A Survey of the Delivery of Clinical Services in Independent Community Pharmacies in South Africa
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
Introduction
The community pharmacists' role has evolved from traditional medicine dispensing to patient- centred service provision. Community pharmacy clinical service provision is an integral component of public health intervention and contributes to universal health coverage. The extent of clinical services offered in community pharmacies in South Africa has yet to be studied. Assessing the extent of clinical service provision in community pharmacies provides insight into the willingness of South African pharmacists to deliver these services.
Aim
This study aimed to identify the clinical services offered in independent community pharmacies in South Africa and the extent to which these services are available. In addition, the willingness to provide clinical services and the barriers to service provision were also assessed.
Methodology
A quantitative, cross-sectional exploratory research design was used. Responsible pharmacists of the Independent Community Pharmacy Association member pharmacies were invited to participate in an anonymous electronic REDCap© survey from September 2022 to March 2023. Data was exported to Microsoft Excel® and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results Of the 156 responses received, most were located in urban areas (70%) and based in Gauteng (34.8%). The most frequently delivered clinical services were diabetes screening (88.9%), blood pressure measurement (80.8%) and Influenza vaccination (78.9%). Clinical services were primarily delivered by a pharmacist (39.5%), with most pharmacists (94.7%) willing to implement additional clinical services. However, lack of time and remunerations for services (57.1%) were identified as barriers to implementation. Most pharmacists also expressed an interest in additional training to improve clinical skills.
Conclusion
This study revealed the extent of clinical service delivery in independent community pharmacies in South Africa. Although community pharmacists are willing to provide clinical services, significant barriers limit these interventions. This study also informs service providers of training programmes that need to be developed to meet the specific needs of independent community pharmacists. Further research must address how the barriers identified may be mitigated to facilitate clinical service implementation in community pharmacies
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Medicine (Pharmacotherapy) to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024
Keywords
Clinical services, Community pharmacy, South Africa, UCTD
Citation
Ismail, Tahir. (2024). A Survey of the Delivery of Clinical Services in Independent Community Pharmacies in South Africa [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace.