Wound Care Knowledge of Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Staff: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Chronic wounds pose a public health challenge, with community pharmacists increasingly recognised for their potential role in wound care. Since all chronic wounds originate from acute wounds, pharmacists can play a proactive role in preventing chronicity. Assessing pharmacy staff's wound care knowledge is essential as initiatives to enhance their involvement are underway in Australia. This study aimed to assess wound care knowledge among pharmacists and non-pharmacist staff in Australian community pharmacies. A national cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted between January and August 2022. Developed with multidisciplinary experts, it assessed understanding of wound healing, referral protocols, wound identification, management, and dressing selection. Descriptive and content analyses were performed, and multivariate linear regression identified predictors of knowledge scores. Of 120 responses, 70% were pharmacists, 14% non-pharmacist staff, and 16% unspecified. The median knowledge score was 27 out of 37 (IQR = 21, 30; range = 5–37). Profession, experience, and prior training were significant predictors of higher scores (p < 0.001, R² = 0.347). Dressing knowledge was weakest, with only 10 out of 103 respondents (9.7%) correctly identifying all types and applications. Critical knowledge gaps underscore the need for targeted educational interventions for pharmacy staff.