Patient’s perception of the image of community pharmacists

Abstract

Background: Patients' understanding of the pharmacists’ role is needed to create a positive image so that it is easier for pharmacists to make patients understand the use of drugs. Objective: This study aimed to assess the public perception of the image of pharmacists in providing services to patients. Method: An observational study was conducted on fifty-three (53) respondents who received pharmaceutical services directly from pharmacists at the pharmacies in East Java. The research variable was the pharmacists' image which is measured through competence, ethics, communication skills, and emotional intelligence based on the perception of the patient. Result: The majority of pharmacists had good ratings for their competence and ethics (96%), and most of the pharmacists were perceived to have good communication skills and emotional intelligence (92% and 79% respectively). Conclusion: The pharmacists' images, according to the patients' perception were in the “good” category, although there is a need to be an increase in emotional intelligence.