The influence of mobile health applications on Patient-pharmacist interaction

Abstract

Anas Ali Alhur*, Amal Alharbi, Areej Alnajem, Tariq Almatroudi, Abdulsalam Alhunayni, Kholoud Alshumrani, Zaiad Alghidani, Ghala Alamar, Abdulrahman Alsharidah, Alhussain Asiri, Rawan Alsaeed, Abdullah Alharbi, Waleed Almalki, Saleh Almaktoum, Wejdan Al Mustafa

Mobile health (mHealth) applications are redefining the healthcare landscape by enhancing patient engagement, medication adherence, and interaction between patients and pharmacists. These apps offer platforms for medication reminders, adherence monitoring, and patient education, empowering individuals to actively participate in their healthcare. However, their integration into pharmacy practice brings challenges, including digital literacy disparities, data security concerns, and over-reliance on technology. This paper examines the opportunities mHealth applications present for improving patient-pharmacist interaction, addresses the challenges they introduce, and proposes strategies for their effective integration into healthcare systems.