General public awareness of community pharmacy services in Scotland: the 'first port of call' study.

Maclure, Katie; Craig, Gail; Boyter, Anne; MacLure, Andrew; Power, Ailsa; Osprey, Adam; McGregor, Annamarie; Stewart, Derek

Abstract

Background: The recently published 'Achieving Excellence in Pharmaceutical Care: a Strategy for Scotland' urges community pharmacy (CP) to make itself the 'first port of call' for healthcare advice. Purpose: To explore the Scottish general public's awareness of CP services and their openness to consider CP their 'first port of call' for health care advice. Methods: A Scotland-wide survey was administered up to 20 times in each of 119 CPs by pre-registration pharmacy graduates. It included Likert scales of attitudinal statements with items developed from existing literature. Ethical approval had been gained. Results: To date, the 1847 surveys have been completed from 102 CPs. Varying ages and standards of health are represented. Respondents were aware CPs 'are contracted to the NHS' (88%) and that 'pharmacists with an additional qualification can diagnose and prescribe' (54%). 87% would likely/very likely view CP as their 'First port of Call' for common illnesses. However, 72% were unlikely/very unlikely to approach CP with 'more serious symptoms'. Intentions for 'monitor or review of regular medicines' were less clear (unlikely/very unlikely (39%) against likely/very likely (36%)). 41% lacked an awareness of CP services in general. 75% indicated the pharmacist 'should have access to read and update relevant parts of my electronic health record' and pharmacist access to electronic records would make 68% more likely to view CP as a first port of call for health issues. Conclusions: This Scotland-wide survey indicated the general public's positivity and openness to access community pharmacy services, however, being recognised as a 'First Port of Call' may require awareness raising.

Citation

MACLURE, K., CRAIG, G., BOYTER, A., MACLURE, A., POWER, A., OSPREY, A., MCGREGOR, A. and STEWART, D. 2018. General public awareness and views of community pharmacy services in Scotland: the 'first port of call' study. Presented at 78th International Federation of Pharmacists (FIP) world pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences congress 2018 (FIP 2018), 2-6 September 2018, Glasgow, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 78th International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) world congress of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences (FIP 2018)
• Conference Location: Glasgow, UK
• Start Date: Sep 2, 2018
• End Date: Sep 6, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 18, 2019
• Keywords: Community pharmacy services; Public awareness; Scotland; Health care advice; First port of call
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/247584