Systematic review on the effects of the physical and social aspects of community pharmacy spaces on service users and staff

Abstract

Aim: This systematic review aimed to provide new insights into how pharmacy spaces, or the architecture of pharmacies, are experienced by pharmacy service users and staff. The review sought to identify environmental factors which may influence service users’ and staff participation in community-based pharmacy health services. Method: Ten databases were searched for English language publications, using a combination of search terms relating to pharmacy service users and staff; pharmacy spaces; and health and social care outcomes. Data from the final selected studies were extracted, thematically analysed using a narrative approach and the quality of each study assessed using the Integrated quality Criteria for the Review of Multiple Study designs (ICROMS). Results: 80 articles reporting 80 studies published between 1994 and 2020 were identified; they were from 28 countries, involving around 3234 community pharmacies, 13,615 pharmacy service users, 5056 pharmacists and 78 pharmacy health staff. Most studies (94%) met the ICROMS minimum score, and half did not meet the mandatory quality criteria. Four themes likely to influence service users’ and staff experiences of pharmacy health services were identified: (1) privacy; (2) experience of the physical environment; (3) professional image; and (4) risk of error. Conclusion: To optimise the delivery and experience of pharmacy health services, these spaces should be made more engaging. Future applied research could focus on optimising inclusive pharmacy design features.

Patient’s satisfaction level with community pharmacies services in Romania: a questionnaire-based study

“…In the present study, patients were not fully satisfied with some administrative aspects of community pharmacies, such as location, opening hours, time and waiting area. These aspects can influence patients’ confidence and loyalty towards the visited pharmacy (Dhital et al, 2022 ). The most satisfied with the administrative aspects of pharmacies were patients in the 31–40 and over 60 age groups, pensioners and unemployed patients, who bought medicine weekly.…”

Redesigning Pharmacy to Improve Public Health Outcomes: Expanding Retail Spaces for Digital Therapeutics to Replace Consumer Products That Increase Mortality and Morbidity Risks

“…The physical environment and professional image of community pharmacy spaces impact both visiting customers and working pharmacy staff [ 109 ]. Many community pharmacies share a similar structure: a pharmacy counter with a few windows open for patients to drop off and pick up their prescriptions and a store section containing aisles of OTC medicines, dietary supplements, consumer health products, and various snacks and beverages.…”

Community Pharmacies in the Asian Countries of Developing Health System: Formation, Regulation, and Implication

“…According to the survey conducted by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in the period of 2020–2021, there are approximately 1.6 million CPs across 76 countries globally, catering to approximately 75% of the global population. Variations in the scope and categories of CPs are observable across nations, with extensive chain establishments in metropolitan areas and modest autonomous stores in rural or suburban localities [ 11 ]. In developing countries, it continues to be in the product-oriented practice stage [ 12 ].…”