Clinical pharmacy and telemedicine: an opportunity to improve epilepsy management

Abstract

Clinical pharmacy, as defined by the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy, is a comprehensive professional practice encompassing all pharmacist profiles regardless of the setting. It focuses on promoting optimal drug utilization for patient-centric clinical outcomes. Telemedicine leverages information and communication technologies for remote healthcare delivery, bridging geographical gaps. The integration of clinical pharmacy and telemedicine is crucial in modern healthcare paradigms, especially for patients with chronic illnesses. In 2021, marketing authorization was granted for cenobamate as adjunctive treatment for focal-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults with epilepsy who have not been adequately controlled despite a history of treatment with at least two antiepileptic medicinal products. This review emphasizes the synergistic role of clinical pharmacists and neurologists in utilizing telemedicine for patient counselling, drug information dissemination, adverse drug reaction surveillance, and personalized medication management within the context of epilepsy care. This integration could enhance patient safety, therapeutic outcomes and address socio-economic challenges faced by chronic patients.