Pharmacy Student Perceptions and Knowledge of Online Pharmacy Use

Objective. Currently, there is no set of accreditation standards for integrating the dangers of illegal online pharmacies into Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curricula. As a result, many pharmacists are unable to recognize the differences between a legal and illegal online pharmacy or educate patients on the dangers of online pharmacies. The objectives of this study were to assess gaps in student pharmacists’ knowledge and to assess the impact of adding education regarding online pharmacies into PharmD programs. Methods. A pre- and postsurvey design was developed. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire distributed to second-year pharmacy (P2) students to evaluate student knowledge gaps at baseline and after education on illegal online pharmacies. Results. A total of 102 students responded to the presurvey, with 93 (91%) consenting to participate. Out of 100 respondents to the postsurvey, 84 (84%) students consented. Approximately 87% (81/93) of respondents indicated some awareness of prescription medications being purchased online. Most students (89%, 77/86) stated that they do not believe the university has provided adequate curriculum on illegal online pharmacies and counterfeit medications. After receiving education on the relevant topics, 64% (55/85) stated they now felt their education was adequate. Conclusion. Although pharmacy students were aware of the existence of illegal online pharmacies, they were not aware of the significance of this patient safety issue or how to accurately identify suspicious websites. It is imperative that PharmD programs incorporate formal education on the risks that illegal online pharmacies pose to patient and medication safety.