Pharmaceutical care implementation in Rivers and Bayelsa states of Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Pharmaceutical care concept was introduced in Nigeria Pharmacy schools about a decade ago. Hence, to evaluate translation of theory into practice an original and maiden survey was carried out to identify the proportion of Pharmacists who have implemented Pharmaceutical Care (PC) practice and also to evaluate the impact of demographic factors. A descriptive study was carried out with a questionnaire between the months of January and March, 2013 among 205 out of estimated 400 pharmacists practicing in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria. Data collected was subjected to descriptive analysis using SPSS version 15. The study revealed that Pharmacists do perform pharmaceutical care functions in half the opportunities presented.  About 50 %, 28 %, 20%, and 22% of pharmacists always establish a therapeutic relationship to begin the practice, evaluate patient related health information, draw up a pharmaco therapeutic plan, and document pharmaceutical care goals respectively.  However, consistent practitioners of pharmaceutical care who use the instruments of care plans with goals and eventual documentation are about 21%. Chi square test reveal a significant relationship between sex and practice as well as between practice group and practice.