Pharmacists perceptions of community pharmacy practice in UAE: An Overview

Abstract

Only few pharmacists are viewed by the public as the preeminent health care professionals responsible for the use of medicines in the prevention and treatment of disease or rational medication.Study's objectives were to explore patients' perceptions of community pharmacists practice and roles and evaluation of the services provided by community pharmacists. In addition, investigate patients expectations of the community pharmacists in Ajman and Sharjah cities, as well as obstacles facing community pharmacy setting for the application of pharmaceutical care from patients perspectives. 500 cross sectional surveys distributed to patients visiting community pharmacies. Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20. The response rate was 77% in which out of the 500 questionnaires distributed the total number of usable data was 385. 41 (10.6%), thought that pharmacists are primarily business people who are more concerned with making money. Forty nine percent (091) of patients thought that there is no privacy maintained concerning prescriptions and medications. 66(17.1%) of patients believed that the main barrier to approaching pharmacists is that doctors are more trusted. Improving perceptions and attitudes of patients, pharmacists and physicians towards the role of pharmaceutical care in improving patient overall health is essential. Community pharmacists roles must be expanded and they must look for new challenges in their profession in order to improve their experience and capabilities. (