Consumer and carer views of Australian community pharmacy practice: awareness, experiences and expectations
Corresponding Author
Sara S. McMillan
Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Correspondence: Sara McMillan, Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, University Drive, Room 2.15, Building L08, Meadowbrook, Logan, Qld 4131, Australia.
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorFiona Kelly
School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAdem Sav
Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMichelle A. King
School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer A. Whitty
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorAmanda J. Wheeler
Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Sara S. McMillan
Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Correspondence: Sara McMillan, Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, University Drive, Room 2.15, Building L08, Meadowbrook, Logan, Qld 4131, Australia.
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorFiona Kelly
School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAdem Sav
Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMichelle A. King
School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorJennifer A. Whitty
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorAmanda J. Wheeler
Griffith Health Institute, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Logan, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Objectives
To explore consumer awareness, experience and expectations of Australian community pharmacy practice, from the perspectives of consumers with chronic health conditions, carers or both.
Methods
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken in four diverse regions of Australia. The constant comparison method was used for analysis purposes.
Key findings
Ninety-seven interviews were conducted. Participants had limited understanding regarding the role of community pharmacy staff and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Pharmacists were viewed primarily as medication suppliers, and the services provided by pharmacy, such as Home Medication Reviews, are predominantly unknown. Confusion still exists with respect to generic medications, medication pricing and how the PBS safety net system works.
Conclusions
There is public uncertainty about specific aspects of Australian pharmacy practice. This is despite the introduction of newer professional services targeting chronic health conditions and extensive marketing campaigns involving pharmacy. If community pharmacy is to better assist consumers with chronic conditions, there needs to be improved community awareness of the professions current scope of practice and the system it works within.
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