Pharmacists' Activities to Reduce Medication Waste: An International Survey

Charlotte L. Bekker, Helga Gardarsdottir, Antoine C. G. Egberts, Marcel L. Bouvy, Bart J. F. van den Bemt*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Aim: To identify activities that pharmacists undertake to reduce medication waste, and to assess the extent to which these activities are implemented, their importance for waste-reduction and feasibility for broad implementation. Methods: A two-phase survey was conducted among community and hospital pharmacists working in different developed countries. Phase one used an open-ended questionnaire to identify activities undertaken by pharmacists. Answers were thematically analysed to construct a list of medication waste-reducing activities. In phase two, a questionnaire was disseminated among pharmacists from different countries, to assess if these activities are implemented (yes/no), their importance and feasibility (1 to 5 ranking scale). Results: In phase one, 53 pharmacists participated and 14 activities were identified. These were categorized into the pharmaceutical supply chain: prescribing, dispensing (pharmacy/patient-related) and leftover stage. In phase two, 89 pharmacists participated. Most activities were implemented by a minority of pharmacists. Reducing medication amounts in stock was most frequently implemented (dispensing stage pharmacy-related; 86%), followed by collecting unused medications (leftover stage; 77%) and performing a medication review (dispensing stage; 68%). Waste-reducing activities in the dispensing stage activities were both considered most important and feasible (ranked 4). Overall, most activities scored higher on importance than on feasibility. Conclusions: Pharmacists have various opportunities to reduce medication waste throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain, however, not all are broadly implemented. Pharmacists consider waste-reducing activities important, but they are less certain about the feasibility for implementation in practice.
Original languageEnglish
Article number94
Number of pages14
JournalPharmacy
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2018

Keywords

  • medication waste
  • unused medication
  • pharmacy practice
  • clinical pharmacy
  • survey research
  • RETURNED MEDICINES
  • COMMUNITY PHARMACIES
  • DISRUPTION
  • PRODUCTS
  • COSTS
  • WATER
  • FISH

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pharmacists' Activities to Reduce Medication Waste: An International Survey'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this