K Saramunee1, J Krska2, A Mackridge3, J Richards4, S Suttajit5, P Phillips-Howard6. 1. School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK; Social Pharmacy Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand. Electronic address: kritsanee.s@msu.ac.th. 2. Medway School of Pharmacy, The Universities of Greenwich and Kent at Medway, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK. 3. School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. 4. School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University Singapore Campus 180 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, 869830, Singapore. 5. Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand. 6. Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5AQ, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore the experience of and willingness to use seven pharmacy public health services related to cardiovascular risk among the general public in England. STUDY DESIGN: Mixed-methods study. METHODS: A mixed-methods study, involving a cross-sectional survey using multiple distribution methods followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) with a sample of survey respondents. RESULTS: From 3596 approachable individuals, 908 questionnaires were completed (response rate 25.3%). Few respondents (2.1-12.7%) had experienced any of the seven pharmacy public health services. About 40% stated they would be willing to use health check services, fewer (9.3-26.3%) were willing to use advisory services. More females, frequent pharmacy users and those in good health were willing to use services in general (P < 0.05). Smokers, overweight individuals and those with alcohol-related problems were most willing to use specific advisory services supporting their problems (P < 0.05). FGD identified barriers to service use; for example, frequent staff changes, seeing pharmacist as medicines suppliers and concerns about competence for these services. CONCLUSION: The general public are receptive to pharmacy public health services. Pharmacists must consider barriers if uptake of services is to increase.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the experience of and willingness to use seven pharmacy public health services related to cardiovascular risk among the general public in England. STUDY DESIGN: Mixed-methods study. METHODS: A mixed-methods study, involving a cross-sectional survey using multiple distribution methods followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) with a sample of survey respondents. RESULTS: From 3596 approachable individuals, 908 questionnaires were completed (response rate 25.3%). Few respondents (2.1-12.7%) had experienced any of the seven pharmacy public health services. About 40% stated they would be willing to use health check services, fewer (9.3-26.3%) were willing to use advisory services. More females, frequent pharmacy users and those in good health were willing to use services in general (P < 0.05). Smokers, overweight individuals and those with alcohol-related problems were most willing to use specific advisory services supporting their problems (P < 0.05). FGD identified barriers to service use; for example, frequent staff changes, seeing pharmacist as medicines suppliers and concerns about competence for these services. CONCLUSION: The general public are receptive to pharmacy public health services. Pharmacists must consider barriers if uptake of services is to increase.