Exploring consumer and pharmacist views on the professional role of the pharmacist with respect to natural health products: a study of focus groups

Abstract

BackgroundNatural health products (NHPs) such as herbs, vitamins and homeopathic medicines, are currently available for sale in most Canadian pharmacies. However, most pharmacists report that they have limited knowledge about these products which have been regulated in Canada as a specific sub-category of drugs. In this paper, consumers' and practicing pharmacists' perceptions of pharmacists' professional responsibilities with respect to NHPs are examined.MethodsA total of 16 focus groups were conducted with consumers (n = 50) and pharmacists (n = 47) from four different cities across Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, and Halifax).ResultsIn this paper, we illustrate the ways in which pharmacists' professional responsibilities are impacted by changing consumer needs. Many consumers in the study utilized a wide range of information resources that may or may not have included pharmacists. Nevertheless, the majority of consumers and pharmacists agreed that pharmacists should be knowledgeable about NHPs and felt that pharmacists should be able to manage drug-NHPs interactions as well as identify and evaluate the variety of information available to help consumers make informed decisions.ConclusionThis paper demonstrates that consumers' expectations and behaviour significantly impact pharmacists' perceptions of their professional responsibilities with respect to NHPs.

Core Competencies in Natural Health Products for Canadian Pharmacy Students

“…Kwan reported that focus groups of consumers and practicing pharmacists thought that pharmacists should adopt a consultative role to help consumers integrate different sources of NHP-related information . 9 This is represented most prominently in Professional NHP-related Competency No. 3: Educate.…”

“…The goal was to develop NHP-related core competencies, consistent with existing competency-based outcomes and standards of practice documents, 27,30,31 informed by previous qualitative research including: a document analysis, 32 35 key informant interviews, 10 16 focus groups with practicing pharmacists and consumers, 9 results from herbal knowledge testing of fourth-year Canadian pharmacy students, 11 and results from a survey of 3356 practicing Canadian pharmacists. 33 This project was approved by the University of Toronto Office of Research Ethics.…”

“…[13][14][15][16] Additionally, consumers, pharmacists, pharmacy students, NHP industry representatives, and leaders from other health care professions have all identified the importance of pharmacists being able to counsel patients about NHPs, especially about adverse effects and drug interactions associated with NHP use. [8][9][10][11][12] The basis for pharmacists' involvement with these products is argued to be an extension of their established roles.…”

“…[8][9][10][11][12] Pharmacy associations in Canada and the United States began publishing recommendations, statements, and guidelines regarding these products almost 10 years ago. [13][14][15][16] Additionally, consumers, pharmacists, pharmacy students, NHP industry representatives, and leaders from other health care professions have all identified the importance of pharmacists being able to counsel patients about NHPs, especially about adverse effects and drug interactions associated with NHP use.…”

An Elective Course on the Basic and Clinical Sciences Aspects of Vitamins and Minerals

“…Surveys conducted in Canada and Australia reported that pharmacy customers would prefer to consult pharmacists for advice on dietary supplements. 17 Therefore, pharmacists must be equipped with evidence-based knowledge to provide an unbiased opinion and counseling about the safe use of dietary supplements. Several studies have found that pharmacists lack essential knowledge about vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements.…”