Factors affecting pharmacists’ recommendation of complementary medicines – a qualitative pilot study of Australian pharmacists

Abstract

BackgroundComplementary medicines (CMs) are widely used by the Australian public, and pharmacies are major suppliers of these medicines. The integration of CMs into pharmacy practice is well documented, but the behaviours of pharmacists in recommending CMs to customers are less well studied. This study reports on factors that influence whether or not pharmacists in Australia recommend CMs to their customers.MethodsData were collected from semi-structured interviews with twelve practicing pharmacists based in Brisbane, Australia. The qualitative data were analysed by thematic analysis.ResultsThe primary driver of the recommendation of CMs was a desire to provide a health benefit to the customer. Other important drivers were an awareness of evidence of efficacy, customer feedback and pharmacy protocols to recommend a CM alongside a particular pharmaceutical medication. The primary barrier to the recommendation of CMs was safety concerns around patients on multiple medications or with complex health issues. Also, a lack of knowledge of CMs, a perceived lack of evidence or a lack of time to counsel patients were identified as barriers. There was a desire to see a greater integration of CM into formal pharmacy education. Additionally, the provision of good quality educational materials was seen as important to allow pharmacists to assess levels of evidence for CMs and educate them on their safe and appropriate use.ConclusionsPharmacists who frequently recommend CMs identify many potential benefits for patients and see it as an important part of providing a ‘healthcare solution’. To encourage the informed use of CMs in pharmacy there is a need for the development of accessible, quality resources on CMs. In addition, incorporation of CM education into pharmacy curricula would better prepare graduate pharmacists for community practice. Ultimately, such moves would contribute to the safe and effective use of CMs to the benefit of consumers.

Nurse practitioner prescribing practice in Australia: Confidence in aspects of medication management

“…23 The relative deficit in evidence related to many complementary therapies, when combined with NPs' commitment to evidence-based prescribing, might also contribute to NPs' relative lack of confidence in prescribing complementary medicines. The data suggest that NPs feel most confident in prescribing tasks related to providing educational information to clients about their prescribed medications, and monitoring clients' responses to their prescribed medicines.…”

Qualitative exploration of pharmacist care for herbal and dietary supplement users in Thai community pharmacies

“…In a previous study, Culverhouse and Wohlmuth noted that the cost of HDS appeared to be a factor that influenced the recommendation of the products by Australian pharmacists. The study showed that pharmacists would recommend cheaper products to provide value to their customers.…”

Knowledge, attitude and practices of South African healthcare professionals towards complementary and alternative medicine use for atopic eczema – a descriptive survey

“…These views correlate with other studies which have recommended that CAM be included in undergraduate medical and pharmacy curricula. 7,16 Among Saudi Arabian primary healthcare physicians, 85% agreed that they should have knowledge of CAM.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11] These studies focused on general CAM use and none within the context of a specific disease. We found no published studies conducted in SA or elsewhere investigating HCPs' knowledge, attitudes and norms of practice with regard to CAMs for AE.…”