New Zealand patients.

Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest that although most patients have experienced brand changes without any problems occurring, a lack of knowledge about substitution does persist. There may be some additional gain in ensuring New Zealanders are aware of the full cost of their medicines at the point of dispensing to reinforce the benefits of the Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) purchasing model.What is known about the topic? Generic reference pricing is used as a mechanism to make savings to pharmaceutical budgets; however, reticence to the use of generic medicines persists.What does this paper add? Most New Zealand patients experience brand changes without any problems occurring; however, a lack of knowledge about substitution does persist. The dollar value patients indicate they would contribute for brand choice is lower than the true cost difference between brands.What are the implications for practitioners? Opportunities exist for healthcare professionals to reinforce generic policies and there may be some additional gain in ensuring New Zealanders are aware of the full cost of their medicines at the point of dispensing. PMID: 26363980 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research