Exploring awareness of planetary health and antibiotic disposal advice across Australian Pharmacies: A mystery shopping expedition
Background information: Inappropriate disposal of unused antimicrobials can push the environment out of balance, and increase the likelihood of antimicrobial-resistant organisms to grow. We aimed to investigate the recommendations for the disposal of unwanted antibiotics given as advice to consumers...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Environmental Challenges |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010024001860 |
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| Summary: | Background information: Inappropriate disposal of unused antimicrobials can push the environment out of balance, and increase the likelihood of antimicrobial-resistant organisms to grow. We aimed to investigate the recommendations for the disposal of unwanted antibiotics given as advice to consumers by community pharmacists practising in Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using mystery shopping explored pharmacists' recommendations for disposing of unwanted antibiotics. Simulated patients called community pharmacies across Australia for advice on disposing of leftover antibiotic mixtures. Findings: Of 1577 pharmacists called across Australia, over 59 % recommended incorrect disposal methods, i.e., putting the leftover antibiotic syrup in the home rubbish bin or down the sink or toilet, 28.4 % recommended putting the unused antibiotic straight into the rubbish bin, and 10 pharmacists recommended throwing the leftover syrup on the grass, soil, or in a street drain. There were 19 pharmacists who did not want to recommend disposal at all; some recommended calling the prescriber to ask. Of the pharmacists who advised consumers to return unwanted antibiotic liquid to their pharmacy, 21 (1.3 % overall) indicated that they would pour it down the sink at the pharmacy upon being returned. Interpretation: Pharmacists' advice on antibiotic disposal varied despite the availability of a national scheme enabling consumers to return unwanted medicines to pharmacies for this purpose. Enhanced education and policies could help pharmacists guide the public on proper disposal. |
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| ISSN: | 2667-0100 |