DELIVERY OF SPECIALISED MEDICINES IN MEDICINE POST BOXES – A PILOT STUDY
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European Statement
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Author(s)
Maja Kirstine Brøns, Gitte Borup
Why was it done?
The purpose was to move medicine collection from the outpatient clinics to a MPB in order to reduce CO2-emission, due to less kilometers traveled by patients, to increase equal access to healthcare services, and to reduce physical patient contact during a global pandemic.
What was done?
This was a pilot study that investigated a method for, and patient satisfaction with, delivery of specialized cost-free hospital medicines via Medicine Post Boxes (MPB) in rural areas.
How was it done?
The project was initiated by clinical pharmacists, who acted as interdisciplinary liaisons, who understood the clinical aspect of the medical treatment, the importance of good distribution practice and the logistic capacity at the hospital pharmacy. Having completed clinical controls via telephone, the clinic forwarded the information needed to the hospital pharmacy. Initially, all requisition forms were checked by clinical pharmacists to ensure complete information was given, and that documentation was performed properly. Once fully implemented, a task shifting onto pharmaconomist was done concerning the control of the requisitions, however initiation of cooperation and problem solving with the clinic was maintained as a pharmacist task.
What has been achieved?
Focus group interviews with doctors and nurses from the clinics expressed satisfaction with the flexibility of conducting clinical controls over the phone, and not having to handle the practical part of ordering, documenting and handing out medicines. No concerns of patient safety were expressed, and a wish for full coverage for medicine delivery via MPB was stated. A survey among the patients using the MPB was conducted: A total of 148 respondent participated of whom 98 % stated being ’very pleased’ or ’pleased’ with the service. Also, 98 % felt safe to ’a very high degree’ or ’high degree’ with using the MPB and 99 % wished to use the MPB again. Estimates of CO2 reduction have not yet been calculated.
What next?
MPB’s should be available in urban areas also, as it increases flexibility for the patients and healthcare professionals. The goal is to include all suitable clinics and patients who receive long term treatment with hospital medicines