Problems of purchasing pharmacy products through online orders

Abstract

Online pharmacy services and online ordering of pharmaceutical products are in demand, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The problems of the purchase of pharmacy products through online orders in the Far Eastern Federal District were analyzed. Sociological survey of the population (n = 3789) was carried out. Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient was used. Drugs, dietary supplements, hygiene, and care items are most often purchased in online pharmacies. There is a correlation with the female sex, which may be related to care about family/loved people. The purchase of prescription drugs through e-pharmacies is also more often in demand among women and older patients. Among prescription drugs, the order of drugs used in the treatment of coronavirus infection and its complications (antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, gastroenterological, and hormonal) is widespread. The problems of e-pharmacies identified due to the study are the lack of proper control over prescription drugs, low role of the pharmaceutical worker in compliance of the patient, and frequent refusals of Internet orders. It is necessary clarify the regulatory status of e-pharmacies and the role of pharmaceutical specialists in it, to reduce the possibility of error in the preparation and/or assembly of orders, to reduce the risk of the presence of defective goods. These ways can increase customer loyalty to this service.