Online availability of antibiotics from within the UK: shifting patterns from 2016 to 2023.

IF 3.9 2区 医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Pub Date : 2024-10-22 DOI:10.1093/jac/dkae341
Sara Elizabeth Boyd, Nina Zhu, Laura Whitney, Rohan Surya, Alison Helen Holmes, Raheelah Ahmad
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Abstract

Background: We previously reported a cross-sectional analysis of online pharmacy practices and processes. Since then, the demand for and context of online healthcare has changed. However, the current state of access to and usage of antibiotics obtained online remains poorly understood.

Objectives: This study aimed to: (i) determine the legality of online pharmacies selling antibiotics in the UK; (ii) describe processes for obtaining antibiotics online; (iii) identify antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and patient safety issues; and (iv) compare data with those obtained in 2016 to understand changes in context, and set priorities for targeted research in antibiotic access and usage.

Methods: Searches for 'buy antibiotics online' were conducted using 'Google' and 'Yahoo'. The first 10 websites with unique URL addresses for each were reviewed. Analyses were conducted on evidence of pharmacy registration, prescription requirement, whether choice was 'prescriber-driven' or 'consumer-driven', and whether information was required (allergies, comorbidities, pregnancy) or given (adverse effects) prior to purchase.

Results: Twenty unique URL addresses were analysed. Those evidencing UK location (n = 20; 100%) required a prescription and were appropriately registered. For 11 (55%) online pharmacies, decisions were initially consumer-driven for antibiotic choice, but not for dose or duration; contrasting with 2016 when for most (n = 16; 80%), decisions were consumer-driven for antibiotic choice, dose and quantity.

Conclusions: Variation continues to exist in relation to antibiotic practices online. We make several key recommendations for lawmakers and stakeholders. Targeted research, improved public engagement, professional education and new best practice guidelines are urgently needed for online UK antibiotic suppliers.

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英国国内抗生素的在线供应:2016 年至 2023 年的变化模式。
背景:我们曾对网上药店的实践和流程进行过横向分析。从那时起,在线医疗保健的需求和环境发生了变化。然而,人们对在线抗生素的获取和使用现状仍然知之甚少:本研究旨在(目的:本研究旨在:(i) 确定英国在线药店销售抗生素的合法性;(ii) 描述在线获取抗生素的流程;(iii) 识别抗菌药物管理(AMS)和患者安全问题;(iv) 将数据与 2016 年获得的数据进行比较,以了解背景的变化,并为抗生素获取和使用方面的针对性研究设定优先事项:使用 "谷歌 "和 "雅虎 "搜索 "在线购买抗生素"。对每个网站的前 10 个唯一 URL 地址进行了审查。分析内容包括药房注册证据、处方要求、选择是 "处方驱动 "还是 "消费者驱动",以及购买前是否要求提供信息(过敏、合并症、怀孕)或提供信息(不良反应):分析了 20 个独特的 URL 地址。那些证明位于英国的网址(n = 20;100%)需要处方并进行了适当注册。11家(55%)网上药店的抗生素选择最初是由消费者决定的,但剂量或疗程则不是;这与2016年的情况形成鲜明对比,当时大多数网上药店(n = 16;80%)的抗生素选择、剂量和数量都是由消费者决定的:结论:网上抗生素使用方法仍然存在差异。我们为立法者和利益相关者提出了几项重要建议。英国在线抗生素供应商迫切需要开展有针对性的研究、提高公众参与度、开展专业教育并制定新的最佳实践指南。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
9.20
自引率
5.80%
发文量
423
审稿时长
2-4 weeks
期刊介绍: The Journal publishes articles that further knowledge and advance the science and application of antimicrobial chemotherapy with antibiotics and antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal agents. The Journal publishes primarily in human medicine, and articles in veterinary medicine likely to have an impact on global health.
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