Telepharmacy-based mobile health for diabetes care: models, benefits, and barriers-a scoping review.
8 affiliations
- 1Doctoral Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia.
- 2Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Tadulako, Central Sulawesi, Palu, 94118, Indonesia.
- 3Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia.
- 4Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bandung, West Java, 40135, Indonesia.
- 5Computer Science, Nusa Putra University, Sukabumi, West Java, 43152, Indonesia.
- 6Drug Use and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia.
- 7Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia. [email protected].
- 8Drug Use and Pharmacoepidemiology Research Group, Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia. [email protected].
Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) requires continuous care to prevent complications. Telepharmacy delivered via mobile health (mHealth) applications offers a potential solution, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, the roles of pharmacists within such applications have not been comprehensively mapped.Objective
This scoping review aims to: (1) map existing models of telepharmacy-based mHealth applications for diabetes care, (2) describe the roles and functions of pharmacists within these models, and (3) synthesise the reported benefits and barriers associated with their implementation.Methods
The review followed the Arksey & O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 20 May 2026. Studies were eligible if they involved pharmacists, used a mobile application for telepharmacy, and targeted any type of diabetes. Data extraction covered study characteristics, pharmacist roles, application features, benefits, and barriers.Results
Of 227 records, 6 studies (632 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted in Malaysia, China, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia covering type 1, type 2, elderly type 2, and gestational diabetes. Pharmacist roles included digital coach, educational facilitator, clinical consultant, and therapy monitor. Key application features comprised electronic medical records, counselling dashboards, adherence and quality of life assessments, medication reminders, and lifestyle monitoring. Reported benefits included improved glycaemic control (HbA1c reduction up to 0.79%), blood pressure, medication adherence, and quality of life (p < 0.05 where reported). Barriers included low digital literacy, technical issues (data synchronisation), waning long-term motivation, and economic constraints (subscription costs).Conclusion
Telepharmacy-based mHealth applications with active pharmacist involvement may contribute to improving comprehensive diabetes management. However, evidence is currently limited. Future applications should prioritise user-centred design, sustainable engagement strategies, and supportive policy frameworks.Clinical trial number
Not applicable.
Related
- Age differences in motivations, barriers, and facilitators of wearable and mobile app use in a government-led digital health initiative: a qualitative study
- Balancing clinical benefits and behavioral risks of obesity-focused management in youth-onset type 2 diabetes: A narrative review
- Perceived severity and benefits show a preliminary conditional association with kidney-protective behaviors in type 2 diabetes with early kidney function decline: an exploratory health belief model analysis
- Inguinal Hernia Repair Under Local Anesthesia: Benefits, Contraindications, Barriers to Use; A Narrative Review
- Barriers, benefits, and unmet needs in full-time, off-the-job training among oncology nurses: a qualitative descriptive study.
BibTeX
@article{rumi2026telepharmacybased,
title = {{Telepharmacy-based mobile health for diabetes care: models, benefits, and barriers-a scoping review.}},
author = {Amelia Rumi and Mila Karisma Fitriawati and Fakih Haikal and Risnandar and Ivan Surya Pradipta and Dika Pramita Destiani},
journal = {BMC medical informatics and decision making},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12911-026-03736-2},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42928175},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Telepharmacy-based mobile health for diabetes care: models, benefits, and barriers-a scoping review.
AU - Amelia Rumi
AU - Mila Karisma Fitriawati
AU - Fakih Haikal
AU - Risnandar
AU - Ivan Surya Pradipta
AU - Dika Pramita Destiani
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/29
JO - BMC medical informatics and decision making
DO - 10.1186/s12911-026-03736-2
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42928175
AB - Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) requires continuous care to prevent complications. Telepharmacy delivered via mobile health (mHealth) applications offers a potential solution, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, the roles of pharmacists within such applications have not been comprehensively mapped.Objective This scoping review aims to: (1) map existing models of telepharmacy-based mHealth applications for diabetes care, (2) describe the roles and functions of pharmacists within these models, and (3) synthesise the reported benefits and barriers associated with their implementation.Methods The review followed the Arksey & O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 20 May 2026. Studies were eligible if they involved pharmacists, used a mobile application for telepharmacy, and targeted any type of diabetes. Data extraction covered study characteristics, pharmacist roles, application features, benefits, and barriers.Results Of 227 records, 6 studies (632 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted in Malaysia, China, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia covering type 1, type 2, elderly type 2, and gestational diabetes. Pharmacist roles included digital coach, educational facilitator, clinical consultant, and therapy monitor. Key application features comprised electronic medical records, counselling dashboards, adherence and quality of life assessments, medication reminders, and lifestyle monitoring. Reported benefits included improved glycaemic control (HbA1c reduction up to 0.79%), blood pressure, medication adherence, and quality of life (p < 0.05 where reported). Barriers included low digital literacy, technical issues (data synchronisation), waning long-term motivation, and economic constraints (subscription costs).Conclusion Telepharmacy-based mHealth applications with active pharmacist involvement may contribute to improving comprehensive diabetes management. However, evidence is currently limited. Future applications should prioritise user-centred design, sustainable engagement strategies, and supportive policy frameworks.Clinical trial number Not applicable.
SN - 1472-6947
ER -