The Ambulatory Care SAG on Clinical Practice Advancement kicked off the 2017 Midyear Clinical Meeting with a networking session on Telehealth that provided motivation as well as information to all that attended. There was a lot of discussion within the small groups on the strengths and challenges of various telehealth models.
For many reasons, most telehealth is still provided via telephone encounters between patients and providers. The session participants discussed the importance of having systems/protocols in place to address new complaints or acute symptoms that cannot be addressed over the phone, and the need to still have interprofessional collaboration to address issues beyond the scope of the phone interaction. Though many clinical pharmacists can increase efficiency and productivity using telephone visits, the lack of revenue generated from these encounters can make it difficult to expand a telehealth practice. Workflow issues were discussed, as several providers may “squeeze in” time for phone calls between face-to-face visits, during their dedicated administrative time, or during their lunch breaks (which we all know do not exist!).
A small group of attendees shared their experiences with telehealth in virtual spaces. Since virtual platforms are web-based, both patients and providers have the freedom to communicate face-to-face using a variety of smart devices. Patients and providers interact with each other in the same way they would with family or friends using Skype© or Facetime©. In addition to making clinical interventions, pharmacists described using the web camera to conduct pill counts, review /observe injection technique, and provide device training. It was encouraging to hear about pharmacists being included in opportunities for web-based healthcare. However, the costs and security issues involved with these platforms are barriers to their widespread use at this time.
The ambulatory care pharmacists at the session were enthusiastic about going back to their practices with ideas to either implement or expand telehealth models. A lot of great ideas came from pharmacists caring for patient populations with low access to care (rural practices, home health, etc.). As we expand our use of technology and innovation, many attendees were planning on ways to integrate teaching, learning, and outcomes research into telehealth initiatives. With regards to workflow improvements, billing opportunities, and collaborative practice, we all still have lots of room for growth in the telehealth landscape. Networking sessions like these will continue supporting the profession as we elevate our practices to new heights.
Adraine L. Lyles, PharmD, BCPS, CDE
Family Medicine Clinical Pharmacist
Naval Hospital Jacksonville