Medicines Delivery Proximity Programme (PEMProxi) survey results

• Published in: European journal of hospital pharmacy. Science and practice Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 288 - 292
• Main Authors: Silva, Sebastião, Abreu, Margarida, Dinis, Ana Paula, Garcia, Rosângela, Rodrigues, Manuela, Sequeira, Clara, Feio, José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Medical Journal Publishing Group 01.09.2023; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Community Pharmacy Services; Drug stores; HIV; hospital; hospital distribution systems; Humans; medical oncology; medication systems; Original Research; Pharmaceuticals; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; pharmacy service; Prescription drugs; quality of health care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Portugal; medical oncology; pharmacy service; quality of health care; HIV; hospital distribution systems; medication systems; hospital
• ISSN: 2047-9956; 2047-9964
• DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2021-002893

ObjectivesTo evaluate patients’ and community pharmacies’ satisfaction towards the Medicines Delivery Proximity Programme (PEMProxi), including patients’ level of satisfaction with pharmaceutical services, medication dispensing and delivery, cost, and time saved, community pharmacies’ satisfaction with PEMProxi-related information and procedures, contact with the patients, and timings. Additionally, to evaluate patients’ and community pharmacies’ perception of PEMProxi’s advantages and disadvantages.MethodsPatients and the community pharmacies included in PEMProxi were contacted by telephone to answer a survey. The patient survey included questions regarding their satisfaction level towards PEMProxi, medication dispensing and delivery, and cost and time saved. Patients were also asked to point out the advantages and disadvantages of PEMProxi and give improvement suggestions. The community pharmacy survey included questions regarding satisfaction with entering PEMProxi, related information, procedures, contact with the patients on PEMProxi, and timings. Programme-related advantages, disadvantages and improvement suggestions were also solicited.ResultsA total of 101 patients and 49 community pharmacies were included in the analysis. A large majority of patients were very satisfied with PEMProxi (93.1%). The Programme allowed each patient to save on average 30€ and 8 hours per month. More than 95% of the patients reported medication delivery in adequate conditions (n=100), in a timely manner (n=95) and according to the prescription (n=95). Most pharmacies were satisfied or very satisfied with their participation in PEMProxi (63.3%). Nearly half (53.1%) were surprised by its implementation and 98% would be available to participate with more patients if the Programme was extended.ConclusionsThe PEMProxi programme contributed to more convenient and equitable access to medications by chronic patients, thus avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital, saving them precious time and money.