A scoping review of non-professional medication practices and medication safety outcomes during public health emergencies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the extent and nature of the available research on lay (non-professional) medication practices and medication safety outcomes at times of PHE. Public health emergencies (PHEs) are defined as extraordinary events with associated health consequences that have the potential to overwhelm routine community capabilities to address them. Recently, there have been several significant PHEs associated with infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and climatological or ecological issues, such as flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes. Potential issues associated with PHEs include reduced access to health care; supply chain interruption; changes in household mobility, personal well-being and routine support; and widening of health inequalities. These create additional challenges for medications safety, at times when preventing and mitigating medication-related harm and any associated healthcare utilisation are particularly important. Although previous studies have reported on the impact of PHEs and their implications for health care generally, the specific impact on medication management is less well known, particularly regarding lay people's medication practices and medication safety. Inappropriate changes in medication-related behaviour during a PHE may have adverse acute effects on individual health or necessitate the need for urgent healthcare intervention. They also have potential to worsen chronic ill health leading to poor individual and population health outcomes and greater strain on health services during all stages of a PHE. As such, there is an important need to optimise personal medication management/usage during and after PHEs.

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2022.10.026

Repository URI

https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1848842