Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

« Back to Farmacia Journal 5/2025

MULTIDOSE DRUG DISPENSING SYSTEMS: A FOCUS ON USER EXPERIENCES, SAFETY, QUALITY AND COST FACTORS

ANA REIS 1, JORGE PEREIRA 1, ANDREI IACOB 2, VICTORIA-ADRIANA FILIPOI 2, MARÍA LUISA MARTÍN 3,4, ÂNGELO JESUS 1

1LAQV/REQUIMTE, School of Health, Porto Polytechnic Institute, Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida Street, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
2 Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
3 Pharmacology Laboratory. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
4 Salamanca Biomedical Research Institute (IBSAL), Paseo San Vicente 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain

Download Full Article PDF

Population aging is one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century, especially in developed countries. Medication-related behaviour is complex and influenced by multiple factors, requiring diverse strategies to improve adherence. In this context, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have taken on increasingly important roles in promoting and providing health services. Pharmacy technicians, in particular, can contribute significantly to the implementation of community adherence programs. Individualized medication preparation, such as multiple dose dispensing (MDD) systems, offers an approach that ensures patients receive the correct medication, in the correct dose and at the correct time, improving safety and adherence, particularly among older adults. The study involves identifying current evidence on the implementation and use of MDD systems and exploring possible improvements, particularly for older populations. This assessment analysis follows the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The protocol was developed with predefined criteria appropriate for the selected databases and repositories. Article selection, data extraction, and synthesis were performed independently by two reviewers to ensure rigor. In conclusion, MDD systems represent a promising intervention to support medication adherence, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.