Pharmacist contribution to myHealth portal

Abstract

myHealth is a digital health platform in Malta that facilitates access to medical information for patients and healthcare professionals. Pharmacists currently lack direct access to this platform, limiting their role in integrated care. The aim of this study was to evaluate perceptions of the myHealth platform and to explore opportunities to enhance pharmaceutical services through pharmacist integration. A validated bilingual questionnaire was distributed to healthcare professionals and the general public, with supplementary insights gathered from a focus group of eight healthcare professionals. The study was conducted in a community pharmacy setting. Key outcomes included attitudes toward pharmacist access, usage patterns, and suggestions for platform enhancement. A total of 189 responses were collected: 37% from healthcare professionals and 63% from the public. Most respondents were female (78%), with the largest age group being 31–40 years (23%). Awareness of the myHealth platform was high (95%), with 84% understanding its services and 83% having used the portal. Only 28% had scheduled appointments via the system. Support for pharmacist access was strong, with 84% agreeing it would improve medication management, care coordination, and reduce errors. Furthermore, 94% supported uploading pharmacy-based pharmaceutical services, such as blood pressure or glucose readings, to the portal to ensure a more comprehensive health record. A minority (16%) expressed concerns over privacy and data security. Focus group discussions reinforced the role of myHealth as a bridge between primary and secondary care. Participants highlighted the benefits of enabling pharmacist access for medication reconciliation, adherence monitoring, and care continuity. Suggestions included introducing a user-friendly interface for older adults and expanding digital pharmaceutical services such as telepharmacy. In conclusion, both patients and healthcare professionals supported expanding pharmacist involvement in myHealth. Integration could enhance medication therapy management, improve provider communication, and strengthen patient safety. Suggested developments such as telepharmacy and digital service documentation could address accessibility gaps, particularly for vulnerable populations. This evolution positions myHealth as a fundamental tool in delivering coordinated, high-quality care across healthcare settings.