Survey of Online Medication Instruction

Abstract

In recent years, the expansion and improvement of online using information and communication technology is expected to improve the accessibility of medical care and prevent infectious diseases, however, online medication instruction has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, a survey was conducted to understand the status of the implementation of online medication instruction and the background of those who wish to receive it, in order to clarify future issues. Patients who received online medication instruction from 34 outlets of the C.C. Core Pharmacy Group, Inc., were included in the study. Online medication instructions were provided by approximately 90% pharmacies. However, the utilization rate was not high, with 201 cases in 3 months, and approximately 30% of the total number of users used the service more than once. In addition, more than 50% users were under the age of 30, suggesting that users’ age may be influenced by their living conditions. Furthermore, the most common diseases among users were the common cold (approximately 25%) and skin diseases such as skin allergy (approximately 20%). Thus, it was concluded that the suitability of a disease for online medical care may be affected. To promote online medication management, patients need to be offered options such as medication management that fits into their daily schedules. In addition, it is necessary to expand the use of online medication instruction under new conditions while considering the safety and appropriateness of continued use by patients who have experienced online medication instruction.