The redistribution of medicines: could it become a reality?

Abstract

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.

How do people conceptualise the reuse of medicines? An interview study

“…Because the implementation of medicines reuse in the UK would rely heavily on people's uptake of this idea, we have set out to develop an understanding of what the public thinks about this concept. To date, no formal research study has examined the general public's views about and openness to the idea of medicines reuse, although one study does exist that focuses on pharmacists’ views . The aim of the current research was to capture people's beliefs about medicines reuse and to map the determinants of people's intentions to take part in medicines reuse behaviour.…”

“…To date, no formal research study has examined the general public's views about and openness to the idea of medicines reuse, although one study does exist that focuses on pharmacists' views. [14] The aim of the current research was to capture people's beliefs about medicines reuse and to map the determinants of people's intentions to take part in medicines reuse behaviour. The research question was 'what are the behavioural determinants of medicines reuse?'…”

Enhancing Pharmaceutical Packaging through a Technology Ecosystem to Facilitate the Reuse of Medicines and Reduce Medicinal Waste

“…Previous studies have shown that patients and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector generally accept the concept of reusing dispensed medicines as long as certain criteria are met. Bekker et al [17] investigated patients' willingness to use recycled medicines, McRae et al [18] looked at the same issue through the healthcare professionals' perspective, and Bekker et al [16] went further to collect the views from all related stakeholders. A more systematic analysis of human behaviors for reuse of medicines in the UK was reported by Alhamad et al [19], and the three beliefs based on the TPB were studied using a thematic analysis of the associated attitudes after interviewing the local community.…”

“…The reuse of medicines is a behavior that can be studied using behavioral sciences [16,17]. Within this perspective, technologies are essential to facilitate attitude change by validating that the medicines returned back to pharmacies have maintained their quality and are safe to use [18,19]. The reuse of prescribed medicines, especially in the UK, is an underexplored research area and the corresponding technologies facilitating this action seem to be an uncharted territory.…”

“…Similarly, it could be argued that the application of technology could influence people to engage in medication reuse by addressing the relevant determinants of intentions to take part in such a scheme in the future. Qualitative studies, as well as the application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) have previously analyzed intentions and actions towards the returning and re-dispensing of medicines [16][17][18][19], and there are technologies that can help shape user behaviors towards the goal of medicines reuse.…”