Networking Initiative for Digital Health System Development to Empower Rural Population in Malaysia on the Quality Use of Medicine.

Introduction Digital technologies are, to date, crucially integrated into our daily life. Various innovations and applications of these technologies were developed and are happening at an unprecedented scale. However, its application to improve populations’ health and well-being is still observing a large gap, especially in developing countries. Digital health refers to the use of information and communications technologies in medicine and other health professions to manage illnesses and health risks and promote wellness. In Malaysia, Digital Health Malaysia (DHM), previously known as Telemedicine Development Group (TDG), was formed in 2015 following the first telemedicine conference. It is a platform where healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry collaborate to advance the digital health agenda. Problem Statement Non-adherence to medication has always been a burden worldwide, including Malaysia. Despite huge subsidisation schemes on medications provided by the government, the quality use of medicines, especially for the rural population, is still questionable. This has impacted the country not only economically but also in psychosocial and environmental aspects. The rate of medication non-adherence among many Asian countries was reported to be around 40%–80%. In Malaysia, the non-adherence rate was about 50%, like the adherence rates among patients with chronic illnesses. Several studies suggest that the rural population has contributed to the high rate of non-adherence compared to the urban population. The digital health initiatives and services have not been successfully reached out to and benefited the rural population of the country. With a lack of systems, internet coverage devices, and assistance, these populations were far from getting access to health education, literacy, medication counselling, and other services that can be provided by pharmacists via digital health platforms. One of the services, such as telepharmacy, can potentially improve pharmaceutical care service delivery by reducing medication errors and adverse drug events. Furthermore, telepharmacy has the potential to benefit remote and rural areas with limited access to health professionals and facilities. The practical and efficient use of health information technology will be of infinite importance; it will increase pharmacist accessibility, improve patient quality of life and satisfaction with healthcare services, minimise resources, and improve patient clinical outcomes. Objectives The aims of this project are: i) to strengthen the networking between researchers and other stakeholders in the UK and Malaysia interested in this project; ii) to develop telepharmacy services by having one remote population as a model; and iii) to conduct a trial run on patient’s education and QUM. Pharmacists today want to broaden their profession by providing more services to the rural community while also improving patient outcomes. As a result, tele-pharmacy services such as medication orders, medication history reviews, dispensing drugs, remote patient consultation, therapeutic drug monitoring, and medication therapy management are becoming more common. These services can be provided using eHealth tools like mobile consultations, software applications, and automated dispensing machines.