Operation Donate: defining the value of redispensing medications donated by individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the utility of medication donation by patients and families for redispensing in a nonprofit pharmacy.

SETTING

Cumberland County Medication Access Program (CCMAP) in Fayetteville, NC.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

CCMAP is a patient assistance pharmacy providing prescription medication to patients who lack health insurance and the financial means to obtain medication.

PRACTICE INNOVATION

CCMAP was approached with a plan to solicit, accept, and redispense donated medications from members of the public.

EVALUATION

The primary outcome was value of the collected medications defined by average wholesale price (AWP). Other outcomes measured were percentage of medications redispensed and their value, associated personnel costs, and cost for disposal of unusable medications.

RESULTS

188 usable donations were collected, with a value of $71,145.29. Of the collected medications, 27 prescription medications valued at $2,865.12 were redispensed during the pilot project. Costs included 6.5 hours of time valued at $162.58 and disposal of unusable medications costing $143.

CONCLUSION

Collecting and redispensing medications from patients and their families may be useful and cost effective for patient assistance pharmacies.