Community pharmacist perceptions of their role and the use of social media and mobile health applications as tools in public health

Abstract

Most CPs, particularly those under 30, were positive about the use of SM and MH apps in PH. Training on the use of such tools among the pharmacy team, and an awareness of the availability of evidence-based apps will ensure their wider adoption.

Assessment of the pharmacy students e-health literacy and mobile health application utilization

“…Robb and Shellenbarger [21] determined the gender are also as an important factor for literacy level. Similar to the present study, it was demonstrated that male pharmacy students had significantly higher score of e-health literacy than female pharmacy students [23]. In another study, it was found that female pharmacy students had higher e-HEALS scores than male pharmacy students [22].…”

“…In another study, it was found that female pharmacy students had higher e-HEALS scores than male pharmacy students [22]. On the contrary, Crilly et al [23] did not find any significant differences between the gender groups in their study. These discrepancy results may be due to the relatively limited sample and differences in education level in the study sample.…”

“…Web-based survey was conducted through Lime-survey software. The survey instrument includes demographic characteristics (n=4 questions) and semi-structured questionnaire that was created based on studies in the literature to investigate knowledge and behaviours (n=5 questions), perception (n=8 questions) and point of view (n=4 questions) of pharmacy students towards mobile health apps [22,23,29,30]. The survey that include 20 items consisted of multiple sections, which are evaluated by using five-point Likert-type scales.…”

“…The Turkish version of the e-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS) that consists of 8 items and score would range from 8 to 40 was also applied [23]. The higher e-HEALS score indicates higher e-health literacy level [9,31].…”

A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Telehealth and Digital Technology Use by Community Pharmacists to Improve Public Health

“…Those working in the primary health sector, such as community pharmacists, form a key part of the public awareness strategy and, in addition, have an important role to play in treating, screening, and providing brief interventions to those who may be at risk of harm [ 14 ]. This aspect of public health has become engrained into the profession of community pharmacy for many years [ 15 ]. There is evidence that when pharmacists take a patient-centered approach, incorporating motivational interviewing and health behavior change models, they are able to engage and support the public better in order to make positive lifestyle choices [ 16 ].…”