Remote pharmacy verification is a process where a remote pharmacist evaluates the store’s compliance with current Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements. The business typically uses telecommunication to connect the remote pharmacist to their employees. It is much easier to verify the store’s compliance this way because it saves time and focuses on issues that are unique to their location, like delivery schedules and inventory problems.
Pharmacists who remotely verify stores often use one of two methods: in person or telephone visit. In person visits allow for more detailed observations, as well as connecting with more employees and managers than phone-based verification calls would permit. Phone-based verification calls tend to be more efficient, especially with foreign language barriers and legal requirements, for the pharmacy to be audited.
In person visits allow for the pharmacist to make more detailed observations, resulting in a better understanding of the store. Verification in person also allows for connection with more employees than phone-based verification calls would permit; this may be especially beneficial when looking into schedule adherence or employee problems. In addition, verification in person is less prone to miscommunications from language barriers and misinterpretation of questions or answers because there is less room for error when referring back to notes.
Phone-based verification calls are more efficient, especially when the pharmacy is located in a foreign country or the language barrier is present. The audit is able to move along much quicker, which in turn saves time and money. Miscommunications through language barriers and misinterpretation of questions or answers are less of a problem because there is less room for error when referring back to notes.
Remote pharmacy verification is especially helpful for larger companies or companies with many retail locations. The pharmacy does not have to travel, which saves time and money. Some pharmacies even use remote verification to audit their own locations; this gives the business an opportunity to double check the work done by their in-house pharmacist and ensure that everything is up-to-date.
The most difficult part of remote pharmacy verification is finding a remote pharmacist who is willing to do it.
The main issue that can arise from remote pharmacy verification is that it cannot provide as much detailed information as an in person visit can. In addition, there may be legal issues with interpreting questions over the phone.
