Integrating medication samples into the traditional community pharmacy supply chain: a feasibility study

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.