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Patients’ Anticipation for the Pharmacies of Rural Communities: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan

Author

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  • Muhammad Majid Aziz

    (Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    The Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Shaanxi Center for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Minghuan Jiang

    (Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    The Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Shaanxi Center for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Imran Masood

    (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Alternative Medicine, Railway Road Campus, Islamia University, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan)

  • Jie Chang

    (Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    The Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Shaanxi Center for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Shan Zhu

    (Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    The Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Shaanxi Center for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Muhammad Ali Raza

    (Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 66000, Pakistan)

  • Wenjing Ji

    (Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    The Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Shaanxi Center for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Caijun Yang

    (Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    The Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Shaanxi Center for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Yu Fang

    (Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    The Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    Shaanxi Center for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an 710061, China)

Abstract

Background : Community pharmacies are an integrated part of healthcare systems worldwide. In low and middle income countries like Pakistan, the paradigm of pharmacy practice is shifting from dispensing medicines to clinical activities. There are disparities in these practices according to location. Pharmacies in urban localities are better than those in rural areas. This qualitative study was conducted to explore patients’ expectations and current practices in rural pharmacies. Methods : A cohort of adult pharmacy visitors (aged > 18 years) that reside in rural community was selected. Consenting participants were recruited by purposive sampling technique until thematic saturation level was achieved. A total of 34 patients were interviewed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi structured interview guide. All the data were transcribed and used to originate the themes. Results : On analysis, a total of 20 themes were obtained. Sixteen themes pronounced the current provided services. Four themes provided some suggestions for the development of better pharmacies. On call services to provide medicines, limited free extended pharmacy services, interest in patients’ wellbeing, appropriate referral, vaccination, free medical camp, medical services at home, first aid, and counseling were appreciated by patients. Patients stated that medicines are inappropriately stored in unhygienic conditions, prices of medicines are comparatively high, and medicines are substandard. Unavailability of medicines, inept dispensing, limited staffing with poor knowledge, limited working hours, and quackery promotion are challenges in rural pharmacy practice. Patients say that non marginal pricing, informative services, new legislation, and proper vigilance by officials can improve the pharmacy services in rural communities. Conclusions : Patients alleged that rural pharmacies perform deprived practices. To improve service, new legislation and the proper implementation of existing law is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Majid Aziz & Minghuan Jiang & Imran Masood & Jie Chang & Shan Zhu & Muhammad Ali Raza & Wenjing Ji & Caijun Yang & Yu Fang, 2019. "Patients’ Anticipation for the Pharmacies of Rural Communities: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:1:p:143-:d:195502
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muhammad Majid Aziz & Wenjing Ji & Imran Masood & Muhammad Farooq & Muhammad Zubair Malik & Jie Chang & Minghuan Jiang & Naveel Atif & Yu Fang, 2018. "Patient Satisfaction with Community Pharmacies Services: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Punjab; Pakistan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Kamat, Vinay R. & Nichter, Mark, 1998. "Pharmacies, self-medication and pharmaceutical marketing in Bombay, India," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 47(6), pages 779-794, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Faiz Ullah Khan & Farman Ullah Khan & Khezar Hayat & Tawseef Ahmad & Amjad Khan & Jie Chang & Usman Rashid Malik & Zakir Khan & Krizzia Lambojon & Yu Fang, 2021. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Antibiotics and Its Resistance: A Two-Phase Mixed-Methods Online Study among Pakistani Community Pharmacists to Promote Rational Antibiotic Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Muhammad Atif & Wajiha Razzaq & Irem Mushtaq & Iram Malik & Madiha Razzaq & Shane Scahill & Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar, 2020. "Pharmacy Services beyond the Basics: A Qualitative Study to Explore Perspectives of Pharmacists towards Basic and Enhanced Pharmacy Services in Pakistan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-15, March.

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