Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding drug interactions among community pharmacists

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice that community pharmacists of Lebanon hold with regard to checking for drug interactions. This cross-sectional study involved data collected from 89 anonymous and self-administered survey questionnaires by community pharmacists from community pharmacies dispersed amongst the six governorates of Lebanon. It also entailed individual interviews with a self-selected few. Knowledge, attitude, and practice with regard to drug interactions were collected. There is a large gap in the knowledge of the community pharmacists about drug interactions with other drugs, food, and herbs. When searching for interactions, pharmacists were found to refer mostly to the internet, drug applications, or colleagues. Their attitudes were positive and coherent with understanding their role in clarifying interactions when prescribing drugs; nevertheless, their practices were suboptimal. Community pharmacists around Lebanon are aware of their role and responsibility concerning drug interactions though only a few do so in their daily work. Suggested interventions include further training and workshops to refresh the memories of these pharmacists on different interactions, and implementing software programs in pharmacies to detect these interactions on the spot.