Chronic conditions, financial burden and pharmaceutical pricing: insights from Australian consumers

Whitty, Jennifer A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5886-1933, Sav, Adem, Kelly, Fiona, King, Michelle A., Mcmillan, Sara S., Kendall, Elizabeth and Wheeler, Amanda J. (2014) Chronic conditions, financial burden and pharmaceutical pricing: insights from Australian consumers. Australian Health Review, 38 (5). pp. 589-595. ISSN 0156-5788

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Objective To explore the perceptions of Australian consumers and carers about the financial burden associated with medicines used for the treatment of chronic conditions. Method Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with individuals (n = 97) who identified as having a chronic condition(s) (n = 70), cared for someone with a chronic condition(s) (n = 8), or both (n = 19). Participants included individuals identifying with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (n = 23) or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (n = 19) background. Data were analysed using the constant comparison method and reported thematically. Results Participants described substantial costs associated with medicines use, along with aggravating factors, including the duration and number of medicines used, loss of employment, lack of pricing consistency between pharmacies and the cost of dose administration aids. Consequences included impacts on medicine adherence, displacement of luxury items and potentially a reduced financial incentive to work. Understanding and beliefs related to pharmaceutical pricing policy varied and a range of proactive strategies to manage financial burden were described by some participants. Conclusions The financial burden associated with medicines used for the management of chronic conditions by Australian consumers is substantial. It is compounded by the ongoing need for multiple medicines and indirect effects associated with chronic conditions, such as the impact on employment.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: financial burden,pharmaceuticals,chronic conditions,australia,consumer experience,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Economics
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Respiratory and Airways Group
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Services and Primary Care
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 26 Apr 2016 14:00
Last Modified: 22 Oct 2022 01:04
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/58391
DOI: 10.1071/AH13190

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item