Unlicensed 'special' medicines.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Unlicensed 'special' medicines; improving the patients' experience.
IRAS ID
268899
Contact name
Efi Mantzourani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
What are the experiences and perceptions related to prescribing or receiving unlicensed medicines?
Issues have been associated with the use of unlicensed medicines. However, there is limited information available about the processes involved in prescribing or receiving unlicensed medicines in Wales, or the views and experiences of those involved in those processes. By exploring this area, the study aims to highlight strengths and weaknesses in the process and provide evidence-based suggestions for change.
To do this, the study is split to two separate studies.
Study 1 includes patients (parents/carers) aged 16+ who receive an unlicensed medicine.
Study 2 includes clinicians within primary and secondary care, with a minimum of one years' experience prescribing medicines (including unlicensed medicines).All interviews will be held in public locations, over the phone or through Skype, will be audio recorded for transcription and will last between 10-20 minutes. Public places will be arranged within suitable distances from the participants home or the recruitment site or will be the the participants' work location (Study 2).
Study 1. Participants will be given an information booklet and a prepaid envelope when they collect their unlicensed medicine. If taking part, participants will need to complete a small survey and indicate whether they want to take part in an interview. Participants will receive a £15 high street gift voucher for taking part in the interview.
Study 2. Participants will be supplied with a cover letter and an information sheet, either from the student researcher directly or through a gatekeeper. Participants will contact the researcher if they wish to take part in an interview to arrange a time and location. Participants will be entered into a raffle with the chance to win a £15, £25, or £50 high street gift voucher for taking part in the interview.
Data collection will take place from Sep 2019 until February 2021.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0598
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion