Patients’ Perceptions of Community Pharmacy Practice in UAE: An Overview

Abstract

There are limited published data available about the provision of pharmaceutical care in community pharmacies in the UAE. Almost no documentation of efforts was taking place in community pharmacy. Objectives: This study is done to evaluate pharmacists perception of their current practice, as well as their knowledge of drug regulations/ classification by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Also, investigate their opinion on the possible pharmacist patient communication barriers. Methods: 300 cross sectional surveys were distributed to community pharmacies in Ajman and Sharjah. In addition, a pharmacist played the role of a patient with a prescription to measure pharmacists' knowledge. Results: The response rate of the participants was 73.6%. Most of the pharmacists couldn't identify drugrelated problems in the prescription and dispensed antibiotic without a prescription . In addition, most pharmacists were satisfied by the dispensing role in the community pharmacy. Conclusion: Community pharmacists roles must be expanded and they must look for new challenges in their profession in order to improve their experience and capabilities.