Area Distribution of Out-issued Prescriptions from Saiseikai Kurihashi Hospital and Behavior Patterns of Outpatients for Selection of Pharmacy

Abstract

The area distribution of out-issued prescriptions for outpatients in Saiseikai Kurihashi Hospital was surveyed over 6 months from the first day of out-issue. Behavior patterns of outpatients in the selection of a pharmacy were also investigated. Our survey included the out-issued prescriptions in eight surrounding newly established pharmacies together with the first out-issue. Computer simulation indicated that 70% of the outpatients selected the surrounding pharmacies when they received their out-issued prescriptions the first time. However, the percentage of surrounding pharmacies selected by the patients decreased to 60% the second time, and then again increased to 80% the third time. The results suggest that most outpatients use surrounding pharmacies, although they try to use the pharmacies near their homes for a time.