Alternative delivery methods for pharmacy services

In many developed countries, the provision of pharmacy services is no longer restricted to the traditional "walk-in" or face-to-face approach. This paper examines whether alternative delivery methods provide patients with pharmacy services that meet their medication and related information needs, and discusses professional issues and the implications for practice. Although not appropriate for everyone, studies show that many patients do accept the alternative means of service delivery examined here. For some patients, such as those with mobility problems or who live in remote areas, technology-driven alternatives may be preferred. Health care professionals must take steps to address legitimate concerns about the protection of patient safety and confidentiality. To increase patient choice, the pharmacy profession needs to look closely at the positive aspects of these alternatives, as they can be incorporated in "traditional" pharmacy practice.