Public health in community pharmacy: A systematic review of pharmacist and consumer views
2011

Pharmacists and Public Health: A Review of Views

Sample size: 63 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Claire Eades, Jill S Ferguson, Ronan E O'Carroll

Primary Institution: University of Stirling

Hypothesis

What are the beliefs and attitudes of pharmacists and consumers towards pharmaceutical public health?

Conclusion

Pharmacists need more training to confidently provide public health services, which could improve customer attitudes and health.

Supporting Evidence

  • Most pharmacists view public health services as important but secondary to medicine-related roles.
  • Consumers often do not expect to receive public health services from pharmacists.
  • Training can positively affect pharmacists' attitudes and behaviors regarding health promotion.

Takeaway

Pharmacists want to help with public health, but they often feel unsure and need more training to do it well.

Methodology

A systematic review of studies assessing pharmacist and consumer attitudes towards public health services.

Potential Biases

Response rates were often not reported, and many studies used convenience sampling, which may not represent the general population.

Limitations

Heterogeneity in included studies and potential bias due to convenience sampling.

Participant Demographics

Pharmacists and pharmacy customers from various countries, primarily in Europe and North America.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-582

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