Community pharmacists' counselling practices for topical corticosteroid therapy in the management of atopic dermatitis-a cross-sectional survey.

Objectives: Safe and effective use of topical corticosteroids (TCS) relies heavily on appropriate pharmacist counselling in community pharmacies, to optimize treatment and improve outcomes for patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. This study aimed to investigate community pharmacists (CPs)' counselling practices on TCS and their attitudes towards the fingertip unit (FTU) method, patients' knowledge, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among CPs in Croatia. A questionnaire was developed, which explored CPs' counselling practices on TCS, their awareness and implementation of the FTU method, and their experience with ADRs. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.

Key findings: A total of 351 participants engaged with the survey. Over half (57.5%, CI: 52.2%-62.8%) of CPs use a combination of verbal and written counselling, and the majority (>96.6%) explain the dose, method of administration, frequency, and duration of topical corticosteroid therapy to most of their patients. Most (75.2%) are familiar with the FTU method; however, less than half (43.9%) routinely explain it in their counselling. Approximately half of CPs (49%) believe that patients have insufficient information knowledge on the correct TCS application (dose, frequency, and duration of treatment).

Conclusions: CPs' counselling practices focus primarily on the method of administration, frequency, and duration of treatment. CPs have a good awareness of the FTU method, however, are less likely to explain it routinely in practice. Additional education around TCS and ADR training may be beneficial for CPs to enhance their counselling practices.