Pharmacists’ Preparedness to Patients Education at the Time of Pandemic—A Cross-Sectional Study with an Example of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Poland

Magdalena Cerbin-Koczorowska, Magdalena Waszyk-Nowaczyk and Piotr Przymuszała
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Magdalena Cerbin-Koczorowska: Department of Medical Education, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka St, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
Magdalena Waszyk-Nowaczyk: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy Practice Division, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6 Grunwaldzka St, 60-780 Poznan, Poland
Piotr Przymuszała: Department of Medical Education, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka St, 60-806 Poznan, Poland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-11

Abstract: Although pharmacy employees’ involvement in patient education has great potential, the extent to which they actually provide cognitive services seems inadequate. Given the overburdening of the healthcare system and limited access to medical services due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic outbreak, this study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of Polish pharmacy employees for patient education on the new threat. The study was conducted using the mystery shopper method. Two interviewers phoned 90 randomly chosen community pharmacies throughout Poland and presented some inquiries on the SARS-CoV-2. Pharmacists devoted more time to patients than pharmacy technicians (2:22 vs. 1:54), and the information they provided was significantly more comprehensive ( p = 0.006). The majority of respondents provided an evidence-based recommendation on prevention, symptoms, and management of SARS-CoV-2; however, the scope of advice significantly varied. Community pharmacy staff often expressed their concern about the lack of time to address patients’ questions adequately. No statistically significant differences were found in recommendations provided by chain and non-chain pharmacy staff. Obtained results seem to confirm the possibility of involving pharmacists in public health activities during a pandemic. Nevertheless, providing proper working conditions and adequate just-in-time learning solutions is crucial.

Keywords: COVID-19; pandemic; community pharmacy; pharmaceutical services; patient education; health promotion; mystery shopper (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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