Internet-based pharmacy and centralised dispensing: an exploratory mixed-methods study of the views of family practice staff

Abstract

Objectives Over the last decade, technological advances, market competition and increasing pressures for efficiencies across healthcare systems have resulted in changes to the processes and policies involved in medicines prescribing and dispensing. The aim of this study was to explore the views of family practice staff, including GPs, on the perceived impact of changes associated with remote dispensing and the increasing availability of distance-selling pharmacies.Methods Exploratory mixed-methods study using qualitative focus groups and an online cross-sectional survey distributed to a non-probability sample of staff from family practices across England. Survey items were developed based on existing literature and initial thematic analysis from the focus groups and adapted using cognitive interviewing techniques. Key findings Findings suggest that family practice staff believe that where and how prescriptions are dispensed impacts on their practice and patients. Frequent contact with distance-selling pharmacies is not common; however, highlighted concerns included patient safety issues and the potential threat to the loss of valued elements and sustainability of community pharmacy and dispensing practices. Identified concerns and experiences are unlikely to be routinely discussed within or between practices, limiting opportunities for shared learning and consideration of the potential impact of changes to dispensing processes and policies. Conclusions Further research is needed to confirm these exploratory findings, due to the low response rate and sample size. Findings, nevertheless, highlight how wider changes in dispensing processes may have unintended consequences on other aspects of the healthcare system.Internet has also had a profound effect on the way patients access not only health information, but also their medicines. [3] There has been an associated growth in the availability of Internet-based pharmacy, including established chain and large retail pharmacies that operate online or manage online portals for mail-order pharmacy services, brick and mortar pharmacies that have an online presence, and pharmacies that operate solely online. [6] Although there is some evidence from the United States to support the potential advantages of mail-order pharmacy, [7] much of the available literature on Internet pharmacy tends to focus on the controversies and legalities of

The Emergent Business of Internet Pharmacies: Convenience, Risks, Regulatory Policies and Future

“…And with the passage of time, this online customer base is going to broaden [6]. According to the "Statista" Website, the bulk of global internet pharmacy business was $29.4 billion in the year 2014 and it is estimated to reach $128 billion by 2023 [7].…”

“…Customers have also stated that it is faster to buy online. Online medicine is also relatively inexpensive as many types of charges drop [7]. As one has always the option to check whether in any other online seller the medicine is cheaper.…”