Generic drugs and generic substitution from the patient perspective I.

Generic drugs and generic substitution from the patient perspective I. Autor: Jana Novotná Supervisor: PharmDr. Josef Malý, Ph.D. Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague Introduction: Generic substitution and generic drugs are important instruments of drug policy in many countries, which allow to reduce price of medicines, while maintaining their quality. Experience shows that a prerequisite for the rational use of both instruments is sufficient awareness among both health professionals and patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the opinions, knowledge and experience of patients regarding generic drugs and generic substitution. Methods: Data were collected between 1 March 2015 and 31 March 2015 in a workplace practitioner in Prague. It was an observational survey. We contacted all patients who visited a doctor during that period. Patients had to agree to their inclusion in the investigation and also meet "inclusion criteria" (e.g., at least 18 years old, literate in Czech, long-term use at least one medicine). The questionnaire included 28 questions (4 open and 24 closed), focusing on socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, opinions, experiences and self-activity of the respondent regarding generic..