Keywords: self medication - public health

Background:

Self-medication is a common practice that has been poorly studied in France. However, its prevalence is estimated at 67% worldwide. It can have a significant impact on patients due to drug interactions and adverse effects. Despite good practice recommendations, there is no validated French tool for studying it. Yet exploring it is essential in primary care in order to understand patients' practices.

Research questions:

To create a validated tool for self-medication study : the AutomediQ self-questionnaire.

Method:

A three step patient-centered method was used. First, the tool was created using a nominal group and validated by an expert group. Second, user testing was conducted with patients recruted from two community pharmacies and two general practices. It was conducted in two stages : patients answered the questionnaire using the “think-aloud method” and were invited to provide feedbacks after completion. Finally, with the contribution of a social psychologist, the tool was validated through an eDelphi method involving international french-speaking experts.

Results:

AutomediQ was designed as an online self-questionary accessible via QR code or web link. The nominal group composed of 17 professionals designed an initial questionnaire with 28 questions. The expert group's review narrowed the questionnaire down to 17 questions by transforming 11 questions into sub-questions exploring the methods, habits and determinants of self-medication. Four testing cycles were conducted, including three with patients. Finally the eDelphi process involved two cycles with the participation of 15 international experts in selfmedication, questionnaire design and primary healthcare. This process led to the validation of the final version of AutomediQ.

Conclusions:

AutomediQ is the first validated self-questionnaire in French for studying selfmedication for pain. An initial project using AutomédiQ is planned to assess its usability in large scale. Numerous studies will follow to shed light on self-medication practices.

Points for discussion:

It focuses on pain (to ensure acceptable length of completion)

It will require a method adapted for people with limited computer skills

It will require adjustments or traduction according to the national contexts of others countries.