Patient and provider attitudes toward free drug samples in psychiatric practice

Oversight of in-office dispensing and samples in dermatology

The provision of samples and in-office dispensing of products and medications to patients are important, yet often controversial, practices in dermatology. Opinions on the practices of sampling and in-office dispensing vary greatly among dermatologists. Ultimately, there are several advantages and disadvantages associated with each practice, and common topics of discussion include ethics, costs, safety, and adherence. Many of the concerns associated with the practices of sampling and dispensing in dermatology may be mitigated by careful consideration and action by prescribers. Providers should be aware of their current practices surrounding these issues and, if used, methods by which these practices can be improved to optimize patient care. With careful consideration, it may be possible to practice sampling and dispensing of products and medications safely, ethically, and to the patients' advantage as an integral part of the dermatology practice.

Integrating medication samples into the traditional community pharmacy supply chain: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of a medication sampling program involving community pharmacists.

METHODS

A community pharmacy dispensed samples after receiving a voucher given to patients by prescribers. Surveys explored prescribers' and patients' views about sampling and patients' experiences with the program.

KEY FINDINGS

Half of prescribers reported providing samples, yet 15 patients redeemed 18 vouchers over 1 year. Patients expressed favourable views towards sampling and pharmacist involvement, despite more than half (n = 8/15, 53%) feeling that visiting the pharmacy was less convenient.

CONCLUSION

A voucher-based medication sampling program based in a community pharmacy is a model integrating pharmacist care.

Drug samples in dermatology: special considerations and recommendations for the future

BACKGROUND

The use of drug samples is a controversial issue in medicine.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the pros and cons of drug sampling, and how drug sampling in general medicine differs from dermatology.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted on PubMed, Google, and Yahoo!. Articles were found pertaining to drug sampling in general, and for dermatology specifically.

RESULTS

Numerous pros and cons for drug sampling were found in the literature search. We divided these by cost-related issues, such as the industry-wide cost of sampling and the use of sampling to assist the underinsured and poor, and quality of care issues, such as adherence, patient education, and safety considerations. Articles also suggested that dermatology may differ from general medicine as topical treatments have fewer side effects, are more complicated to use, and come in different vehicles.

LIMITATIONS

We identified few studies specifically focused on issues relevant to sampling in dermatology.

CONCLUSION

There are strong arguments for and against drug sampling involving both cost and quality of care issues. Dermatology-specific medications clearly differ from oral medications in several regards. We ultimately conclude that the benefits of drug sampling outweigh the risks, but give recommendations on how drug sampling can be done ethically and effectively, including limiting personal use, not selling samples, properly documenting sample release, teaching patients about proper use, teaching students and residents ethical use of samples, working with pharmaceutical representatives in an ethical manner, prescribing the drug that is best for the patient, and securing samples appropriately to prevent theft and misuse.