Effects of remote counseling telepharmacy program on patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Poor adherence during the intensive phase of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) treatment increases the risk of treatment failure, drug resistance, and transmission. This study evaluated a pharmacist-led telepharmacy program using the LINE application to strengthen adherence and patient engagement. Twenty-four newly diagnosed pulmonary TB outpatients at Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital were randomized to receive either standard care plus telepharmacy or standard care alone. The intervention provided daily video monitoring, reminders, educational messages, side-effect management, and pharmacist consultations over 2 months. After 8 weeks, the telepharmacy group showed significantly higher adherence and knowledge scores, and all detected drug-related problems were resolved. Although sputum conversion and chest X-ray improvement occurred more often in the intervention group, the results were not statistically significant. Patients reported high satisfaction, noting convenience, reduced travel, and continuous pharmacist support. Telepharmacy with video-observed treatment offers a practical, patient-centered model to improve TB care.