Nonpharmacy outlets providing prescription medications to ambulatory patients.
Nonpharmacy outlets providing prescription medication to ambulatory patients in Alachua County, Florida, were investigated. The sample included 16 ambulatory clinics and 44 dispensing physicians. The types of medications dispensed and dispensing procedures used by these outlets are described. The magnitude of prescription drug dispensing in ambulatory clinics and physicians' offices was far greater than was initially expected. Numerous drug-related problems were identified within these outlets, including a failure to comply with state and federal laws, inadequate drug control and storage, and inadequate patient medication records. Practicing pharmacists should consider the possibility of their patients receiving medication from similar outlets in evaluating therapies for appropriateness and interactions. In addition, such centers have apparent need for pharmacy consultation services to ensure adherence to the principles of responsible pharmaceutical services.
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000592:standards*; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008509:Medication Systems / Q000592:standards*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce