Teleconsultation in pharmacies makes it possible to reach a doctor in less than three minutes, with or without an appointment.
- The teleconsultation can take place with the pharmacist, at the doctor’s discretion.
- The patient is debited from his bank account and then reimbursed according to the same terms as in a classic consultation
The government programMy health 2022” had already made it its priority, but the coronavirus epidemic has accelerated the deployment of teleconsultation in pharmacies. “The central role of the community pharmacist in the system described by the government is beyond doubt for us. It is the central pivot of local care. Through teleconsultation, it makes it possible to integrate into the equation of access to care vulnerable populations or populations less experienced in new technologies. And this everywhere in France, insofar as the pharmacies are not concerned by the medical deserts”, says Arnault Billy, Managing Director of maiia*.
Medical devices connected via USB
In concrete terms, the pharmacist provides the patient with a technical platform comprising a computer connected to the Internet, equipped with a webcam, a microphone and medical devices connected via USB (stethoscope, otoscope and blood pressure monitor, oximeter). “The idea is of course not to compete with doctors, but to be present on the medical deserts”explains Gilles Bonnefond, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists (USPO).
The teleconsultation can take place with the pharmacist, at the doctor’s discretion. The latter can in particular assist him when using the connected instruments. “The equipment of pharmacies is essential for the consultation to take place in good conditions”adds Gilles Bonnefond.
After the teleconsultation, the patient is debited from his bank account and then reimbursed according to the same terms as in a classic consultation. He then has the possibility of transmitting any dematerialized prescription – 74% of teleconsultations are subject to a prescription – to his pharmacist and thus leaving with his treatment.
Need to be accompanied
If teleconsultation is now part of the daily life of nearly one in three French people, many are not yet using it, for various reasons**:
– their attending physician does not use it;
– lack of knowledge of the practice;
– a preference for physical consultations;
– a need to be accompanied. Retired people represent only 10% of teleconsultations, due to lack of computer skills.
“Teleconsultation in pharmacies can also be very useful for patients suffering from chronic pathologies or following a complicated treatment to take, such as oral anti-cancer drugs for example.adds Gilles Bonnefond. It also avoids moving tired patients, and putting them in contact with hospitals when they are away from home.”
* 1,600 pharmacies have already been equipped with the Maiia device.
** Source: CSA study carried out in 2020.
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