Community pharmacists' perceptions of the skin conditions they encounter and how they view their role in dermatological care

Abstract

Objectives: To explore pharmacists' perceptions of the skin conditions they encounter, sources of postgraduate dermatological training and views of their role in the management of patients with skin problems. Method A self-completion questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 3500 community pharmacists in England and Wales. Key findings Seventy-eight per cent of pharmacists felt that patients sought their advice on problems about dry skin on a weekly basis. A total of 64.8% had undertaken postgraduate training in dermatology and the majority agreed that they played an important role in managing patients with skin problems. Conclusion: Pharmacists routinely encounter a small number of skin conditions and believe they can contribute towards the care of patients with skin diseases. IJPP © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.