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Ayenew W, Anagaw YK, Limenh LW, Simegn W, Bizuneh GK, Bitew T, Minwagaw T, Fitigu AE, Dessie MG, Asmamaw G. Readiness of and barriers for community pharmacy professionals in providing and implementing vaccination services. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:867. [PMID: 39080749 PMCID: PMC11290308 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11349-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacy professionals are essential for healthcare delivery, particularly for administering vaccination services. However, there is a lack of substantial evidence documenting their role in vaccination within Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess community pharmacy professionals' readiness to provide vaccination services, identify barriers hindering the implementation of these services, and determine factors influencing the provision of vaccination services by community pharmacy professionals. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacy professionals in Debre Markos and Injibara Town from April 15 to May 13, 2024. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the findings. RESULTS The study revealed that a significant majority of community pharmacy professionals perceived that they had adequate vaccine knowledge and were easily accessible to the community. However, barriers such as lack of regulation, time constraints, workload concerns, patient trust issues, and infrastructure challenges hinder the implementation of vaccination services. Factors influencing the provision of vaccination services included the need for enhanced education and training, financial reimbursement, patient demand, infrastructure improvements, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and pharmacists' special interest in vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacy professionals exhibit readiness to provide vaccination services. However, significant barriers such as regulatory constraints, time pressures, workload concerns, patient trust issues, and infrastructure challenges hinder their full participation. Addressing these barriers and leveraging pharmacists' expertise is essential for optimizing service delivery and improving public health outcomes. Advocating for policy changes, developing comprehensive training programs, establishing clear guidelines, investing in infrastructure improvements, conducting public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration with other healthcare providers are recommended to facilitate the provision and implementation of vaccination services by community pharmacy professionals in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wondim Ayenew
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yeniewa Kerie Anagaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Liknaw Workie Limenh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Kassahun Bizuneh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Bitew
- Department of Pharmacy, Pawi Health Science College, Pawi, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Minwagaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayelign Eshete Fitigu
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Misganaw Gashaw Dessie
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Getahun Asmamaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
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Udoh A, Ernawati D, Ikhile I, Yahyouche A. Pharmacists' Willingness to Offer Vaccination Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PHARMACY 2024; 12:98. [PMID: 39051382 PMCID: PMC11270253 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12040098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pharmacy-based vaccination (PBV) services increase coverage and enhance access to lifesaving vaccines. This systematic review assessed the proportion of pharmacists willing to offer PBV services. PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and Scopus electronic databases were searched from inception to identify relevant literature. Google scholar and other sources of grey literature was also searched. The literature findings were synthesized narratively, and via a random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was evaluated using nine quality assessment criteria adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies. The review protocol is registered on PROSPERO (REF: CRD42021293692). In total, 967 articles were identified from the literature search. Of this, 34 articles from 19 countries across 5 WHO regions were included in the review. No article from the Western Pacific WHO region was identified. Most of the included studies (n = 21, 61.8%) showed an overall low risk of bias. None showed a high risk of bias. Pooled willingness for PBV services was 69.45% (95% CI: 61.58-76.33; n total pharmacists = 8877), indicating that most pharmacists were willing to offer the service, although nearly a third were not. Pharmacists' willingness was highest in the Americas (71.49%, 95% CI: 53.32-84.63, n pharmacists = 3842) and lowest in the African region (58.71%, 95% CI: 45.86-70.46, n pharmacists = 1080) although the between-group difference was not statistically significant across the WHO regions (Q = 3.01, df = 4, p < 0.5567). Meta-regression showed no evidence (R2 = 0%, p = 0.9871) of the moderating effect of the type of vaccine assessed, PBV service availability, sampling technique and the study risk of bias. These findings show that most pharmacists are willing to offer PBV services; however, strategies that will enhance greater involvement in service provision are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arit Udoh
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Desak Ernawati
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar 80234, Bali, Indonesia;
| | - Ifunanya Ikhile
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
| | - Asma Yahyouche
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
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Meraya AM, Syed MH, Shabi AA, Madkhali HA, Yatimi YA, Khobrani KY, Mubarki YA, Khardali A, Thaibah H, Yasmeen A. Assessment of community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes and their willingness to provide vaccination services in Saudi Arabia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304287. [PMID: 38805488 PMCID: PMC11132504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists play an important role in increasing vaccination rates especially in countries where they offer vaccination services and administration. However, little is known about community pharmacist's willingness to provide vaccination services in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, willingness and beliefs of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia towards providing vaccines at pharmacies. METHODS A cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study using convenience sampling (Snowball technique) was used to obtain responses from community pharmacists across Saudi Arabia. The survey collected information on participants' demographics, knowledge about vaccine, attitude towards vaccine and their attitude to be immunization providers. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the relationships between demographic variables and outcomes. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 384 community pharmacists. More than half of participants had poor knowledge about vaccines (54%). Only 8.4% of participants had good knowledge about vaccines. The results indicated that community pharmacists in the study sample have positive attitude toward vaccines and are willing to provide vaccination services. There was a significant relationship between knowledge about vaccine and attitude toward vaccines. Pharmacists with poor knowledge about vaccines had negative attitude toward vaccines as compared to those with high knowledge (β = -1.743; P-value = 0.024). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between knowledge about vaccine and attitude to be immunization providers. Pharmacists with poor knowledge about vaccines had negative attitude to be immunization providers as compared to those with high knowledge (β = -2.631; P-value = 0.002). Furthermore, a significant number of the community pharmacists reported facing critical barriers to provide vaccines including legal liability, lack of personal resources and lack of appropriate training. CONCLUSION Comprehensive training and certification programs for pharmacists are crucial to improve their competencies in handling and administering vaccines to increase the rate of vaccinations in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkarim M. Meraya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamoon H. Syed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulwahab A. Shabi
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huthaifa A. Madkhali
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Younis A. Yatimi
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalied Y. Khobrani
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahia A. Mubarki
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Khardali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hilal Thaibah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayesha Yasmeen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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Thomas D, Abdalla A, Hussein S, Joury J, Elshamy A, Khalifa S, Saleh Z. Pharmacists' readiness and willingness to vaccinate the public in United Arab Emirates community pharmacies: A cross-sectional study. F1000Res 2024; 12:292. [PMID: 38774308 PMCID: PMC11106594 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131153.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacist-administered vaccination is currently implemented in many countries worldwide. It has contributed to increased vaccine access and vaccine uptake. This observational cross-sectional study assessed community pharmacists' willingness, and readiness to administer vaccines to the public in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and relate it to national and international policies on vaccination. Methods This research was an online survey of 24-questions that was made available to community pharmacists via social media and WhatsApp. The survey was open for six weeks (from April to June 2022). Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. Results The questionnaire was completed by 374 of 575 (65%) respondents. More than half (64.2%) of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that pharmacists should be able to vaccinate and 68.4% responded that they were willing to administer vaccines if local regulations allowed them to vaccinate. Most (81.8%) expressed willingness to complete training required to be able to administer vaccines in their pharmacies. Logistic regression showed that pharmacists defined as having high readiness were significantly more willing to undergo all essential training to start a vaccination service in their pharmacies than were pharmacists with poor readiness (OR 2.647; 95% CI: 1.518-4.615; p=0.001). High readiness was also significantly associated with agreement on safety of pharmacy-based vaccination (p=0.027). Conclusions The majority of community pharmacists surveyed showed readiness to commence pharmacy-based vaccination services. Those with high readiness characteristics are amenable to receiving essential training and consider that vaccination in the community pharmacy setting would be safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon Thomas
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Saeed Hussein
- Global Medical Solutions, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean Joury
- Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amin Elshamy
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sherief Khalifa
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ziad Saleh
- Al Ain Pharmacy Group, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Bekele F, Samuel D, Tafese L. Pharmacist as vaccinators: the way forward for pharmacist-administered vaccinations in low-resource settings: Editorial. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1828-1829. [PMID: 38576923 PMCID: PMC10990387 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Firomsa Bekele
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Health Science, Wallaga University, Nekemte
| | - Dagim Samuel
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Health Science, Wallaga University, Nekemte
| | - Lalise Tafese
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Science, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia
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Tadele S, Demissie BN, Tamiru MT, Tadesse TA. Knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists on vaccination, barriers and willingness to implement community pharmacy-based vaccination services in Ethiopia. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2291243. [PMID: 38111325 PMCID: PMC10732657 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2291243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists (CPs) on vaccination and assess the barriers and willingness to implement community pharmacy-based vaccination services (CPBVS) in Ethiopia. An online cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 CPs in Ethiopia, and questionnaires were distributed to CPs through the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association telegram group and e-mail invitations. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Most CPs (92%) had good knowledge of vaccination, and 43.5% strongly agreed that the population's immunization rates would rise if CPs were authorized to provide vaccinations. The overall mean attitude score (±SD) toward vaccination was 35.95 (±4.11) out of a total score of 45, with 187 (44.2%) scoring below the mean. The most common barriers were lack of authorization (94.1%), costs and time associated with professional development and training (71.4%), time requirements for professional development (70%), and insufficient staff or resources for implementation (70%). Two hundred thirty CPs (54.4%) expressed a willingness to implement CPBVS. Educational qualifications were significantly associated with knowledge of CPs regarding vaccination. Those with inadequate knowledge had about 2.5 times (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.31, p = .016) a poorer attitude toward vaccination services compared with those with adequate knowledge. Those study participants who had a good attitude toward vaccination services were nearly seven (AOR = 6.80, 95% CI: 4.36-10.59, p = .0001) times more willing to provide CPBVS when compared with their counterparts. Implementing CPBVS in Ethiopia requires overcoming barriers and providing professional development opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solome Tadele
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bezawit Negash Demissie
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Tileku Tamiru
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tamrat Assefa Tadesse
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Aarnes RV, Nilsen MK. Norwegian Community Pharmacists' Experiences with COVID-19 Vaccination-A Qualitative Interview Study. PHARMACY 2023; 11:181. [PMID: 37987391 PMCID: PMC10661255 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11060181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunising the population became important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community pharmacies in Norway collaborated with municipalities to offer a vaccination services to increase the vaccination rate. Only some pharmacies were allowed to offer this service in the pandemic's early phase. This study learns about pharmacists' experiences during this first period of COVID-19 vaccination services in community pharmacies, which is relevant for informing policy and organisational decision makers about the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacy vaccination. METHODS Individual interviews were conducted with 13 pharmacists in community pharmacies offering a COVID-19 vaccination service. Informants were recruited from the eleven pharmacies that first offered COVID-19 vaccinations. The key themes in the interview were COVID-19 vaccination, what the pharmacists think about the vaccination service, and how it is performed. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation. RESULTS Three main themes and eight subthemes were identified. The main themes were creative solutions, organising and making resources available, and professionally satisfying and an important mission. The interviewed pharmacists experienced the COVID-19 vaccination service as hectic but something important that they would prioritise. They experienced their efforts to be substantial in the pandemic's early phase. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists in community pharmacies were a resource for increasing the vaccination rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pharmacies' easy accessibility and the pharmacists' ability to adjust their daily workflow for a new service should be considered when an expanded healthcare service is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Vold Aarnes
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- Boots Pharmacy Surnadal, 6650 Surnadal, Norway
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Santos YS, de Souza Ferreira D, de Oliveira Silva ABM, da Silva Nunes CF, de Souza Oliveira SA, da Silva DT. Global overview of pharmacist and community pharmacy actions to address COVID-19: A scoping review. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 10:100261. [PMID: 37096140 PMCID: PMC10091784 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacists and community pharmacies play an important role in managing, identifying and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Objectives To characterize the global panorama of action by pharmacists and community pharmacies in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The scoping review was based on the search for scientific articles in the databases: PubMed; Scopus; ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The search was carried out on August 31, 2021. The selection process was divided into 3 phases: i) title analysis; ii) analysis of study abstracts; iii) analysis of the full texts of the studies selected in the previous step. Studies were independently selected by two investigators and discrepancies resolved by consensus during focus group discussions led by a third reviewer. Results The final search yielded 36 articles for the review. The main strategies for coping with COVID-19 were grouped into 4 categories defined by consensus between the authors: (1) services for providing care to the patient; (2) product management; (3) infection prevention and control practices in community pharmacy; (4) preparation, sources of information used and training offered/received. Through these, the aim was to involve technical managerial, technical assistance and pedagogical technical actions adopted, as well as structure and process indicators that allowed the continuity of the offer of services. Conclusion During the pandemic, pharmacists and community pharmacies have been providing essential health services to communities. The results of this review may help to identify the changes adopted to face the COVID-19 pandemic and may contribute to improving the quality of practices in these establishments during the pandemic and after it, in similar situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yane Silva Santos
- Member of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Denise de Souza Ferreira
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Any Beatriz Matos de Oliveira Silva
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Clara Freire da Silva Nunes
- Pharmacy students and Members of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Study Group (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
| | - Sueza Abadia de Souza Oliveira
- Master in Collective Health by Federal University of Goias. President of Brazilian Society of Pharmacists and Community Pharmacies, Brasília (DF), Brazil
| | - Daniel Tenório da Silva
- Coordinator of the Study Group on Geriatrics and Gerontology (GREGG) at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina (PE), Brazil
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Thomas D, Abdalla A, Hussein S, Joury J, Elshamy A, Khalifa S, Saleh Z. Pharmacists’ readiness and willingness to vaccinate the public in United Arab Emirates community pharmacies: A cross-sectional study. F1000Res 2023; 12:292. [DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131153.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pharmacist-administered vaccination is currently implemented in many countries worldwide. It has contributed to increased vaccine access and vaccine uptake. This observational cross-sectional study assessed community pharmacists’ willingness, and readiness to administer vaccines to the public in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and relate it to national and international policies on vaccination. Methods: This research was an online survey of 24-questions that was made available to community pharmacists via social media and WhatsApp. The survey was open for six weeks (from April to June 2022). Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 374 of 575 (65%) respondents. More than half (64.2%) of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that pharmacists should be able to vaccinate and 68.4% responded that they were willing to administer vaccines if local regulations allowed them to vaccinate. Most (81.8%) expressed willingness to complete training required to be able to administer vaccines in their pharmacies. Logistic regression showed that pharmacists defined as having high readiness were significantly more willing to undergo all essential training to start a vaccination service in their pharmacies than were pharmacists with poor readiness (OR 2.647; 95% CI: 1.518–4.615; p=0.001). High readiness was also significantly associated with agreement on safety of pharmacy-based vaccination (p=0.027). Conclusions: The majority of community pharmacists surveyed showed readiness to commence pharmacy-based vaccination services. Those with high readiness characteristics are amenable to receiving essential training and consider that vaccination in the community pharmacy setting would be safe.
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Abu-Farha R, Alzoubi KH, Alkhawaldeh R, Awwad O, Mukattash T, Alefishat E. Public satisfaction with community pharmacists roles as healthcare providers: a cross-sectional study from Jordan. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmac058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
In recent years, the responsibilities of community pharmacists have changed significantly. This study aimed to assess Jordanian public satisfaction with community pharmacists’ role as healthcare providers and to evaluate factors affecting their satisfaction level.
Methods
This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among the Jordanian public using a convenience sampling approach between May 2022 and June 2022. A link to the self-administered questionnaire was distributed via different social media platforms to be filled by participants willing to participate to evaluate their views and satisfaction of community pharmacists’ role as healthcare providers.
Key findings
In this study, 710 participants agreed to participate in this study. The participants had a median age of 36.0 years and 62.3% of them were female. The most frequent reason for visiting any community pharmacy was purchasing prescription medications (83.1%). The location of the pharmacy was the most selected factor influencing the choice of a particular community pharmacy by the study participants (89.3%). Results showed that respondents had an acceptable satisfaction score about pharmacists’ behaviours and roles (median score of 32.0 out of 40.0). More than 80% of the participants were satisfied with the language used by the pharmacist in discussing drug-related matters (84.9%), with the privacy maintained by the pharmacist while dealing with them (83.1%), with pharmacists’ professionalism in dealing with patients (82.3%), and with the positive relationship between pharmacists and patients (81.0%). Respondents with a higher level of education showed more satisfaction towards pharmacists’ services compared to those with lower levels of education (Beta = 0.088, P = 0.031).
Conclusions
This study demonstrated an acceptable general satisfaction of community pharmacists while conducting their job, yet their role still mainly involves dispensing prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Abu-Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University , Amman , Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah , Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
| | - Rama Alkhawaldeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University , Amman , Jordan
| | - Oriana Awwad
- Department Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan
| | - Tareq Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
| | - Eman Alefishat
- Department Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology , Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates
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