PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

This survey forms part of a study undertaken to identify and quantify the community pharmacist's involvement in the use of non-prescription/over-the-counter (OTC) medicine/self-medication in community pharmacies throughout South Africa. The objectives of this study were to establish the public's perception of the role of and the value added by community pharmacists in the treatment of minor ailments. A survey was conducted amongst 300 consumers prior to the recent changes and introduction of new legislation affecting pharmaceutical care and the dispensing of medicine. The major finding of this study was that the majority of consumers who consulted community pharmacists were satisfied with the comprehensiveness of the counselling and the effectiveness of the treatment provided. A large majority of the participants agreed that community pharmacists play a positive role and add value. It was found that the main reason for visiting a specific pharmacy was the proximity of that pharmacy.