Patients' insights into unused medications during the COVID-19 outbreak: A qualitative study

• Main Authors: Mutaseim Makki (Author), Asrul Akmal Shafie (Author), Ahmed Awaisu (Author), Rabia Hussain (Author), Moza Al Hail (Author), Walid Mohammed ElMotasim (Author), Mohamed Yousif Mohamed Ali Taha (Author), Einas Abdoun (Author), Noriya Mohd J. Al-Khuzaei (Author), Gamila Salama (Author), Abdulrouf Pallivalapila (Author), Wessam El Kassem (Author), Binny Thomas (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak had significant global healthcare implications, including the use of medications. This is specifically evident in the surge in use of some medication and a decline in the use of others. As a result, some medications end up unused, which may have subsequent health, economic, and environmental impacts. Aim: To explore patients' insights into unused medications during the COVID-19 outbreak. Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 patients attending various public and private healthcare facilities in Qatar between January and July 2021. A thematic analysis approach was utilized, with 2 researchers independently analyzing, comparing, and discussing the coding. The resulting themes were further discussed in research group meetings until a consensus was reached. Results: Seven themes emerged: awareness of unused medications and their impacts on health, economy, and the environment; barriers contributing to nonadherence/unused medications; sources of medications; factors facilitating medication use; patients' behaviors toward donated medications/reuse; patients' awareness of medication storage requirements; and patients' desire to appropriately dispose of unused medications. Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak disrupted medication supply and adherence, resulting in an increase in unused medications and inappropriate disposal. Adherence is crucial for improving patients' health and preserving medications. Implementing mail-return systems for unused medications could be a viable solution during disease outbreaks.

Item Description

2667-2766
10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100517