INTERNET SERVICES OF PHARMACY CHAINS AS A TOOL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION OF THE POPULATION: RELEVANCE, PROBLEMS, SOLUTIONS

Abstract

PURPOSE. Study of the potential of pharmacy chains for the development of pharmaceutical literacy of the population through Internet and online resources. METHODS. The objects of the analysis were the Internet sites and online services of the largest pharmacy chains and services for remote ordering of pharmacy assortment goods (TOP 20). The basis for inclusion in the analysis was the data of the analytical agencies DSM Group, RNC Pharma and AlphaRM. Methods of criteria, logical, comparative and content analysis were used to conduct the study. The authors have developed their own evaluation scale focused on evaluating the content of the Internet sites of pharmacy chains in relation to the information and educational component for the population. RESULTS. Based on the consolidation of data from 3 analytical agencies, the final list of objects of analysis included 18 pharmacy chains and 3 services for remote ordering of pharmacy assortment goods. The average score on the evaluation scale for the totality of pharmacy chains was 9.13±0,74 out of 23 possible. The presence of websites and telephone help service for all objects of research, their features are revealed. The assessment of the availability and information content of mobile applications of pharmacy chains was carried out. The analysis of the information content of pharmacy networks in social networks and Internet messengers was carried out. Conclusions are made about the quantitative and qualitative component of the service for the population "Question – answer". The presence and features of information and educational materials for the population on the Internet sites of pharmacy chains are analyzed. A study of instructions for the medical use of medicines was conducted: quantitative components, relevance, compliance with the State Register of Medicines of the Russian Federation. CONCLUSION. The conducted research allowed us to draw conclusions about the insufficient degree of involvement of pharmacy chains in the process of pharmaceutical education of the population and the insignificant use of the possibility of influence of pharmacy chains on the development of pharmaceutical literacy of the population through Internet resources. The article provides recommendations on possible ways to fully develop pharmaceutical education of the population in the Internet space.