J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2006 Jul;45(4):382-386.

A 5 Year Follow-up Study of the 'Separation of Drug Prescription and Dispensation' System in Psychiatry

• Park JS
• Jung JY
• Hong JP
• Paik KC
• Park YH
• Park JI

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study is designed to discuss the pros and cons related to the 'separation of drug prescription and dispensation' system when 5 years have passed by since the introduction of this system.
METHODS
The 592 psychiatrists from 1,107 working places took part in nationwide survey by mail or E-mail from June to September, 2005. The response rate was 23.8%, most of respondents came from private clinics.
RESULTS
The average age of psychiatrist was 44.6 years old, ranging from 25 to 75, most of them was predominantly male. The main results were as followings: 1) The ratio of psychiatric prescription out of hospital based on out-patients departments was the lowest in clinics, following by hospitals, general hospitals and university hospitals by order. 2) The main reasons of customer's preference for out of hospital prescription were economic advantage and self-awareness of prescription. As for the disliking for it, the most complaints were the anxiety about disclosure of psychiatric treatment, in convenience for delay and concern about drug change.
CONCLUSION
Five years didn't seem to give a change on how the psychiatrists perceive the 'separation of drug prescription and dispensation' system at all. The confidentiality and human right issues on the part of psychiatric patients should never be ignored in order to manage this system successfully.

Keyword

Separation of drug prescription and dispensation system; Psychiatry

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Confidentiality
Surveys and Questionnaires
Disclosure
Drug Prescriptions*
Electronic Mail
Follow-Up Studies*
Hospitals, General
Hospitals, University
Human Rights
Humans
Male
Outpatients
Postal Service
Prescriptions
Psychiatry