Korean J Clin Pharm.  2024 Mar;34(1):30-38. 10.24304/kjcp.2024.34.1.30.

A Survey of Public Preferences on Repeat Dispensing

• Lee YM
• Kim D
• Lee E
• Sohn HS

• KMID: 2564359
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24304/kjcp.2024.34.1.30

Abstract

Background
This study examined the public’s perceptions of repeat dispensing as one of the measures to reduce the harmful effects of long-term prescriptions in Korea.
Methods
From January 11 to 25, 2021, an online survey was conducted for adults using convenience sampling. A self-developed questionnaire was used.
Results
There were 310 respondents, of which 228 (73.5%) preferred repeat dispensing. When considering the additional fee payment, 188 (60.6%) preferred repeat dispensing, and 54 (67.5%) out of a total of 80 chronic disease patients preferred it. It was confirmed that there was a difference in the willingness to repeat dispensing considering the additional cost depending on whether the patient had a chronic disease and the distance from home to the nearest pharmacy. As a result of subgroup analysis for patients with chronic diseases, frequency of outpatient visit, number of prescription days, method of packaging pharmaceuticals, and distance from home to the nearest pharmacy were iden- tified as variables that could well predict the willingness to repeat dispensing considering paying additional fees. The preference for repeat dispensing may vary depending on conditions such as additional cost range, frequency and period of prescription use, disease and patient characteristics, so a careful approach is necessary.
Conclusion
It is necessary for the government to consider the introduction of repeat dispensing with interest in the public demand.

Keyword

Chronic disease; long-term prescription; prescription refill; repeat dispensing; repeat prescription