Consumer's Opinion on a Pharmacist's Role in Nutritional Counseling

Abstract

Background: Nutrition has become an increasing health concern. From fad diets to exercise programs, the consumer seems to be consulting multiple resources that all provide a different answer in the process of obtaining optimal health. Easily accessible pharmacists may be the sources to answer crucial nutritional issues facing society today. Methods: Using the results of a previous study about food perceptions among lean and non-lean populations, interview questions were created to determine the populations’ nutrition and pharmacist’s role knowledge. Nutrition knowledge among lean vs. non-lean consumers was assessed by determining experience with pharmacist nutritional counseling, how experience perceptions differed, and how these perceptions can shape a pharmacist’s role. Audio recorded interviews were conducted in a rural setting. Seventy-two English speaking, ambulatory, lean (BMI ≤ 24) and non-lean (BMI ≥ 25) residents between the ages 25-71 years participated in the study in a small western United States town. Results: 26.3% of consumers obtained nutrition information from the internet; however, the internet and healthcare providers were considered the most trustworthy. When asked about the pharmacist’s role in nutrition counseling, 32.7% believed that pharmacists were not a reliable source based on education background. Another 10.2% thought pharmacists were too busy for counseling. Discussion: This study indicates the consumers’ knowledge on pharmacists’ education, willingness to seek out nutrition knowledge, and a pharmacist’s ability to provide nutrition counseling can differ between lean and non-lean consumers. Lean consumers tend to have more interaction with a pharmacist whereas non-lean consumers do not. Conclusion: As a profession, pharmacists should educate consumers on reliable nutrition resources, a pharmacist’s education, and how they use their role to provide consumers with nutrition knowledge.

Evaluating the competency of community pharmacists in identifying and managing malnourished patients: A cross sectional survey

“…Similar findings were found in the United States (US), where only 26% of pharmacists reported offering their patients nutrition-related services such as education and counseling. 22 These contradictory findings show that there may be geographical disparities in pharmacy practices and attitudes toward nutritional therapy. However, the majority of research supports the idea that pharmacists are ready to provide nutritional counseling to patients based on particular observations and prescriptions and are conscious of the importance of incorporating nutritional treatment into patient care.…”

Nutrition’s Role in Quality Healthcare in the United States: Opportunities and Education for Pharmacists to Take a Bite of the Apple and Strengthen Their Skills

“…In a separate exploration of consumers’ opinions about a pharmacist’s role in nutrition counseling, it was identified that consumers do not interact with pharmacists as much as they do with other health professionals on nutrition issues. In part, this was because one-third of the consumers surveyed believed pharmacists lacked proper training to consult on nutrition [ 37 ].…”

Role of Pharmacist in Nutrition Management-The Unexplored Path

“…Pharmacists can guide the public about cost-effective products or alternative therapies to give the best health outcomes for the money spent. 8 The pharmacist can also assist policymakers and decision-makers by providing them with information about cost-effective healthcare treatments, and the effect of diet and nutrition of individuals as well as the public on health-related quality of life. 5 Nutrition-related disorders are on the rise globally and may demand healthcare interventions and hence leading to an increased economic burden on the healthcare system.…”

“…For example, antacid drugs (proton pump inhibitors) increase the risk of malabsorption of zinc, magnesium, iron, and Vitamin B 12 in elderly and malnutrition patients. Meier et al (2021) 8 highlighted that Pharmacology knowledge places a pharmacist in such a special situation to understand drug absorption and food-drug interaction in patients. Such interactions can be critical in the case of the elderly, as well as immune-compromised and critically ill patients.…”