Understanding public trust in services provided by community pharmacists relative to those provided by general practitioners: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo apply sociological theories to understand public trust in extended services provided by community pharmacists relative to those provided by general practitioners (GPs).DesignQualitative study involving focus groups with members of the public.SettingThe West of Scotland.Participants26 purposively sampled members of the public were involved in one of five focus groups. The groups were composed to represent known groups of users and non-users of community pharmacy, namely mothers with young children, seniors and men.ResultsTrust was seen as being crucial in healthcare settings. Focus group discussions revealed that participants were inclined to draw unfavourable comparisons between pharmacists and GPs. Importantly, participants' trust in GPs was greater than that in pharmacists. Participants considered pharmacists to be primarily involved in medicine supply, and awareness of the pharmacist's extended role was low. Participants were often reluctant to trust pharmacists to deliver unfamiliar services, particularly those perceived to be ‘high risk’. Numerous system-based factors were identified, which reinforce patient trust and confidence in GPs, including GP registration and appointment systems, GPs' expert/gatekeeper role and practice environments. Our data indicate that the nature and context of public interactions with GPs fostered familiarity with a specific GP or practice, which allowed interpersonal trust to develop. By contrast, participants' exposure to community pharmacists was limited. Additionally, a good understanding of the GPs' level of training and role promoted confidence.ConclusionCurrent UK initiatives, which aim to implement a range of pharmacist-led services, are undermined by lack of public trust. It seems improbable that the public will trust pharmacists to deliver unfamiliar services, which are perceived to be ‘high risk’, unless health systems change in a way that promotes trust in pharmacists. This may be achieved by increasing the quality and quantity of patient interactions with pharmacists and gaining GP support for extended pharmacy services.

Community pharmacy in Australia: A health hub destination of the future

“…Furthermore, they may be unaware of the breadth of the pharmacist's expertise beyond the supply of medication, which is consistent with existing knowledge. 12,13,18,19,47 Our study confirms that further promotion of the pharmacist's role is needed for the entire community. However, a recent paper ascertained that Scottish consumers were inclined to seek professional services from their GP, and an increase in service uptake did not follow on from an increased knowledge of pharmacy services.…”

Attitudes of Iraqi society towards the role of community pharmacists

“…[8][9][10] Research findings have confirmed the positive contribution and the potential of the professional performance of pharmacists in providing public-health initiatives. 11 Interestingly, a broadening of this role has been suggested for better involvement in health promotion and prevention activities.…”

“…Previous research has shown that these services are important for the development of pharmacist-primary care collaboration. 11,17,20 Overall, findings from this study describe the current use of community pharmacies and the general image towards the role of pharmacists in Iraq.…”

“…11 Interestingly, a broadening of this role has been suggested for better involvement in health promotion and prevention activities. 8,12 In order to provide a starting point for the identification of Iraqi public views about community pharmacists; this study was conducted to assess public use of community pharmacies in Baghdad (in terms of number of visits, reasons for a visit, and factors used for selecting a pharmacy); evaluate attitudes towards the role of community pharmacists; and determine required pharmacists' characteristics and future services (such as patient records, availability of diagnostic and screening services, direct contact with the physician, automatic processing of the prescription, and immunization services).…”

Screening for increased cardiometabolic risk in primary care: a systematic review

“…Performing screening in a familiar setting -inside the general practice -is likely to enhance participation. 2 In addition, counselling and treatment could easily follow screening, as these are already part of usual care.…”