Exploration of two risk scenarios in non-prescription medicine purchases

Objective There is increasing focus on quality supply and use of medicines in the community. This study aimed to quantify and describe people's non-prescription medicine purchasing behaviour for two scenarios in which consumers are considered to be at higher risk of inappropriate medicine use. Setting Fifteen community pharmacies in South-East Queensland, Australia. Method Each pharmacy hosted a researcher to survey all available eligible customers of non-prescription medicines over a 5-day period in August 2004. Researchers also noted whether medicine-related consultations occurred. In the case of non-response, observational data were recorded, where possible with validation by the salesperson. Two theoretical risk scenarios were proposed and examined in the data. Key findings A total of 3017 purchases were recorded, with customers of 77.8% of observed purchases participating in the survey. Overall, 85.4% of the purchases were made with some form of product-related communication. The first risk scenario identified that 10 of 799 sales (1.3%) to customers who had not intended to buy a particular brand resulted in self-selection of a medicine that they had not purchased before, with no consultation in the pharmacy. The second scenario identified that 326 of 1886 sales (17.3%) to customers who intended to buy a particular brand did result in purchase of that brand, but without consultation by a staff member. Conclusion The vast majority of purchases were made with some form of communication with a staff member to assist in product selection and/or appropriate use. Although risk was theoretically present in these scenarios, actual harm cannot be ascertained without consumer follow-up. Pharmacy staff are encouraged to be aware of opportunities to become involved in product choice and advice with sales