Nutrition counseling in pharmacy practice in Australia: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Background

Counseling patients on lifestyle, including diet, is part of pharmacy practice and an important contribution to health promotion. However, there is currently a lack of information regarding the extent of nutrition counseling in pharmacy practice, including pharmacists' attitudes and confidence in this area.

Objective

To investigate attitudes and practices of Australian pharmacists with regards to nutrition counseling, including sufficiency of education and training.

Methods

Registered pharmacists were recruited via social media and professional networks to participate in an anonymous online survey and semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analyzed using SPSS while interview transcripts were thematically analyzed.

Results

Survey participants (n = 107) were frequently consulted by patients for dietary advice, with 45 % reporting counseling on diet daily or every 2–3 days while vitamin and mineral supplementation advice was provided even more frequently. Participants reported positive attitudes towards nutrition counseling, however confidence varied greatly amongst topics. Multivariate analysis indicated that frequency of dietary counseling provision was linked to confidence in providing such counseling. Importantly, participants indicated that education on nutrition in pharmacy curricula was insufficient. Semi-structured interviews (n = 21) confirmed that lack of education in nutrition was indeed a barrier for provision of such counseling, as were time constraints. Participants highlighted the vast potential for pharmacists, particularly those working in community and specialist areas like Home Medicine Reviews, to provide nutrition counseling to patients due to their accessibility.

Conclusion

Pharmacists expressed willingness and potential to provide nutrition counseling, however improved nutrition education is required to improve confidence in this area.