Dose dispensing service in a prymary health care area: A multidisciplinary study

Abstract

Introduction: Dose Dispensing Service (SPD) prepared in pharmacies are an option to improve therapeutic adherence. Objective: to describe the characteristics and implantation of SPD from the perspective of professionals of a health center, community pharmacists and patients attached to that center. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in the area of influence of Daroca health center (Madrid). 64 health center professionals, 37 community pharmacists and 29 SPD users participated. Questionnaires were used for each of the categories with questions about knowledge and opinions of SPDs, management, preparation and satisfaction with the service. Results: 61.4% of health center professionals know SPD and 94% believe they are useful. 13 pharmacies offer SPD: 55.6% consider that they should contact the doctor, 41.7% charge for the service and 92.3% do so manually. 5 pharmacies prepare SPD for 18 patients in our local zone. Most used inclusion criteria: age, polymedication and suspicion of poor compliance. Patient profile using SPD: octogenarian woman polymedicated with primary studies living alone. 66.7% of the patients took the medications directly from the box. Pharmacists recommended SPD to 88.9% of patients. 100% of SPD users are very satisfied with the service. Conclusion: Although all the groups studied believe that SPDs are useful for improving adherence, SPDs have a low implementation in our area.