| Sub-title | |
| Authors | L M Azzopardi A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami N Falzon |
| Abstract | Evaluation of the impact of the intervention of health professionals on patient care by the consumer is now gaining relevance within quality care systems. The aim of the study was to examine the Maltese public perception of the community pharmacist. A self-administered tool based on a quantitative system was developed. The tool assesses consumer satisfaction with advice and services provided by the community pharmacist, and analyses perception of the pharmacist as a health advisor. Psychometric evaluation of the tool was undertaken prior to implementation in the study. Subsequently the tool was distributed to 576 consumers (males 41%, females 59%, average age 33 years, age range 16-71 years). The consumers were identified from the five districts in which Malta is subdivided. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Biomedical Data Package software. The average perception score obtained was 76% (55%-99%). Consumers from the south-eastern region had a higher perception of the pharmacist (79%) when compared to consumers from the other four districts (p<0.05). Consumers aged over 51 years had a higher perception (79%) of the pharmacist than consumers aged between 15 and 30 years (75%) (p<0.01). Skilled manual workers had the highest perception of the pharmacist (80%) whereas managerial and professional workers had the lowest perception of the pharmacist (73%-75%) (p<0.05). The average perception of the pharmacist may be improved through the organization of health promotion activities in the community pharmacy setting. Such activities will enhance the professional aspect of a community pharmacy and will emphasise the availability of the pharmacist as a health advisor. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | Volume 15 (suppl) |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
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| Key words | health professional, consumer satisfaction, perception, pharmacy |