Telepharmacy in Digital Pharmaceutical Care: Economic Effects, Access, and Service Continuity

Abstract

Purpose. This study examines the economic effects of telepharmacy, its contribution to access, and its role in maintaining pharmaceutical services, with particular attention to Ukraine under wartime disruption. Methods. A targeted integrative literature review and thematic synthesis combined systematic reviews, economic evaluations, primary studies, institutional documents and official Ukrainian sources. Searches were updated on 16 September 2026, and evidence was interpreted by study design, evaluation perspective and reported limitations. Results. Economic findings vary by perspective. Four of six economic evaluations reviewed by De Guzman et al. reported lower costs, although provider costs could increase when pharmacist time was reimbursed. Patient savings were most evident where telephone or video care avoided travel and time costs. Clinical evidence supports selected benefits for adherence and blood pressure, but equity remains poorly measured. During disruption, pharmacists can continue counseling, medication review, monitoring and advice on medicine availability through digital communication. Ukraine already has a national e-prescription and reimbursement system, and current law requires online pharmacies to offer pharmacist consultation during medicine ordering. Conclusions. Telepharmacy can reduce selected access costs and support service continuity, but its economic value depends on staffing, reimbursement, digital inclusion and the extent to which remote contacts replace existing resource use.