Widening Consumer Access to Medicines: a Comparison of Prescription to Non-prescription Medicine Switch in Australia and New Zealand

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2015 Mar 19

PMID 25785589

Citations 8

Authors

Natalie J Gauld

Fiona S Kelly

Lynne M Emmerton

Stephen A Buetow

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Despite similarities in health systems and Trans-Tasman Harmonization of medicines scheduling, New Zealand is more active than Australia in 'switching' (reclassifying) medicines from prescription to non-prescription.

Objectives: To identify and compare enablers and barriers to switch in New Zealand and Australia.

Methods: We conducted and analyzed 27 in-depth personal interviews with key participants in NZ and Australia and international participants previously located in Australia, and analyzed records of meetings considering switches (2000-2013). Analysis of both sets of data entailed a heuristic qualitative approach that embraced the lead researcher's knowledge and experience.

Results: The key themes identified were conservatism and political influences in Australia, and an open attitude, proactivity and flexibility in NZ. Pharmacist-only medicine schedules and individuals holding a progressive attitude were proposed to facilitate switch in both countries. A pharmacy retail group drove many switches in NZ ('third-party switch'), unlike Australia. Barriers to switch in both countries included small market sizes, funding of prescription medicines and cost of doctor visits, and lack of market exclusivity. In Australia, advertising limitations for pharmacist-only medicines reportedly discouraged industry from submitting switch applications. Perceptions of pharmacy performance could help or hinder switches.

Conclusion: Committee and regulator openness to switch, and confidence in pharmacy appear to influence consumer access to medicines. The pharmacist-only medicine schedule in Australasia and the rise of third-party switch and flexibility in switch in NZ could be considered elsewhere to enable switch.

Citing Articles

Survey of community pharmacists' opinions on drug scheduling in Ontario and Québec.

Nakhla N, Houle S, Richard F, Taylor J J Pharm Policy Pract. 2024; 17(1):2385936.

PMID: 39139389 PMC: 11321097. DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2385936.

Māori, pharmacists, and medicines adherence - A mixed methods study exploring indigenous experiences of taking medicines 'as prescribed' and mechanisms of support.

Hikaka J, Parore N, Haua R, Anderson A, Hudson M, McIntosh B Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm. 2022; 7:100175.

PMID: 36106156 PMC: 9465430. DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2022.100175.

Why are self-medication opportunities limited in Austria? An interview study and comparison with other countries.

Gauld N, Baumgartel C, Buetow S PLoS One. 2021; 16(1):e0245504.

PMID: 33493218 PMC: 7833129. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245504.

Prescription and Non-Prescription Drug Classification Systems Across Countries: Lessons Learned for Thailand.

Leelavanich D, Adjimatera N, Broese Van Groenou L, Anantachoti P Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2020; 13:2753-2768.

PMID: 33273873 PMC: 7705273. DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S281629.

Analysing the landscape for prescription to non-prescription reclassification (switch) in Germany: an interview study of committee members and stakeholders.

Gauld N BMC Health Serv Res. 2019; 19(1):404.

PMID: 31221154 PMC: 6587299. DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4219-6.

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