Waste not, want not. What are the drivers of sustainable medicines recycling in National Health Service hospital pharmacies (UK)? Online publication date: Sat, 24-Jan-2015
by Liz Breen; Ying Xie
International Journal of Procurement Management (IJPM), Vol. 8, No. 1/2, 2015
Abstract: Medicines management is only one part of National Health Service (NHS) (UK) procurement and management, but essentially a very expensive part. In December 2012, the Department of Health issued an action plan to improve the use of medicines and reduce waste. The purpose of this study is to examine medicines reverse logistics practice within NHS hospital pharmacies, and the operational strategy which drives such practices. The overarching aim is to explore through qualitative analysis the variance and commonality in strategy and practice in this standard activity. A qualitative approach was adopted in this research study, utilising a purposive study sample. The survey examined practice in 45 hospitals cases in the medicines reverse logistics system. The findings indicated there is commonality in the strategy employed in conducting medicines recycling, and all three drivers are prevalent in undertaking recycling and encouraging a more sustainable approach, i.e., economic, corporate citizenship, and legislation.
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