Patients 'satisfaction and views about pharmacists in community pharmacies as healthcare providers in Iraq: Najaf province.

Abstract

Objective: Aim: To assess the level of patient satisfaction and their opinions about the services provided by community pharmacists and their changes depending on the socio-demographic characteristics that influence the level of satisfaction and expectations of patients served in the city of Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf city of Iraq.

Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was allocated among patients who were staying pharmacies regarding aspects like accessibility, communication, and quality of services. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was executed utilizing a questionnaire that encompassed various dimensions of pharmaceutical services. The sample population comprised 449 patients who frequented a range of pharmacies with varying regularity within the province.

Results: Results: A significant majority of individuals exhibit a favorable perception regarding community pharmacists in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, with patients articulating substantial satisfaction, recognition, and esteem for the contributions that pharmacists make within the healthcare team.

Conclusion: Conclusions: Pharmacists play a vital role in providing pharmaceutical care, and patients generally express satisfaction with their services. However, there is a significant need for additional initiatives to enhance the clinical skills of community pharmacists, identify factors affecting patient satisfaction, and conduct comparative research on pharmacy services in different regions of Iraq.