https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5009-0185
Abstract
Background
Pharmacy practice has been expanded to include responsibility for the outcomes of medication therapy. However, in developing countries the pharmacist’s role is still limited to dispensing medications. The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of patients and physicians on the pharmacist’s role in improving medication adherence in type 2 diabetes.
Methods
Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with patients and physicians. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
A total of 40 patients and 21 physicians were interviewed. The interviews revealed different pharmacy-related issues that negatively affected patients’ adherence, such as a lack of pharmacist counselling and inappropriate scheduling of refills. Various recommendations to improve adherence were emphasised such as dedicating some pharmacists to counselling patients and providing pharmacists with the appropriate training.
Conclusion
From the perspectives of patients and physicians, the pharmacist’s role in the management of type 2 diabetes is still limited to dispensing medications. In order to improve medication adherence and consequently patient outcomes, policy-makers need to be aware of the importance of supporting pharmacists and providing them with the appropriate training.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank all patients and physicians who took part in this study. Without their cooperation, this research would not have been possible.
Disclosure
The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare in this work.