a community pharmacy.
Prior to the trial, residents from the small remote community where the depot is situated were surveyed to assess their needs for pharmacy services, and how well these were being provided in the local area when the nearest local pharmacy was 80km away. The pharmacy videoconferencing trial was conducted over a six month period. During the trial, the pharmacist located at the regional centre recorded details of the videoconferencing consultations, and the customers provided feedback after using videoconferencing counselling. A post-trial community survey was conducted to evaluate both the effectiveness of the technology and the extent to which access to pharmacy services and primary health care for isolated consumers was improved as a result of the new service.
Preliminary results indicated widespread acceptance of the new technology as a means of improving access of isolated residents to pharmacy services. The trial highlights the importance of developing appropriate sustainable models of providing health services for non-metropolitan residents who are disadvantaged by their remote geographical location and the small size of their communities.