Pharmacy Consumers Research Articles

Effective Communication in Providing Medication Information and Patient Satisfaction: A Cross-sectional Survey in Denpasar

Background: Pharmacy personnel should provide pharmaceutical care concerning the applicable standards. Furthermore, pharmacy management must consider patient satisfaction to ensure business continuity. Patient subjective factors strongly influence satisfaction. Meanwhile, patient perceptions of pharmaceutical services will change as their experience increases. The pharmacy must improve its services effectively and efficiently. Factors that affect patient satisfaction can assist pharmacies in improving service quality. Effective communication does not require additional resources to improve service quality. The same information can have different effects when presented in different ways.Objectives: Predict the domain of effective communication that influences patient satisfaction.Methods: The cross-sectional survey using a valid and reliable questionnaire was conducted in Denpasar. The research involved 100 pharmacy consumers and was taken with a convenience sampling technique. Data were analyzed descriptively, followed by a Chi-square test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. The research involved four independent variables: pharmacy atmosphere, pharmacist performance, pharmaceutical technical competence, and interpersonal communication competence. Patient satisfaction is the dependent variable in this study. Results: Communication factors generally affect patient satisfaction in providing drug information. Among all the independent variables tested, interpersonal communication competence plays a significant role in predicting patient satisfaction with a p-value of 0.043 (Logistic regression with 95% confidence level).Conclusion: Patients who perceive pharmacists as having good interpersonal communication competence are 3,133 times more likely to be satisfied. Thus, pharmaceutical staff must train interpersonal communication skills to provide drug information to achieve patient satisfaction outcomes in pharmaceutical services.

Evaluating consumer self-medication practices, pharmaceutical care services, and pharmacy selection: a quantitative study

BackgroundThe primary objectives of this study were the evaluation of consumer self-medication practices, the assessment of pharmaceutical care provided by pharmacy employees, and the analysis of consumer satisfaction with such care. The research was also aimed at examining the main criteria that consumers consider important when selecting a pharmacy in Armenia.MethodsThe survey was based on an anonymous questionnaire and carried out between March 2020 and November 2021. It was aimed at providing a comprehensive assessment of pharmaceutical care services and consumer pharmacy choice by investigating two distinct groups: pharmacy consumers and pharmacy employees.ResultsThe research reveals that many residents in Armenia engage in self-medication without consulting professional sources, which can lead to potential risks and result in dangerous consequences. This is partly due to a lack of trust in pharmacy employees, which is primarily due to their inability to provide adequate information and advice. This study highlights a significant need for improvement in the quality of service provided by pharmacy employees. Despite these challenges, the majority of consumers reported having a preferred pharmacy, and that employee knowledge is the most important criterion when choosing a pharmacy.ConclusionsConsumer distrust, in this context, is based on the incomplete knowledge or incompetency of pharmacy employees. Collective actions should be taken to improve the role of pharmacy employees and consequently improve the public trust in them, which can ensure better control of self-medication and reduce the instances of mistreatment.

Consumer knowledge of mental health conditions, awareness of mental health support services, and perception of community pharmacists' role in mental health promotion.

To explore community pharmacy consumers' knowledge and attitudes of mental illness, support services, and community pharmacists' role in supporting people living with mental illness (PLMI). This survey was conducted in 15 community pharmacies between June and September 2019. Participants were aged 18 years or older without prior or ongoing history of mental illness and/or with close family members with mental illness. Open-ended responses to the anonymous questionnaire were analysed using content analysis. Majority of the 380 participants were female (57.4%) with a mean age 52.9 years and 33.7% having completed university. Most (70.3%) believed that people with mental illness had a negative image due to poor health literacy providing possible solutions of 'awareness campaigns', 'education and training', and 'increased government funding for mental health (MH) support services'. Only 33.7% and 63.7% of participants were aware of Mental Health Week and the R U OK? Campaign, respectively. Whilst 12.4% of participants had participated in MH campaigns, only 3.4% were aware of community pharmacists-led MH educational activities. There were significant differences between adults (<65 years) and older adults (≥65 years old) with the latter reporting a more negative image for mental illness (P < 0.05) and having less exposure and engagement with MH resources (P < 0.001) and campaigns (P < 0.01). Despite awareness, participants reported low engagement with MH campaigns. Additionally, older adults had lower MH literacy and exposure to resources and campaigns. This study highlighted that the community lacked awareness of what pharmacists can offer to support PLMIs.

Bauran pemasaran, kualitas pelayanan terhadap keputusan pembelian berdampak pada loyalitas konsumen Apotek

Changes in the pharmaceutical business paradigm, one of which is pharmacies, happened because of the Public Medical coverage program. Progressions might affect pharmacies, such as decreasing prescription acceptance, thereby potentially losing consumers. Data from Cipayung District, East Jakarta, for 2017-2022 shows 40 pharmacies, 28 pharmacies (70 percent) stayed standing, and 12 pharmacies (30 percent) closed. The research aims to determine the influence of the marketing mix and service quality on purchasing decisions and their impact on pharmacy consumer loyalty—Quantitative Research Methods. Sampling used a simple random sampling method; data was processed using Smart PLS. The sample determined using the Slovin formula was 100 respondents utilizing a survey. Research results show that marketing mix influences purchasing decisions. Service quality affects purchasing decisions. Marketing mix influences consumer loyalty. Service quality influences consumer loyalty. Purchasing decisions influence consumer loyalty. Marketing mix influences consumer loyalty through purchasing decisions. Service quality affects consumer loyalty through purchasing decisions.

Telehealth in opioid use disorder treatment: policy considerations for expanding access to care.

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 was intended to address the online diversion of controlled substances. However, it inadvertently limited access to care for patients seeking medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary flexibility in telemedicine prescriptions for MOUD were implemented. Now, with the conclusion of the public health emergency, policymakers need to develop strategies to maintain some of the lifted restrictions in order to maintain increased access to care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). One potential solution to address these issues is the implementation of a hybrid model combining outpatient clinics and telemedicine. This model offers the opportunity to maintain the benefits of telemedicine while ensuring comprehensive and safe care for OUD patients.

Comparative analysis of modern digital services for the purchase of medicines

Currently, the online pharmacy market is represented by a number of large pharmaceutical players, including apteka.ru, eapteka.ru, and ozon.ru. Given the high density of the market, as well as the fact that medicines are commodities, it becomes obvious that the pharmacy brand needs to increase its competitiveness. Today, such factors are essential for the client of online pharmacies as: the ability to choose the best price offer, the availability of a large range of products, convenient search and comparison of drugs in various categories, as well as the possibility of delivery and customer pickup. Modern services for the search and purchase of medicines have a variety of capabilities that allow making the Internet service convenient for use, as well as to increase the competitive advantages of the pharmacy brand. Thus, the modern online pharmacy consumer is guided by a service (brand) that will satisfy his or her needs, including the use of cartographic services for a comfortable search.

Overview of the Level of Knowledge of Narisa Pharmacy Consumers Against Cough Self-Medication

Self-medication is an effort that most people make to deal with complaints or symptoms of disease before they decide to seek help at a health service center/health worker. Coughing is a reflection that is aroused by irritation of the lungs or respiratory tract. This study aims to describe the level of knowledge of Narisa pharmacy consumers on cough self-medication. This research was conducted from September to November 2022 at the Narisa Pharmacy. This type of research uses a descriptive method using a questionnaire. With a total sample of 88 respondents, the sample was taken using a non-probability sampling technique, namely accidental sampling. The results of this study indicate that the percentage results are 93.58%. Based on the results of the percentage of respondents' answers, it can be concluded that the level of knowledge of Narisa pharmacy consumers is categorized as high level of knowledge.

The epidemic within the pandemic: Behavioral health and substance use in the face of COVID-19

The epidemic within the pandemic: Behavioral health and substance use in the face of COVID-19

Pharmacists' Efforts to Limit Interaction with Consumers During the Implementing Emergency Community Activity Restrictions

The spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) peaked on July 15, 2021 due to an uncontrollable spike since the previous month. The government responded by implementing Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (ECAR). However, pharmacies can still operate normally at that time. This article presents the efforts of pharmacists in limiting interactions with pharmacy consumers during ECAR. This study involved two pharmacies in the Temanggung Regency, Central Java. Observation activities took place from June to July 2021. Researchers collected 100 samples of interactions that took place between pharmacists and patients, by recording all conversations that occurred. Researchers classify the nodes of conversation (utterances) in two communication functions; therapeutic and social functions. The research data are presented in descriptive form. In emergency ECAR situations, pharmacy staff have tried to limit interaction with pharmacy consumers, by shortening the face-to-face duration. Within the limited duration of interaction, pharmacists are more dominant in conveying information exchange, and prioritizing information on the therapeutic aspect. The results of this study confirm to all parties that efforts to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus also include effectiveness in health services. Although there are restrictions on interactions in pharmaceutical services, health service providers still prioritize the fulfillment of the quality of information exchange to patients.

The Effect of CRM on the Level of Pharmacy Consumer Satisfaction

This study focuses on CRM, namely drug information services, to determine the level of satisfaction of BPJS Health patients with CRM drug information services and to determine the effect of CRM on BPJS Health patient satisfaction levels at the Bandung City Pharmacy. This research belongs to the type of quantitative descriptive research with a survey approach, namely the technique of gathering information by giving a list of questions (questionnaires) to the respondents. The population in this study were BPJS health patients who redeemed drugs at the Padjadjaran Health Pharmacy, Bandung City. The research sample is 377 respondents who have been determined based on the Slovin formula. Data collection in this study used a non-random technique (non-probability sampling) with an accidental sampling method. The results showed that CRM is a drug information service at the Padjadjaran Health Pharmacy, Bandung City in terms of the results of questionnaire observations that have been carried out regularly, the level of satisfaction of BPJS Health patients with CRM. An average of 1520, CRM drug information services on the satisfaction level of BPJS Health patients at the Padjadjaran Health Pharmacy Bandung has an effect, but is not significant based on the statistical correlation value of 42.6%.

Problems of false medicines' distribution and prospects of combat: survey of specialists and consumers results

The aim: comparative analysis of the results of a questionnaire survey of pharmaceutical and medical professionals and consumers, conducted by the authors during 2019-2021 to identify opinions on which there are coincidences and differences, as well as an assessment of the problem of drug counterfeiting in Ukraine to develop approaches to prevent their spread.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study used scientific publications, as well as the results of a survey of specialists of the State Service of Ukraine for Medicines and Drug Control (State Medical Service) and its territorial bodies, pharmaceutical and medical professionals of health care institutions and consumers on the fight against drug falsification. The research was conducted using the methods of questionnaires, systematization and generalization.&#x0D; Results. According to the results of a comprehensive questionnaire during 2019-2021, it was found that the share of CM in the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market is estimated at 5 % by a majority of respondents on average 58.5 %, including 59.7 % of experts of the State Medical Service, 42.3 % of pharmacy specialists, 11.4 % by doctors and 73.5 % by consumers. Respondents' answers about the signs of drug falsification differ significantly, so most experts believe that this is a change in the usual signs (taste, smell, color), while pharmacy specialists - labelling in a foreign language, doctors - no therapeutic effect, for consumers it is a change in packaging design (labels) and a significantly lower price. The main sales channels of CM for experts and pharmacy specialists are e-commerce (68.7 % and 75.7 %, respectively), while the majority of consumers could not determine.&#x0D; Many experts and pharmacy specialists pointed to the need to introduce special security features of packaging in the form of 2d barcodes as the main method for protection and detection of CM (79.1 % and 39.6 %, respectively). Most of the surveyed pharmacy workers and consumers believe that the risk of purchasing counterfeit drugs is higher in the pharmacies of individual entrepreneurs or small pharmacy chains.The main problem that hinders the effective fight against drug counterfeiting was the imperfect legislation (68.7 %). Regarding effective tools in the fight against counterfeit drugs, experts called a significant strengthening of the powers of the regulatory body - following the example of the FDA (70.1 %).&#x0D; Conclusions. It is established that the most important priorities of the state policy for combating CM in Ukraine are the improvement of the system of state control and quality assurance of medicines, in particular 2d coding, as well as the need to strengthen the responsibility for drug falsification. The results of research on the problem of drug falsification indicate the feasibility of introducing a systematic survey for a wider range of respondents - professionals and consumers

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Self-Medication Among Community Pharmacy Consumers' Perspectives in Derna City, Libya

Self-medication may be associated with side effects and increases the chance of drug interactions and also affects the potency of treatment and quality of life. This study aims to estimate knowledge, attitude and pharmacy practices concerning the usage of the drugs without prescription and identifying demographic factors that could influence self-medication among the consumers of community pharmacy in Derna- Libya. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 participants randomly selected depending on multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire distributed over 10 different regions in Derna city. This study continued over2 months, in our result 215 (55.3%) of total participant used the self medication, most of them were male, the mean age of participants was 37.40±13.190 ranged from 14 to 83 years, most of participants 179(46%) were in university level, 235(60.4%) were in low-income level and 214(55%) were employee. In our result 111(28.5%) of participants had low level of knowledge regarding the safety of self-medication, 186 (47.8%) don’t known OTC medication and prescription only medication. Based on the attitude total score 215 participants had negative attitude toward self-medications, 159(40.9%) always purchase the medication without prescription, the most common reason for taking self-medication was that there was no need to visit the doctor for minor illness. And the most of medication dispensed without prescription were analgesics antipyretics for cases of cold and flu as well as in pain. Pharmacy practices were good, most of pharmacist provided information about drug interactions if taking this medicine without a prescription (84.6%) and did not face difficulties to find information about the medicine.

Key Opportunities for the COVID-19 Response to Create a Path to Sustainable Telemedicine Services

Key Opportunities for the COVID-19 Response to Create a Path to Sustainable Telemedicine Services

Why are pharmacy acquisition costs and consumer prescription drug price indices apparently diverging?

Pharmacy acquisition costs for prescription (Rx ) drugs have been trending below levels implied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Rx drugs, with the divergence higher when generic approvals are high. Dropping the first 6 months of generic sales from price indices calculated from pharmacy acquisition costs eliminates most of the difference between such indices and BLS indices.

Consumers\u2019 satisfaction factors mining and sentiment analysis of B2C online pharmacy reviews

BackgroundIn recent years, online pharmacies have been accepted by increasingly more consumers, and the prospects for online pharmacies are optimistic. This article explores the consumers’ satisfaction factors addressed in Business to Customer (B2C) online pharmacy reviews and analyzes the sentiments expressed in the reviews. The goal of this work is to help B2C online pharmacy enterprises identify consumers’ concerns, continuously improve the health services level.MethodsThis article was based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model. From a third-party platform-based B2C online pharmacy and a proprietary B2C online pharmacy (JD Pharmacy and J1.COM, respectively), 136,630 pieces of over-the-counter (OTC) drug review data posted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018 were selected as samples and used to explore the satisfaction factors of B2C online pharmacy consumers regarding the entire drug purchasing process. Then, the sentiments expressed in the drug reviews were analyzed with SnowNLP.ResultCategorization of the 12 factors identified by LDA showed that 5 factors were related to logistics; these 5 factors, which also included the most drug reviews, made up 38.5% of the reviews. The number of factors related to drug prices was second, with 3 factors, and reviews of drug prices made up 25.5% of the reviews. Customer service and drug effects each had two related factors, and a smaller percentage of these reviews (13.95%) were related to drug effects. Consumers still maintain positive opinions of JD Pharmacy and J1.COM. However, some opinions on logistics and drug prices are expressed.ConclusionThe most important task for online pharmacies is to improve logistics. It is better to develop self-built logistics. Both types of B2C online pharmacies can improve consumer viscosity by implementing marketing strategies. With regard to customer service, focusing on improving employees’ service attitudes is necessary.

COVID-19 Could Change the Way We Respond to the Opioid Crisis-for the Better.

COVID-19 Could Change the Way We Respond to the Opioid Crisis-for the Better.

LEGAL PROTECTION ASPECT OF SELLING DRUG TRANSACTIONS THROUGH ONLINE PHARMACY SERVICE

This writing aims to find out how the form of legal protection against consumers in the event of default in conducting drug sales transactions through online pharmacy services and to find out the form of liability by the seller or pharmacist when committing negligence to consumers in the transaction. This writing uses the normative legal research method with the data collection method used is the Literature Method; Tracing the research material is done by reading, studying, and quoting legislation, and related literature and then the data obtained are analyzed qualitatively.The results of this study address that: (1) the form of legal protection for online pharmacy consumers has been specifically regulated in the health law, the law on health workers and generally regulated in the consumer protection law. (2) The legal consequences obtained by the pharmacist or negligent seller is to provide compensation to consumers if proven to have neglected and are responsible for their profession both in civil and administrative terms. Based on these results, it is recommended: (1) pharmacists or sellers to pay close attention to every doctor's prescription that enters the pharmacy system in order tomaintain the safety and security of consumers in consuming drugs. (2) Consumers or the public must be more careful when receiving drugs from pharmacists so that if pharmacists are negligent, drugs can be replaced immediately before consumption.

Self-care–seeking behaviors in the community pharmacy: A cross-sectional exit survey of Australian consumers

ObjectivesTo characterize over-the-counter (OTC) medicine requests of Australian pharmacy consumers, to explore the factors predicting consumer behavior, and to examine the relationship between characteristics of consumers’ requests and their satisfaction with the pharmacy. DesignPaper-based cross-sectional survey consisting of multiple choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions. Setting and participantsSurveys were administered in person to consumers exiting Australian community pharmacies between October 2018 and May 2019. Consumers who had purchased or requested an OTC medicine, could read and write in English, and were aged 18 years or older were eligible to participate. Data were analyzed descriptively and through logistic regression modelling. Outcome measuresRespondent demographics, nature of the OTC request (whether direct-product, self-select, or symptom-based), reason(s) for OTC request, staff involved, and satisfaction with the visit to the pharmacy (0 = not at all satisfied, and 5 = extremely satisfied). ResultsSix-hundred and five consumers from 51 pharmacies were surveyed. Most of the pharmacies were located in metropolitan Sydney (n = 48). The respondents were predominantly female (n = 353, 58%), 20-29 years of age (n = 202, 33%), and university-educated (n = 266, 44%). Sixty-five percent of requests (n = 395) were direct-product requests or self-selected, and the remaining were symptom-based (n = 210). Most OTC medicines requested were for the respondents’ own use (n = 457, 76%). One-third (n = 197) of the requests were for respiratory conditions. Prior use of the medicine and a higher level of education were significant predictors of direct-product requests (P < 0.05, R2 = 0.22). The satisfaction scores ranged from 2 to 5 out of 5 (median = 5, interquartile range: 4, 5). ConclusionMost requests were direct-product requests. Prior use and a higher level of education predicted the decision to directly request a product. Consumer satisfaction with their experience at the pharmacy was high.

COVID‐19 and telemedicine: A revolution in healthcare delivery is at hand

<scp>COVID</scp>‐19 and telemedicine: A revolution in healthcare delivery is at hand

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Among Chinese Pharmacy Customers: A Multicenter Survey Study.

Background: Resistance to antibiotics is one of the major global health challenges. An adequate understanding of the public regarding rational antibiotic use is a prerequisite to limit progression in antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among customers visiting community pharmacies. Methods: This study was undertaken in three capital cities in China during March 2019 and July 2019 by using a questionnaire of 28 items. The questionnaire had four parts, including sociodemographic characteristics, KAP about antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance. A systematic random sampling approach was used to recruit the participants. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were carried out for data analysis. Results: The response rate was 66.7% (1800/2700). Out of the total, only 9.7% of the customers had good knowledge about antibiotics. Nearly half of the participants were unable to differentiate between antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 820, 45.6%, Median = 2, IQR = 1). Most of the customers were of the view that the use of over the counter antibiotics in pregnant women is unsafe (n = 1307, 72.6%, Median = 2, IQR = 0). Almost half of the participants disagreed that costly antibiotics are more effective and have fewer side effects (n = 897, 49.9%, Median = 3, IQR = 1). Only 22.3% of participants said that they always finish the course of antibiotic treatment (n = 401, 22.3%, Median = 3, IQR = 1). Conclusion: The knowledge of Chinese pharmacy consumers was inadequate, and a lack of good attitudes and practices in certain aspects of antibiotic use was observed. Educational interventions are needed to increase public knowledge of antibiotics.