The evident gap between actual and perceived facilities supporting value-added pharmacy services

Abstract

Introduction: Whilst there is an emerging need to provide Value-Added Pharmacy Services (VAPS), the facilities in community pharmacy may not be supportive to implement this concept. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the actual and perceived facilities supporting VAPS. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to selected fifty pharmacies in Surabaya Indonesia. Respondents were asked about their agreement towards VAPS and facilities required for providing VAPS. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: All respondents agreed that pharmacy is in need to provide VAPS. In addition, they viewed the presence of facilities supporting VAPS are urgent. However, the availability of such facilities in the actual practice was relatively limited, highlighting underinvestment to provide VAPS. Conclusion: There is a gap between actual and perceived facilities supporting VAPS. This highlights more investments to upgrade pharmacy facilities.