Views of physicians and patients with chronic conditions on generic medicines in Greece after the introduction of measures to promote their consumption: Findings from a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction/Study objectives: Generic medicines uptake is widely acknowledged as a key pharmaceutical policy measure towards cost containment and rational resource allocation. In Greece, due to the persistently low penetration of generics in the pharmaceutical market, a series of policy measures aiming to reverse this trend were implemented during the last years. The aim of the present study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of physicians and patients towards generic medicines as well as the acceptability of the policies implemented. Methods: A qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews to physicians and chronically ill patients residing in the region of Attica formed the basis of the analysis. Recruitment of physicians and patients was performed using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and content analysed, according to international guidelines for qualitative research. Results/Discussion: Nine physicians (general internists and cardiologists), and nine patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia participated in the survey. Physicians' views on generics were positive, although concerns were raised regarding the monitoring mechanisms and the reliability of companies producing generics. Patients were more hesitant to express their opinion on generics because they felt that they were not adequately informed. Prescribing is a multi-criteria decision, whereas for patients the choice of medicine is made by their physician. Cost was not an important factor for both groups. Policy measures on generics were generally acceptable in the case of physicians and there were mixed opinions in the group of patients. Both groups stressed the need for more and reliable information regarding generics. Conclusion: Patient and physician attitudes can 'make or break' even a perfectly planned healthcare policy. Taking into consideration the information available in studies such as the present one, can aid decision-makers towards the design and implementation of viable policies in the sensitive field of generics uptake.