Applying the Delphi technique to define ‘medication wastage’

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to apply the consensus-based Delphi technique to define ‘medication wastage’ and its contributory factors.MethodThe Delphi technique was employed in this study, applying a minimum agreement consensus level of 75%. An expert panel comprising 26 professionals and six patients was recruited and communicated with by email. Round 1 comprised open-ended questions focusing on proposing a definition for ‘medication wastage’ and listing possible contributing factors. In round 2, respondents were requested to rank eight definitions of ‘medication wastage’, derived from round 1, in order of preference. Themes related to contributory factors were presented as 5-point Likert statements. Round 3 included statements that did not meet consensus in round 2.ResultsTwenty-seven consented to participate, 23 of whom responded to both rounds. Of the eight options for defining ‘medication wastage’, the highest ranked was ‘Medication wastage refers to any medication which expires or remains unused throughout the whole medicines supply chain. Also refers to the unnecessary or inappropriate consumption of medications by patients, or the unjustified non-adherence to treatment guidelines by healthcare professionals. Medication wastage poses a financial burden on patients themselves and the state's economy and requires adequate education of all people concerned’. Themes related to factors associated with wastage included physical/environmental, social/psychological (patient/practitioner) and cultural.ConclusionsA high level of consensus was achieved on a definition of medication wastage from a diverse panel of academics, practitioners, government officials, officials from non-governmental organisations, and patients in Malta.

A cross-sectional survey of the Maltese general public on medication wastage

“…The questionnaire was developed based on existing literature 5,6,[14][15][16] ; findings of previous Delphi technique study 10 and theoretical frameworks which try to determine individuals' decisions to behave in a certain way (Health Belief Model and Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change). One of the theoretical frameworks used in this study, the Health Belief Model takes into account the individual's past experiences and characteristics.…”

“…Questionnaires were sent by email to a panel of ten senior colleagues and/or participants from the Delphi study 10 for face and content validity review. A pilot study using a random sample of 100 members of the Maltese general public was carried.…”

“…The development of complex interventions which aim to minimise medication wastage should be based on robust evidence such as that generated through a systematic review of the published literature, followed by the development of a theoretical understanding of behaviours and potential process of change. 9 The research presented in this paper is part of a programme of research involving: a systematic review of the literature on medication wastage 3 ; a consensus based study to define and scope medication wastage 10 ; and collection of data from healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general public on their perspectives of medication wastage. The combined data will be used to develop a medication wastage reduction intervention.…”

“Don’t Let Medicines Go to Waste”—A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Pharmacists’ Waste-Reducing Activities Across Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

“…In terms of prescription medications, medication waste is defined as any medication that remains unused or expires anywhere along the medicine supply chain ( West et al, 2015 ). Medication waste can occur at the prescriber, pharmacist and patient levels.…”

The Extent of Medicine Wastages in a Tertiary Hospital in Brunei: 10 Years’ Retrospective Study From 2006 to 2016

“…It also refers to any medication, which expires or remains unused throughout the whole medicine supply chain [1]. In this paper, we are referring to the terminology of medication wastage as to medicines which expire or remain unused throughout the whole medicine supply chain.…”