Dataset Information

"I'm not very skilled in using gadgets:" A qualitative exploration of the facilitators and barriers to using telepharmacy services among Filipino senior citizens.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Telepharmacy provides remote care by pharmacists to distant patients via telecommunications. It is a new service used in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its utilization among vulnerable populations, notably senior citizens, remains relatively unexplored.

Objective

This study explored the facilitators and barriers to telepharmacy use among senior citizens in Pasig City, Philippines. Pasig City, a highly urbanized area in Metro Manila, is known for its quality and accessible healthcare services and has a high population of senior citizens.

Methods

Six focus groups were conducted: three with telepharmacy users and three with non-users, each with 3-5 participants. Focus groups were concluded upon reaching data saturation, where no new insights emerged. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using deductive and inductive content analysis, guided by the Health Belief Model. Coding and data management were facilitated by MAXQDA software.

Results

Filipino senior citizens recognize the convenience and reliability of telepharmacy services for healthcare advice. Their use is influenced by social factors (friends, family, social media) and personal relevance, especially for those with chronic conditions. Positive experiences increase their likelihood of continued use and recommendations to peers. However, barriers such as poor service knowledge, low self-efficacy, and limited access (lack of smartphones, unreliable internet) hinder broader adoption.

Conclusions

Telepharmacy enhances the health and well-being of Filipino senior citizens by offering convenient and effective pharmaceutical care. However, barriers exist that need to be addressed through a multifaceted approach, including education and training for seniors, improved internet infrastructure, and the design of user-friendly platforms.

SUBMITTER: Carandang RR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11315059 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

"I'm not very skilled in using gadgets:" A qualitative exploration of the facilitators and barriers to using telepharmacy services among Filipino senior citizens.

Carandang Rogie Royce RR Ancheta Yedda Marie YM Beleno Geneveve G Gonzales Ana Madith AM Longaza Nicole Isabelle NI

Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy 20240710

<h4>Background</h4>Telepharmacy provides remote care by pharmacists to distant patients via telecommunications. It is a new service used in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its utilization among vulnerable populations, notably senior citizens, remains relatively unexplored.<h4>Objective</h4>This study explored the facilitators and barriers to telepharmacy use among senior citizens in Pasig City, Philippines. Pasig City, a highly urbanized area in Metro Manila, is known for ...[more]

PMID: 39131879

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Project description:IntroductionLittle is known about community-based interventions for geriatric depression in low-resource settings. This study assessed the effectiveness of 3-month-duration interventions with peer counseling, social engagement, and combination vs. control in improving depressive symptoms of community-dwelling Filipino senior citizens.MethodsWe conducted an open (non-blinded), non-randomized trial of senior citizens at risk for depression. Three different 3-month interventions included peer counseling (n = 65), social engagement (n = 66), and combination (n = 65) were compared with the control group (n = 68). We assessed geriatric depression, psychological resilience, perceived social support, loneliness, and working alliance scores at baseline and three months after the intervention. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03989284.ResultsGeriatric depression score over three months significantly improved in all intervention groups (control as reference). Significant improvements were also seen in psychological resilience and social support. Not all interventions, however, significantly improved the loneliness score. The combination group showed the largest effect of improving depressive symptoms (d = -1.33) whereas the social engagement group showed the largest effect of improving psychological resilience (d = 1.40), perceived social support (d = 1.07), and loneliness (d = -0.36) among senior citizens.ConclusionAt the community level, peer counseling, social engagement, and combination interventions were effective in improving depressive symptoms, psychological resilience, and social support among Filipino senior citizens. This study shows that it is feasible to identify senior citizens at risk for depression in the community and intervene effectively to improve their mental health. Further studies are required to target loneliness and investigate the long-term benefits of the interventions.Clinical trialClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03989284.

Dataset Information

"I'm not very skilled in using gadgets:" A qualitative exploration of the facilitators and barriers to using telepharmacy services among Filipino senior citizens.

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

"I'm not very skilled in using gadgets:" A qualitative exploration of the facilitators and barriers to using telepharmacy services among Filipino senior citizens.

Similar Datasets

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