Perception of patients towards the knowledge of community pharmacist as a health care provider: A pilot study

Abstract

With the changing scenario of the health care services the role of Community Pharmacist is slowly and steadily changing from the dispenser of the drugs to a healthcare provider. Patients / consumers trust on their pharmacist is the primary criteria for the successful integration of community pharmacist in the healthcare services. The present study aims to evaluate the perception of patients/consumers towards their community pharmacist.  A 11- item questionnaire was used to assess the present study. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. 57.33% participants agreed that they believe their pharmacist as a healthcare provider. 73.33% participants agreed that they trust their pharmacist with their prescriptions and drug related information.  38% and 48.66% participants strongly agreed and agreed respectively that they consult their pharmacist for minor ailments.  34.66% participants said they would like blood glucose monitoring as an extended service to be provided by their pharmacy followed by Blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol monitoring, patient medication record keeping and reminder services for medicament  It was concluded that patients/consumers trust their community pharmacist with their drug and lifestyle related issues.