The redistribution of medicines: could it become a reality ?

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Author
McRae, David
Allman, Mark
James, Delyth
Date
2016-05-30Acceptance date
2016-04-19
Type
Article
Publisher
Wiley Online Library
ISSN
0961-7671
2042-7174 (ESSN)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Aims and objectives
Prescription medicines that are returned unused to pharmacies in the United Kingdom (UK) cannot be supplied (or redistributed) to other patients. The aim of the study was to investigate whether or not consensus could be achieved between pharmacists on the barriers and potential solutions they perceive towards the redistribution of returned medicines.
Methods
A two-round electronic modified Delphi study was employed. Statements were generated following qualitative interviews (n = 29) with doctors, nurses and pharmacists from primary and secondary care from one Health Board (HB) in South East Wales. The Delphi panel were asked to rate the degree to which they agreed (or disagreed) with each statement. The panel was recruited via an email invitation forwarded to all hospital (n = 70), primary care (n = 11) and community pharmacists (n = 77) from one HB in South East Wales.
Key findings
Two rounds of Delphi were completed by 17 pharmacists. Consensus was achieved for seven (n = 26) ‘barrier’ and seven (n = 16) ‘solution’ statements. From the statements which achieved consensus, it was identified that the following criteria would need to be met for pharmacists to potentially accept the redistribution of medicines in solid dosage forms (tablets and capsules): protection for pharmacists; guidance from the professional regulator; tamper evident seals; ‘as new’ packaging; technologies to indicate inappropriate storage and public engagement.
Conclusions
This study suggests that pharmacists would potentially be willing to redistribute medicines in solid dosage forms if certain criteria are met.
Journal/conference proceeding
International Journal of Pharmacy Practice
Citation
McRae, D., Allman, M. and James, D. (2016) 'The redistribution of medicines: could it become a reality?', International Journal of Pharmacy Practice. doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12275
Description
This article was published in International Journal of Pharmacy Practice on 30 May 2016 (online), available at http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1111/ijpp.12275
Rights
Non-CommercialCollections
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