Assessment of knowledge, attitude, perception towards pharmacy practice regulations 2015 among community pharmacists in Mangalore

Abstract

The Pharmacy Practice Regulations of 2015 were formulated to standardize and enhance pharmacy practices in India. Community pharmacy professionals globally are taking on expanded roles in patient care and health promotion. However, some lack awareness of recommended pharmaceutical care services in new regulations. This knowledge gap poses risks of medication errors and serious consequences, even patient fatalities. To address this, it's crucial to provide ongoing education, enhance communication, integrate technology, ensure regulatory compliance, and establish effective feedback mechanisms within pharmacies. These measures aim to improve knowledge, compliance, and, ultimately, patient safety. This study, conducted in Mangalore over a period of approximately 2.5 months, is a community-based cross-sectional study with a sample size of 100 participants. It included community pharmacists working in Mangalore. Knowledge of community pharmacists were analysed and it was found that out of 100 participants only 18% were aware, 60% were not aware and 22% were not sure about the PPR,2015. In this study, 42% of participants were not aware of the duties outlined in PPR,2015. Among the surveyed pharmacists, 55% believed that adhering to Pharmacy Practice Regulations was essential for improving patient healthcare. In contrast, 20% held the opinion that following these regulations was unnecessary, while 28% expressed uncertainty on the matter. Mandating minimum education level for working in community pharmacies should be implemented. Practicing pharmacists should be encouraged to update their knowledge by attending continuous education programmes. The morals and responsibilities of community pharmacists should be continuously reminded to the pharmacists.