Patient perceptions of generic medicines: a mixed-methods study.

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Patient Studies

Background:

• Ireland introduced generic substitution and reference pricing in June 2013 to leverage cost savings.
• Patient perceptions of generic medicines in Ireland were previously undocumented.
• This study assessed patient views on generic medicines prior to the legislation's enactment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient perceptions of generic medicines in Ireland.
• To identify knowledge gaps and concerns regarding generic medications among patients.
• To inform the implementation of new pharmaceutical policies.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed with 42 patients recruited from general practices and community pharmacies.
• Semi-structured interviews included quantitative assessments using a 15-question Likert scale.
• Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using NVivo, and quantitative data analyzed using SPSS.

Main Results:

• 31% of patients lacked knowledge of generic medicines, with 39% confusing 'generic' with 'genetic'.
• 24% perceived generics as lower quality, and 18% believed they were less effective than originators.
• Despite 90% willingness to take prescribed generics, 24% preferred originators when given a choice; 86% supported reference pricing and generic substitution.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to examine Irish patients' attitudes toward generic medicines.
• Significant variability in patient knowledge about generic medicines was observed.
• Patients expressed support for generic substitution but voiced concerns about safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality, indicating a need for enhanced patient education.