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Preferences for Medical Consultations from Online Providers: Evidence from a Discrete Choice Experiment in the United Kingdom

Authors :
Laurence Roope
A. Sarah Walker
Lucy Abel
James M. Buchanan
Derrick W. Crook
Tim E. A. Peto
Liz Morrell
Christopher C Butler
Koen B. Pouwels
Sarah Wordsworth
Julie V. Robotham
Source :
Applied Health Economics and Health Policy
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2021.

Abstract

Background In the UK, consultations for prescription medicines are available via private providers such as online pharmacies. However, these providers may have lower thresholds for prescribing certain drugs. This is a particular concern for antibiotics, given the increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Public preferences for consultations with online providers are unknown, hence the impact of increased availability of online consultations on antibiotic use and population health is unclear. Objective To conduct a discrete choice experiment survey to understand UK public preferences for seeking online consultations, and the factors that influence these preferences, in the context of having symptoms for which antibiotics may be appropriate. Methods In a survey conducted between July and August 2018, general population respondents completed 16 questions in which they chose a primary care consultation via either their local medical centre or an online provider. Consultations were described in terms of five attributes, including cost and similarity to traditional ‘face-to-face’ appointments. Choices were modelled using regression analysis. Results Respondents (n = 734) placed a high value on having a consultation via their local medical centre rather than an online provider, and a low value on consultations by phone or video. However, respondents characterised as ‘busy young professionals’ showed a lower strength of preference for traditional consultations, with a higher concern for convenience. Conclusion Before COVID-19, the UK public had limited appetite for consultations with online providers, or for consultations that were not face-to-face. Nevertheless, prescriptions from online providers should be monitored going forward, particularly for antibiotics, and in key patient groups. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40258-021-00642-8.

Details

ISSN :
11791896 and 11755652
Volume :
19
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Applied Health Economics and Health Policy
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....bd70028fba4c57acc40d34efcab0933a
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40258-021-00642-8