Unlicensed "Special" Medicines: Using the Pillar Integration Model to Understand Stakeholder Perspectives Across Care...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Unlicensed medicines are associated with safety concerns.
• Issues with availability, accessibility, and fragmented care exist.
• Lack of integrated care across settings impacts patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore prescriber, supplier, and patient experiences with unlicensed medicines.
• To identify factors influencing the patient journey and treatment success.
• To inform areas for improvement in the use of unlicensed medicines.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative phenomenological approach.
• Semi-structured interviews with patients, prescribers, and pharmacy staff.
• Reflexive thematic analysis and Pillar Integration Process.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: awareness of licensing status, perceptions of patient care, and accessibility challenges.
• Varying awareness and perceptions impact the patient journey.
• Challenges include understanding unlicensed medicines, managing cross-setting care, and ensuring continuity.

Conclusions:

• Integrated care and prescriber support are needed to minimize delays between care settings.
• Patient-centered care is essential to prevent treatment disruption.
• Study findings can inform national guidelines and global policy-making.