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Evaluating pharmacists’ views, knowledge, and perception regarding generic medicines in New Zealand
- Source :
- Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. 7:294-305
- Publication Year :
- 2011
- Publisher :
- Elsevier BV, 2011.
-
Abstract
- Background Generic medicines are commonly used in New Zealand; however, Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand (PHARMAC) has indicated a need for better information to the public. Studies on consumers’ perceptions suggest that pharmacists play an important role in consumers’ choice; hence, “quality use of generic medicines” can be promoted with a better understanding of pharmacists’ views, knowledge, and perception. Objectives (1)To evaluate pharmacists’ perceptions, views, and knowledge of and willingness to recommend generic medicines. (2) To explore pharmacists perceptions of the safety, quality, and efficacy of generic medicines. (3) To assess pharmacists’ views on current policy with respect to substitution of generic medicines. Methods A cross-sectional survey using a postal questionnaire was conducted, and questionnaires were sent to 625 randomly selected pharmacists from a list of 1594 pharmacists who had agreed to release their details for research purposes. Results Three-hundred and sixty pharmacists responded to the questionnaire (a response rate of 58%). Seventy percent of pharmacists stated there is no difference in safety between original brand and generic medicines. However, 65% stated that original brand medicines were of higher quality than their generic counterparts, and half stated that generic medicines and original brand medicines are equally effective. A large number of pharmacists reported concerns regarding brand substitution and offered suggestions, such as the need for advertising campaigns, patient pamphlets, updating prescribers’ software, and distinct packaging for generic medicines. It was found that pharmacists’ perceptions of generic medicines are primarily driven by PHARMACs policies and their experiences with consumers. Conclusions About one-third of pharmacists correctly defined the term “generic medicines,” suggesting discrepancies in pharmacists’ knowledge and perceptions of generic medicines. Concerns were raised regarding: quality, safety, and effectiveness; however, most of the pharmacists acknowledged the economic benefits to the health care system.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
medicine.medical_specialty
Attitude of Health Personnel
health care facilities, manpower, and services
media_common.quotation_subject
education
Alternative medicine
Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmacy
Community Pharmacy Services
Pharmacists
Drug Prescriptions
Advertising campaign
Surveys and Questionnaires
health services administration
Health care
Agency (sociology)
medicine
Drugs, Generic
Humans
Quality (business)
health care economics and organizations
media_common
Pharmacies
Response rate (survey)
business.industry
Cross-Sectional Studies
Therapeutic Equivalency
Family medicine
Female
Perception
Willingness to recommend
business
New Zealand
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 15517411
- Volume :
- 7
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....5fc926a1239a2b7d781f2f84f45e51d5