DIGITAL PHARMACY AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE ECOSYSTEM IN AFRICA: PERCEPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Ernest Tambo*, Thomas A Anyorigiya, Alice Matimba, Ahmed A Adedeji and Jeanne Yonkeu Ngogang

ABSTRACT

Background: The evolving digital pharmacy and pharmacovigilance is a game changer in pharmacy services and practices in many spheres globally. The article highlights future opportunities in digital pharmacy services and pharmacovigilance and assesses evolving drawbacks and issues in emerging field practices and population perceptions in Africa. Methods: A systematic web-based survey of peer-reviewed publications on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science databases and other acknowledged scientific internet based sources were assessed and analysed. Results: Our findings provide insights into advances and future transformation in digital pharmacy services and market expansion, infrastructure improvements and participatory treatment offers to consolidate and maximize on innovative and exciting scientific, medical, technological and care delivery breakthroughs. It also highlight challenges and issues not only its adoption and integration, innovative options in overhauling health systems and improving real time pharmacy practices and care support systems, but also in enhancing monitoring of adverse drug reactions and safety profile prospects that promote healthier community resilience. It also offers new multiple opportunities to stakeholders, business development and real time innovative community pharmacy practices. Conclusion: Digital pharmacy is an emerging field that will promote the development and integration of digital health rights and shared responsibility. Also support the strengthening of effective collaboration between pharmacist and their community services, enhances accessible, coherent and participatory medication prescription, dispensing and treatment adherence. Moreover, insights into auctionable and sustainable strategies in emerging digital healthcare connectivity in contemporary lifestyle adaptations, quality care interventions and outcomes in Africa.

Keywords: Digital health, pharmacy, e-pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, prescription, medication.