Access to Media and Emerging Technologies: An Evolving Opportunity for Pharmacists to Contribute to Improving Health Outcomes

To the Editor:

Access to media and emerging technologies (AMET) are now essential for health-related activities including but not limited to engaging in telehealth, making appointments with providers, accessing test results or medical records, and management chronic conditions.^1-3 In 2017, the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) urged federal agencies to improve internet access across the country to allow for widespread use of health technology. ⁴ The ongoing pandemic has emphasized the AMIA’s pleas and importance of internet access by all populations for connections to credible information and to halt the digital divide. ⁵ In addition, scholars are advocating for the inclusion of AMET within social determinants of health because of its downstream effects on health outcomes.^5,6 With an intentionality about looking beyond medications, pharmacists are in a unique position to leverage AMET and adopt a holistic approach to patient care bolstering the movement toward health equity.

Practice advancements have allowed pharmacists to engage in the delivery of both acute and chronic disease state care via telehealth. Furthermore, pharmacists in various health care settings can engage with technology associated with remote patient monitoring (ie, blood pressure cuffs, continuous glucose monitors, scales) to track patient progress and move toward improved health outcomes. Pharmacists should continue to embrace technological advancements and advocate for patient access to media and emerging technologies whether it be through application for grant funding or political lobbying. Advocacy will allow for continued access to the benefits of AMET for all and continued positive impact on health outcomes. Although the benefit of increasing AMET is clear, challenges still abound.

The risks of misinformation, disinformation, and politicization of biomedical science are an increasing concern with the growing use of the internet and health technologies. Misinformation is the sharing of inaccurate or misleading information in an unintentional way and disinformation is the deliberate dissemination of inaccurate or false information in order to influence public opinion or obscure truth.^7,8 Considerations of misinformation and disinformation may seem far removed from pharmacist responsibilities; however, they are well intertwined with our daily interactions with patients, caregivers, and the public given the expansion of medical freedom and antiscience. ⁹ Misinformation and disinformation can threaten movement towards positive health outcomes. Due to a belief in misinformation or disinformation, scientifically proven facts previously presented to a patient can be misconstrued or all together refuted.

Pharmacists should remain intentional about the delivery of current clinical evidence and doing so with appropriate communication techniques. Pharmacists are equipped to both research and identify the most recent information about various clinical issues. As the role of the pharmacist continues to expand and patient centered care remains paramount, communication of health related information will remain a vital component of daily practice. ¹⁰ The discussion of up to date medical information and counseling is futile without ensuring information is delivered in a way that patients understand. When and if presented with misinformation or disinformation, pharmacists should adapt their communication style to various patient needs to achieve patient-centered care. ¹¹ Employing counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing, reflective listening, and verification of health literacy can help overcome barriers associated with misinformation and disinformation to resume the movement towards positive health outcomes.

Increasing AMET can have a positive or negative impact on patients’ overall health and well-being. On the 1 hand, AMET can increase access to care and result in positive experiences, better chronic health management, and improved outcomes. Conversely, there is a possibility of greater access to misinformation, disinformation, or promotion of unregulated therapies which may have little to no benefit or even cause harm. Pharmacists must be aware of AMET’s possible impact on their patients as they are frequently tasked with public engagement and communication. Pharmacists must remain vigilant to provide patient-centered counseling, address concerns holistically, and provide facts to achieve positive health outcomes. AMET will be a critical concept as we continue to train future pharmacists. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards 3 and 4 incorporate elements that are fundamental for overcoming misinformation and disinformation. ¹² Leveraging media and emerging technologies to provide patient-centered care should be directly addressed in the didactic and experiential pharmacy curricula in order to equip future pharmacists with the skills needed to practice in an ever-changing technological environment. It is critical that we advocate for AMET for all to improve health equity, while remembering we are responsible for helping patients overcome challenges and improving their overall health and well-being.