Online Pharmacies Research Articles

Online Drug Purchasing in India: Community Pharmacists Perceptions and Attitudes

Background: In India, online pharmacies have gained significant popularity and are reshaping the way in which pharmaceutical services are provided. With community pharmacist serving as an integral part of public health, promoting the safe and effective use of medicines, this study aimed to evaluate their perceptions of online pharmacies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangalore, Karnataka India. An electronic survey was developed and distributed to pharmacists across Bangalore through email and the collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 122 pharmacists participated in the study, and more than half of the participants agreed that they purchase medicines from online pharmacies, with approximately 19% doing it frequently and 52% making occasional purchases for their personal or family use. Half of the respondents (50.81%) believe that online pharmacies can be a source of counterfeit and substandard medicines and raised their concern over their safety. Participants suggested mandatory (47.54%) prescription verification, stringent regulatory measures, and accreditation processes for online pharmacies. Conclusion: Online pharmacies have the potential to further expand access to medications but must be introduced into the healthcare system in a balanced approach that does not compromise either patient safety or the traditional roles of pharmacies.

Prescription Use and Spending After the Introduction of a Real-Time Prescription Benefit Tool

Real-time prescription benefit (RTPB) tools provide point-of-care information for clinicians at the time of prescribing and may reduce prescription costs for patients and payers. To assess trends in prescription use and spending among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries at a national health insurer during the first year of clinician access to an RTPB tool. This cohort study used 2018 to 2020 administrative data from a national insurer to compare prescription fills for beneficiaries receiving prescriptions from clinicians at practices with an RTPB tool with fills prescribed by clinicians without access to the tool. Trends in prescription spending and fills in the year after practices adopted an RTPB tool (in March 2019) were measured using a difference-in-differences design. Data were analyzed from November 2022 to June 2024. Access to an RTPB tool within a national electronic health record software vendor. The main outcomes were total prescription spending, beneficiary out-of-pocket spending, and number of prescription fills. Secondary outcomes included percentage of fills with the insurer-owned mail-order pharmacy, percentage of fills with a 90-day supply, and subgroup analyses in drug classes appearing most frequently in the RTPB tool and high-cost prescription drug classes. The sample included 2 805 060 beneficiaries (mean [SD] age 70.9 [9.2] years; 56.7% female; 14.7% Black individuals; 80.5% White individuals), with mean (SD) monthly out-of-pocket costs of $29.1 ($90.4), total prescription costs of $213.2 ($1066.3), and 2.6 (2.1) prescription fills per month. After introduction of the RTPB tool, there was no change in prescription spending (estimated out-of-pocket spending change, 1.2% [95% CI, -0.7% to 3.0%]; estimated total prescription spending change, 0.5% [95% CI: -0.2% to 1.2%]) or number of prescription fills (estimated change, 0.01 [95% CI, -0.01 to 0.02]) among beneficiaries prescribed medication by clinicians at practices with the RTPB tool. In this cohort study of 2.8 million patients, simply providing clinicians access to a RTPB tool was not associated with the anticipated benefits to patients and payers in the first year the tool was released. Further research on how to design and deploy RTPB tools to maximize potential benefits is needed.

Acceptability of misoprostol-only medication abortion dispensed by mail-order or retail pharmacy: a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews in the United States

The WHO recommends two medication abortion regimens, either misoprostol used with mifepristone, or misoprostol-only. Both regimens are recognised as safe and effective, but in the United States (US) most abortions are completed using mifepristone and misoprostol. Given current political hostility to abortion, restrictions on mifepristone, and the long-term legal strategy to restrict nationwide access to the combined mifepristone and misoprostol regimen, more people in the US may use misoprostol-only regimens. Globally research has documented experiences with misoprostol-only abortions, but what are the experiences among people living in the US? We conducted a thematic analysis of 31 in-depth interviews with people who self-managed their abortion using misoprostol acquired from a mail-order or retail pharmacy between May and June 2020. We examine the acceptability of using misoprostol for medication abortion across three domains: the medication regimen, the mode of delivery of medications, and the overall model of care. We find that individual perceptions of misoprostol were shaped by both prior and informed knowledge. Picking up misoprostol from a retail pharmacy fostered familiarity, and having a prescription legitimised the service as an authentic medication provider. Receiving medications from the mail-order delivery model met preferences for privacy and anonymity. In reflections on the overall model, satisfaction was high across participants, but those who were adolescents at the time of their abortion had a distinct unmet need for emotional support compared to older participants. These results contribute to a growing evidence base on the acceptability of misoprostol-only regimens and mail-order and retail pharmacy service delivery models.

Validated UHPLC Methods for Melatonin Quantification Reveal Regulatory Violations in EU Online Dietary Supplements Commerce

The global sleep aids market has grown significantly due to rising stress and increased awareness of sleep’s importance. Melatonin, available in the EU as a prescription or over-the-counter medicine, depending on the country, is also permitted in dietary supplements with country-specific limits. Recent reports indicate concerning levels of excessive melatonin in EU dietary supplements, necessitating accurate quantification methods. We developed and validated, by applying accuracy profiles, ISO17025-compliant, rapid ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) methodologies coupled with either diode array detection (DAD) or high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HRAM MS). The cost-effective UHPLC-DAD method is suitable for medicines and most dietary supplements, except those more complex herbal matrices containing passionflower, hop, hemp, lime tree or lavender or their extracts, where UHPLC-HRAM MS is recommended due to selectivity issues of the DAD methodology. To demonstrate the applicability, we analyzed 50 dietary supplements claiming to contain melatonin—25 from legal supply chains and 25 from suspicious sources claiming therapeutic melatonin content. Our findings confirmed previous reports of high melatonin content in online products, especially when purchased through rogue internet pharmacies. Moreover, 12% of legal supply chain samples violated current legislation through unauthorized health claims or contained at least triple the melatonin amount permitted in Belgium. This research provides reliable analytical methods for regulatory bodies and confirms the circulation of non-compliant melatonin-containing dietary supplements in the EU market, even in the legal supply chain.

PATIENT CLIENT CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN PHYSICAL AND ONLINE PHARMACIES. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHARMACEUTICAL CARE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

This study highlights distinct consumer behaviors in physical versus online pharmacies, revealing critical insights into the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical care. Findings indicate that online pharmacy users are more likely to make impulsive purchasing decisions driven by promotional offers, spending an average of only 50 seconds on websites. In contrast, consumers in physical pharmacies engage in more deliberate decision-making, heavily influenced by personal interactions with pharmacists. The implications of these findings suggest that consumer behavior in the pharmaceutical sector is significantly shaped by the purchasing environment. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in online pharmacies enhances operational efficiencies and personalization but raises concerns regarding the loss of human interaction and emotional intelligence, both crucial for building trust. This highlights the need for further research into balancing technology and personal care in e-health environments. From a practical standpoint, pharmacies must adapt to these evolving consumer preferences by adopting hybrid models that leverage the strengths of both physical and online settings. This includes enhancing the online shopping experience through personalized AI-driven recommendations while maintaining robust patient-pharmacist interactions in physical locations. Implementing tele pharmacy services can bridge the gap, facilitating access to pharmacist consultations without sacrificing personal connection. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the necessity for pharmacies to prioritize the human elements of care that foster trust and loyalty among patients, especially as the industry increasingly incorporates digital solutions. By doing so, pharmacies can improve patient satisfaction and adherence while ensuring a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. These insights are vital for pharmacy practitioners, healthcare policymakers, and researchers navigating the complexities of consumer behavior in the digital age.

Assessing the correlation between PhORCAS letters of recommendation and clinical aptitude among PGY1 residency candidates

Abstract IntroductionDespite an increasing number of unfilled pharmacy residency positions, discrepancies between candidate qualifications and program expectations persist, prompting a reevaluation of application and interview assessment methods.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to identify if key themes used within the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application System letters of recommendation (LOR) correlate with how candidates perform on a clinical case administered during their residency interview.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective study assessed the LOR of candidates interviewed for the post‐graduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency program at a large academic medical center from 2021 to 2024 over three interview cycles. A standardized clinical case was administered as part of the interview process and graded on an objective rubric by a consistent evaluator. Candidates' LOR were screened for 12 key themes and compared with their clinical case score. Baseline characteristics of letter writers and candidates were collected.ResultsThis study included 107 PGY1 pharmacy candidate applications from 2021 to 2024. Of the 12 key themes, utilization of evidence‐based medicine, clinical judgment, positive peer comparison, independence, and strong baseline knowledge within the LOR had a statistically significant and positive correlation with clinical case scores. In a multivariate generalized linear regression model, evidence‐based medicine, independence, and strong baseline knowledge were found to have a significant and positive association with clinical case scores, irrespective of other key themes identified.ConclusionThese data suggest that key themes identified may be useful when reviewing candidates' LORs to optimize the screening process to identify candidates that possess the clinical acumen required for the residency program. Further studies are warranted to validate the key themes found in this report.

A Review on Online Pharmacy

E-pharmacy is a rapidly growing sector in India, driven by increasing internet penetration and consumer demand for convenient access to medicines. Online pharmacies offer numerous benefits, including home delivery, cost savings, and improved medication adherence. However, they also present challenges such as the risk of self-medication, drug abuse, counterfeit medicines, and regulatory concerns, particularly for Schedule H and X drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of e-pharmacies, highlighting their importance in ensuring access to essential medicines while raising concerns about patient safety and data security. Despite these risks, e-pharmacies provide significant advantages, such as enhanced accessibility, reduced travel time and costs, and informed decision-making for consumers. However, approximately 95% of online pharmacies operate illegally, distributing counterfeit and expired medicines. The rapid expansion of e-pharmacies requires stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure quality, safety, and ethical compliance. Policymakers must address challenges such as patient privacy, regulatory adherence, and equitable healthcare access, especially in underserved regions. The Indian government has taken initiatives to Due to the COVID-19 lockdown; a significant number of consumers have shifted to purchasing medications online. Governments are implementing crucial measures to safeguard lives, including lockdowns, testing, isolation, and treatment efforts. As the infection continues to spread globally, people are limiting their outdoor activities. E-commerce is steadily expanding in both wholesale and retail sectors. E-commerce businesses have observed a surge in orders, with customer activity increasing by around 20-30%.q

Cost comparison of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: rural vs urban New York State counties and online pharmacies

BackgroundPhosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are used to treat erectile dysfunction, but their cost can limit access.AimThis study examines PDE5 inhibitors pricing and demographic data across rural and urban New York State (NYS) counties, as well as small, large, and online pharmacies.MethodsPrices from 133 chain pharmacies were collected from 15 randomly selected urban and 15 rural NYS counties. Counties without at least two large chain pharmacies were excluded. Data included small chains (n = 49), large chains (n = 84), rural (n = 57), urban (n = 76), and online pharmacies (n = 12). Prices for 20 tablets of sildenafil (100 mg) and tadalafil (20 mg) were gathered using GoodRx standard coupons. Price per unit for online pharmacies was calculated for quantities closest to 20 pills. Demographic data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. This study was considered exempt from IRB review. Statistical analyses including t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed using R Version 4.4.1 (2024-06-14).OutcomesThe cash price of the PDE5 inhibitors across various pharmacy chain types and county types.ResultsPrices were lower in small chain pharmacies compared to larger chains (P < .001), but did not significantly differ between rural and urban counties (P > .6). Small chain rural pharmacies were cheaper than urban counterparts for sildenafil (P = .032). Online pharmacies offered the lowest and highest prices, with significant differences by chain type (P < .001) but not by county type (P > .100) for both drugs. Rural counties had a smaller Native Hawaiian (P = .001), Asian, Black/African American population and a larger White (P < .001) and American Indian population (P = .031). Median income was higher in urban counties (P = .010), but the percentage of the population without health insurance coverage did not differ (P = .177).Clinical TranslationThis study aims to highlight the pricing variability of PDE5 inhibitors to help patients identify cost-effective options to circumvent potential financial barriers.Strengths and LimitationsThis study was the first to examine PDE5 inhibitors pricing specifically within rural populations while also providing a comparative analysis of pricing differences between small and large pharmacy chains serving these communities. The study’s limitations include a relatively small sample size of rural and small chain pharmacies resulting in power levels of 75% and 69%, respectively, which may impact the generalizability of the findings.ConclusionEnhancing drug price transparency for PDE5 inhibitors is vital for increasing access and pricing flexibility.

Analysis of influential factors between personal innovation, word of mouth, using online pharmacy adoption

The rise of internet-based pharmacies has transformed the healthcare sector, giving patients access to medications, information, and direct interaction with pharmacists. While online pharmacies have become popular around the world, there are challenges hindering their widespread use in developing countries due to a limited understanding of the factors affecting their acceptance and usage. To bridge this knowledge gap, a study utilized a model combining the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT 2) with the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore the drivers behind online pharmacy usage in Oman. Through this framework, twelve hypotheses were. A survey involving 378 individuals familiar with online pharmacies was conducted. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the data and test these hypotheses. The results indicate that factors such as perceived expectancy effort expectancy and facilitating conditions hedonic motivation, habit perceived risk, technology trust, and technology awareness play roles in influencing the adoption of online pharmacies in Oman. The findings suggest that personal innovation plays a moderating role in the connection between perceived risk and behavioral intention, while it has a negative moderating influence on the relationship between technology trust and behavioral intention. Word of mouth was identified as a moderator in enhancing the correlation between behavioral intention and online pharmacy adoption. This research emphasizes the moderating relationship of personal innovation and word of mouth on shaping consumer attitudes towards online pharmacies and their acceptance. In summary, these results add to the existing knowledge on pharmacy adoption and in developed areas such as provide practical insights for online pharmacy providers to improve their offerings and attract a larger customer base.

Bibliometric analysis of global telepharmacy research development: Trends, productivity, and future opportunities

Several countries have implemented e-pharmacy as a pharmaceutical service system during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-pharmacy is a pharmacy that operates via the internet and sends orders to customers via electronic mail (e-mail) or online pharmacy web portals. The aim of this study is to map the development of telepharmacy research worldwide. A bibliometric analysis was conducted in May 2016 using the Scopus database with the keyword “telepharmacy.” The collected data were analyzed descriptively based on publication year, country of publication, journal name, researcher productivity, and research subjects. The extracted data were then converted into a Comma Separated Values (CSV) format and processed using the VOSviewer application to generate a bibliometric map of telepharmacy research. The findings indicate a significant increase in telepharmacy-related publications from 1998 to 2022, with most studies published in the Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies. The United States contributed the highest number of publications, while the most productive researchers in this field were Petterson and Scott, followed by Margusino-Framinan and Morillo-Verdugo. Despite the increase in publications, telepharmacy remains a relatively new research topic, with only 254 documents found in the Scopus database. Telepharmacy research is still in its early stages, but it has shown steady growth over the years. Given its potential impact on pharmacy education, diabetes management, hospital and ambulatory care, treatment regulation, and pharmaceutical services, telepharmacy should be prioritized as a research area. Further studies are needed to explore and develop innovative service models that can contribute to advancements in healthcare technology and pharmacy practices worldwide.

Lost in translation: Assessing the readability of online information on community pharmacy services

Background:The World Health Organization’s right to health underscores the need for accessible, acceptable, and quality health services. Given that most Canadians use the Internet for health information, the readability of online pharmacy services information is crucial for accessibility.Methods:This study assessed the readability of online information about pharmacy services from Canadian provincial pharmacy regulatory authorities (PRAs) and community pharmacy banners. Public-facing website content was evaluated using various readability tests. Scores were compared to recommended reading grade levels by health organizations, and differences between PRA and community pharmacy banner websites were analyzed.Results:Website content from 9 PRAs and 10 community pharmacy banners was analyzed in June 2024. Average readability scores exceeded the recommended eighth-grade level, with summary scores ranging from 8.45 to 15.28. International English Language Testing System scores for all websites also surpassed reading benchmarks necessary for Canadian immigration. Mann–Whitney U tests indicated statistically significant differences between PRA and community pharmacy banner websites, with the latter being more readable.Discussion:The results suggest that both PRAs and community pharmacy banners provide information at an advanced reading level, hindering accessibility. This aligns with other research indicating that online health information is often too complex for the general public. Improving readability, particularly for new Canadians, is essential for better accessibility.Conclusion:Public health information on PRA and community pharmacy banner websites generally exceeds the recommended readability level, limiting accessibility. Implementing readability assessments and plain-language standards can enhance the accessibility and engagement of online health information.

Advertising legitimacy – an analysis of authorised and unauthorised pharmacy websites

Introduction. Online pharmacies are playing an increasingly important role for both citizens and society. In the digital landscape, both legal and illegal online pharmacies are competing for visibility and customer appeal. This article analyses the layout and characteristics of online pharmacy websites. Method. The article is based on a qualitative study of legal and illegal online pharmacy websites in Sweden. Seven Swedish nationwide pharmacy websites are analysed and fourteen illegal online pharmacies. The illegal websites were located through Google searches and lurking in Internet forums. Analysis. The analysis draws on Critical Visual Methodology and Visual Frame Analysis to analyse different framings of online pharmacy websites, focusing on their visual appearance and use of specific logos. Results. The findings illustrate that the websites of pharmacies that only exist online share visual similarities and, on the other hand, websites for pharmacies that exist online and as physical stores share similarities. Unauthorised Swedish online pharmacies can be divided into two categories (1) those mirroring authorised online pharmacies and appealing to a traditional form of medical expertise, (2) those online marketplaces that are more evidently unauthorised, often niched in the types of products they sell. Conclusions. Several visual cues distinguish legal from illegal online pharmacies. These visual cues include, but are not limited to, the presence of commercials and a wide range of products marketed. Niched unathorised online pharmacies are easier to detect as their visual elements typically feature images of drugs, not typically found on authorised online pharmacies.

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z: A Comparative Analysis of Online and Offline Pharmacy Preferences for Chronic Medications

Abstract: This study examines generational differences in consumer behavior when purchasing Chronic Medications through online and offline channels. With the rapid growth of e-commerce in the pharmaceutical industry, understanding how Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z perceive factors such as trust, convenience, price sensitivity, and safety is essential for developing effective healthcare strategies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather insights from individuals across all generational groups who have purchased Chronic Medications within the past six months. Findings reveal a clear generational divide: younger consumers favor online pharmacies for their convenience and accessibility, while older generations prefer offline pharmacies due to higher levels of trust, personal interaction, and perceived safety. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in trust and convenience between online and offline channels, with offline pharmacies scoring higher on reliability and online platforms excelling in ease of access. Hybrid models that integrate both online and offline features emerged as a promising solution to bridge generational gaps. Demographic factors such as income, education, and geographic location further influence channel preference, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in pharmaceutical retailing. The research underscores the importance of enhancing trust-building mechanisms in online platforms and leveraging hybrid models to meet diverse consumer needs. These findings provide valuable insights for pharmaceutical companies and policymakers aiming to improve patient adherence, enhance healthcare delivery, and adapt to evolving consumer expectations in an increasingly digital world. Keywords : Consumer behavior, Chronic medications, Generational differences, Online pharmacies, Trust and convenience, Hybrid models

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z: A Comparative Analysis of Online and Offline Pharmacy Preferences for Chronic Medications

Abstract: This study examines generational differences in consumer behavior when purchasing Chronic Medications through online and offline channels. With the rapid growth of e-commerce in the pharmaceutical industry, understanding how Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z perceive factors such as trust, convenience, price sensitivity, and safety is essential for developing effective healthcare strategies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather insights from individuals across all generational groups who have purchased Chronic Medications within the past six months. Findings reveal a clear generational divide: younger consumers favor online pharmacies for their convenience and accessibility, while older generations prefer offline pharmacies due to higher levels of trust, personal interaction, and perceived safety. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in trust and convenience between online and offline channels, with offline pharmacies scoring higher on reliability and online platforms excelling in ease of access. Hybrid models that integrate both online and offline features emerged as a promising solution to bridge generational gaps. Demographic factors such as income, education, and geographic location further influence channel preference, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in pharmaceutical retailing. The research underscores the importance of enhancing trust-building mechanisms in online platforms and leveraging hybrid models to meet diverse consumer needs. These findings provide valuable insights for pharmaceutical companies and policymakers aiming to improve patient adherence, enhance healthcare delivery, and adapt to evolving consumer expectations in an increasingly digital world. Keywords : Consumer behavior, Chronic medications, Generational differences, Online pharmacies, Trust and convenience, Hybrid models

MediKart: Transforming Medicine Shopping through Intelligent E-Pharmacy Solutions

Abstract—In recent years there is a tremendous increase in online shopping for different commodities like cloth, jewelers and the sale of medicines have been increased via online/ internet. Online pharmacy is one of the technological advancements that are about to create a huge demand in the upcoming days. Internet and online websites have changed our way of shopping completely. As we know that almost everything is going to be online. The web has long been a source of medical data, it has just as of late been utilized for online shopping medical products. Now, medicines are also available online it can be order by mobile application or website, then the seller will be delivered it as soon as possible they will provide various payment options also viz. payment while buying through credit/debit card and cash on delivery. Several advantages and disadvantages of online medicine shopping are examined and can be discussed in this paper. We also discussed the differences between online and local pharmacy, and certain measures to avoid misuse of e-pharmacy. This model is proposing a new idea in E-marketing to supply medicines online and the customer can search the medicine's availability in nearby medical shops. The purpose behind making such an e-commerce portal is providing customers a 24X7 availability of medicines. This will play a very important role in providing rare medicines at remote places where there is unavailability of medicines and also there will be a detailed list of medicines available in the stock. Index Terms— E-Pharmacy, Online Medicine Shopping, Chatbot, Healthcare Accessibility, Blood Bank Integration, Client-Server Architecture.

MediKart: Transforming Medicine Shopping through Intelligent E-Pharmacy Solutions

Abstract—In recent years there is a tremendous increase in online shopping for different commodities like cloth, jewelers and the sale of medicines have been increased via online/ internet. Online pharmacy is one of the technological advancements that are about to create a huge demand in the upcoming days. Internet and online websites have changed our way of shopping completely. As we know that almost everything is going to be online. The web has long been a source of medical data, it has just as of late been utilized for online shopping medical products. Now, medicines are also available online it can be order by mobile application or website, then the seller will be delivered it as soon as possible they will provide various payment options also viz. payment while buying through credit/debit card and cash on delivery. Several advantages and disadvantages of online medicine shopping are examined and can be discussed in this paper. We also discussed the differences between online and local pharmacy, and certain measures to avoid misuse of e-pharmacy. This model is proposing a new idea in E-marketing to supply medicines online and the customer can search the medicine's availability in nearby medical shops. The purpose behind making such an e-commerce portal is providing customers a 24X7 availability of medicines. This will play a very important role in providing rare medicines at remote places where there is unavailability of medicines and also there will be a detailed list of medicines available in the stock. Index Terms— E-Pharmacy, Online Medicine Shopping, Chatbot, Healthcare Accessibility, Blood Bank Integration, Client-Server Architecture.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Usage on Buyer Behavior: A Study on Selected Online Pharmacy Apps

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Usage on Buyer Behavior: A Study on Selected Online Pharmacy Apps

Willingness to pay for HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis services delivered via an online pharmacy in Kenya

BackgroundHIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) provision via online pharmacies could expand reach of HIV prevention in Eastern and Southern Africa, but designing sustainable delivery models will require assessing the amount potential users are willing to pay for online PrEP/PEP provision.MethodsWe administered willingness to pay (WTP) questionnaires to both potential online PrEP users and current online PrEP/PEP users in Nairobi, Kenya using a stated preference approach to measure the amount participants were willing to pay for PrEP/PEP service delivery components. Participants ≥ 18 years were recruited via banner ads on an online pharmacy website on pages displaying sexual health products. We used multivariable gamma regression models to assess characteristics associated with differences in mean WTP for a 30-day PrEP or 28-day PEP course (including HIV self-testing, remote clinical consultation, drugs, and delivery fees).ResultsFrom May 2022 and December 2023, 1,512 participants completed WTP questionnaires: 772 potential online PrEP users and 740 current online PrEP/PEP users. Most participants (98.3%, 1486/1,512) were willing to pay some amount for online PrEP services. For a one-month PrEP supply, potential online PrEP users were willing to pay 1388 KSH ($11.77 USD) and current online PrEP/PEP users were willing to pay 1271.2 KSH ($10.77 USD) on average. Most current online PrEP/PEP users (81.4%, 602/740) were also willing to pay for online PEP services; for a 28-day PEP supply, they were willing to pay 812.9 KSH ($6.89 USD) on average. Among potential online PrEP users, male sex, current enrollment in school, high income, and a history of online pharmacy purchases were associated with higher WTP for PrEP. Among current online PrEP/PEP users, higher income and prior online pharmacy purchases were associated with higher WTP for PrEP, and older age (> 24) and prior online pharmacy purchases were associated with higher WTP for PEP.ConclusionMost potential and current online PrEP/PEP users in Nairobi were willing to pay for online pharmacy-based PrEP/PEP and demonstrated similar WTP. Providing PrEP/PEP through online pharmacies may sustainably expand coverage of these HIV prevention services.

MediCure - Online Pharmacy

The Online Pharmacy platform is developed to improve the accessibility and efficiency of medication management in a digital format. It offers a simple and intuitive interface for users to order medicines, maintain prescription records, and monitor their deliveries in real-time. Specially designed to support the needs of elderly individuals, patients with long-term health conditions, and those residing in remote locations, the platform aims to enhance health outcomes and convenience. Key functionalities include automated reminders for refills, secure digital storage of prescriptions, and strong data protection mechanisms. Future updates will incorporate teleconsultation services and advanced health analytics, empowering users with remote healthcare access and personalized insights. With its emphasis on innovation, security, and user-centric design, Online Pharmacy aspires to redefine standards in the digital healthcare domain.

Trustworthiness of Web-Based Pharmacy Apps in Pakistan Based on the Mobile App Rating Scale: Content Analysis and Quality Evaluation.

Web-based pharmacy apps facilitate the electronic exchange of health-related supplies. They are digital platforms that run on websites and smartphones. Pakistan is experiencing significant progress in smartphone integration and digital services, leading to the expansion of the online pharmacy business. However, concerns remain over the legitimacy and precision of these apps. The aim of this study was to undertake a thorough assessment of digital pharmacy apps accessible in Pakistan. Specifically, our focus was on apps accessible via the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store. To fulfill this objective, an evaluation of these apps was performed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). A research investigation was conducted to analyze the online pharmacy apps in Pakistan. Initially, 50 apps were identified, but 10 were excluded for not meeting pre-established criteria, 10 were excluded for being in languages other than English, and 7 could not be downloaded. All paid and non-English apps were also excluded. A total of 23 apps were selected for the study, acquired via the Google Play Store and iOS App Store. The evaluation was conducted by 2 researchers who maintained independence from one another by using the MARS. Initially, 50 apps were identified, of which 27 were excluded for not meeting the predetermined criteria. A total of 23 apps were selected for the study, acquired via the Google Play Store and iOS App Store. Strong positive correlations between higher user engagement and better app functionality and information quality were observed. The average rating of the 23 apps ranged between 2.64 and 4.00 on a scale up to 5. The aesthetics dimension had the highest mean score of 3.6, while the information dimension had the lowest mean score of 3.2. For credibility and reliability, different tests (intraclass correlation, Cohen κ, Krippendorff α, and Cronbach α) on each dimension of the MARS were performed by using SPSS Statistics 27. The intraclass correlation of all MARS dimensions ranged from 0.702-0.913 (95% CI 0.521-0.943), the Cohen κ of all MARS dimensions ranged from 0.388-0.907 (95% CI 0.151-0.994), the Krippendorff α of all MARS dimensions ranged from 0.705-0.979 (95% CI 0.657-0.923), and Cronbach α had a lower score of 0.821 in the information dimension and a higher score of .911 in the subjective quality dimension of the MARS. This study evaluated online pharmacy apps in Pakistan by using the MARS. It is the first study on online pharmacy apps in Pakistan. The findings of the evaluation have provided insights into the reliability and efficacy of these apps.