Medicine misuse is a public health issue, but the term has different meanings to people in different settings. A recent analysis of published studies provides a comprehensive overview of the terms and definitions used to characterize medicine misuse. The findings are published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Among 51 relevant studies, there were 71 definitions and 74 examples of misuse. The authors of the analysis noted that a certain confusion has reigned between misuse, abuse, and medication errors, with a clear need for classifying and selecting terms and definitions to understand which situations truly involve medicine misuse.
“A novel, consensual and standardised definition of medicine misuse is required,” the authors wrote. “Such a taxonomy could include the different key elements highlighted in the present review, namely initiator, intent, purpose and context of medicine misuse.”
Additional Information
Link to Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.14604
About the Journal
Published on behalf of the British Pharmacological Society, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology features papers and reports on all aspects of drug action in humans: review articles, mini review articles, original papers, commentaries, editorials and letters. The Journal enjoys a wide readership, bridging the gap between the medical profession, clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry. It also publishes research on new methods, new drugs and new approaches to treatment. The Journal is recognised as one of the leading publications in its field. It is online only, publishes open access research through its OnlineOpen programme and is published monthly.
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