WHILE instant prescriptions may be the way of the future, risk managements needs to be the present-day focus, according to an article published on The Conversation.
Although many online services require video or phone consultation with a healthcare professional before the issuing of a prescription, some newer technologies that are emerging do not, especially for new health problems (PD 06 Feb).
"Missing out on a face-to-face consultation in these cases creates the potential for misdiagnosis," the article read.
"A person is more likely to be prescribed a medicine that may not be the most appropriate for their condition.
"Many health-care decisions mean weighing up the pros and cons of medical treatment with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
"These online services may not allow people to make fully informed decisions about their healthcare."
The article also discussed concerns raised by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, with a review of 22 studies finding that 82% showed a significant reduction in deaths with increased continuity of care with the same general practitioner.
"Digital consultations, however, have the potential to cause fragmented care...a person may 'see' a variety of different providers online," it said.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Feb 20
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