Prescription medication sharing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient experiences and how they feel about sharing prescription medication in general practice
IRAS ID
289567
Contact name
Shoba Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Prescription sharing is giving your medicine to someone else (lending) or using someone else’s medicine (borrowing). Medicines can be shared for non-medical reasons (recreational sharing) or for their medical benefits (non-recreational sharing, e.g., sharing antibiotics). Previous research has focused mainly on recreational sharing; so there is little information available about non-recreational medication sharing. A UK survey by Lloyds Pharmacy in 2010 found that 14% adults reported sharing prescription medicines during the previous five years. Sharing medications can have unintended results, like increasing the risk of drug harms and delay in seeking medical advice. There is a lack of research in the UK focusing on prescription sharing behaviours, types of medications shared or recommendations to change these behaviours. Therefore, we will interview adults to find out their views and experiences of medication sharing. The findings will improve understanding of why people share medicines and be used to make recommendations to improve safety and support change.
We will interview up to 20 patients. We will find people to interview in four ways: in general practices, by advertising, and at local pharmacies. Patients who have previously lent/borrowed/shared medication, who are willing to take part in an interview will be asked questions by email (or by phone) or on paper.
During the interview, patients will be asked to talk about types of medications shared, how often and how much medicine was shared, their reasons for sharing and if they thought there was any risk to them.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0642
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion