Tracey Bessell

Quality of global e-pharmacies: can we safeguard consumers?

AbstractnObjective. E-pharmacies are web sites selling prescription-only medicines and other products including non-prescription and complementary medicines to consumers via the internet. This study aims to evaluate the quality of global e-pharmacies, discuss whether e-pharmacies support the safe and appropriate use of medicines, and consider how we can protect consumers in the future.nMethods. A survey of public information published on global e-pharmacy web sites was conducted between July and September 2001. We used a meta-search engine, Copernic, and the search terms of online or internet, and pharmacy, pharmacies and medicines to identify a sampling frame of global e-pharmacies. We surveyed all web sites in the sampling frame except those under construction or only offering electronic refills, members-only and non-English web sites. Survey data included country of origin, range of medicines sold, prescription requirements, availability of online medical consultations and pharmacists advice, quality accreditation seals, policies and advertisements.nResults. E-pharmacies operated in at least 13 countries; however, the country of origin could not be identified for 22 web sites. Twenty web sites (19%) appeared to supply prescription-only medicines with no prescription required. Only 12% of e-pharmacies displayed quality accreditation seals. We observed information published on e-pharmacy web sites that potentially undermines the safe and appropriate use of medicines.nConclusion. Safeguarding consumers and ensuring the quality of web sites that sell medicines across state and national boundaries is both complex and difficult. Strategies to improve the quality of e-pharmacies include independent third-party regulation of providers, evaluation and enforcement of sanctions in cases of dissemination of fraudulent or harmful information and practices, self-regulation and consumer education. The development of internet regulatory technologies themselves and the resolution of jurisdictional issues offer future solutions but international co-operation is vital.

Prevalence of South Australia's online health seekers

Objective:To determine the proportion of South Australians accessing online health care information, predictive characteristics of online health seekers, nature of the information sought and consumer behaviour.

Improving Australian pharmacists' attitudes to internet use in community pharmacy practice

Objective The internet now provides a significant part of consumers healthcare information. While little is known about how community pharmacists regard the internet, there is some suggestion that issues of confidence and motivation may provide significant barriers to appropriate use. The objectives of this study were to measure any changes in pharmacists attitudes towards the internet after completing a four‐module educational course, ‘Advanced web skills for pharmacists: finding quality on the internet’.

Pharmacist's Role in the Hospital Discharge Process

To determine pharmacist involvement in the hospital discharge process and to explore the potential for further involvement.

Educating Australian pharmacists about the use of online information in community pharmacy practice

Objectives Community pharmacists practice in an information technology‐rich society, however many have not been educated in internet use for professional practice. The aims of this study were to investigate how community pharmacists use the internet in their practice; to develop an intervention to address their educational needs; and to examine the benefits and weakness of a flexible delivery programme.

Investigating the Hospital Discharge Medication Process

To investigate the hospital discharge medication process from the perspective of the staff involved in the process.Aim nTo investigate the hospital discharge medication process from the perspective of the staff involved in the process. n nMethod nQuestionnaires were sent to participating hospitals with pharmacy departments for completion by doctors, pharmacists, nurses and administrative personnel involved in the discharge process. A subset of participants was followed up with focus groups to further explore issues raised in the questionnaire. n nResults nThe questionnaire and the focus groups confirmed that the main problem in the discharge medication process, is the time lag between making the decision to discharge patients and junior doctors writing the discharge prescription. Emerging medication management system reforms were perceived to improve patient safety, but unlikely to overcome delays in the discharge medication process. n nConclusion nThe problems with the discharge process were mainly due to delays in writing accurate discharge prescriptions.

Alternative delivery methods for pharmacy services

In many developed countries, the provision of pharmacy services is no longer restricted to the traditional “walk‐in” or face‐to‐face approach. This paper examines whether alternative delivery methods provide patients with pharmacy services that meet their medication and related information needs, and discusses professional issues and the implications for practice. Although not appropriate for everyone, studies show that many patients do accept the alternative means of service delivery examined here. For some patients, such as those with mobility problems or who live in remote areas, technology‐driven alternatives may be preferred. Health care professionals must take steps to address legitimate concerns about the protection of patient safety and confidentiality. To increase patient choice, the pharmacy profession needs to look closely at the positive aspects of these alternatives, as they can be incorporated in “traditional” pharmacy practice.