Objective: To assess the feasibility of a medication sampling program involving community pharmacists.
Methods: A community pharmacy dispensed samples after receiving a voucher given to patients by prescribers. Surveys explored prescribers' and patients' views about sampling and patients' experiences with the program.
Key findings: Half of prescribers reported providing samples, yet 15 patients redeemed 18 vouchers over 1 year. Patients expressed favourable views towards sampling and pharmacist involvement, despite more than half (n = 8/15, 53%) feeling that visiting the pharmacy was less convenient.
Conclusion: A voucher-based medication sampling program based in a community pharmacy is a model integrating pharmacist care.
Keywords: community pharmacy; pharmaceutical distribution; pharmaceutical samples; physician; practice patterns.
© 2017 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.