Home Drug Delivery Service from the Perspective of Community Pharmacy Staff in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: In response to COVID-19, many big pharmacy chains in Saudi Arabia have started to provide home drug delivery services. This study aims to understand home drug delivery service from the perspective of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Also, the study investigates the obstacles that may limit the use of home drug delivery service. Methods: A cross-sectional self-reported survey was distributed from February 2021 to May 2021. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic characteristics was conducted and presented. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all variables. Results: A total of 965 community pharmacists were surveyed. Most of the pharmacists, (73.5%) were young, aged 23 to 34 years old. The vast majority of the participants, (93.6%), said that the service will improve drug adherence. The lack of required knowledge and skills among pharmacists could be the main obstacle to implement home drug delivery service (34%). A shortage in the number of community pharmacists was the second main obstacle (24%). Conclusion: Home delivery services in the future may largely replace the tradition of going in person to the pharmacy. There are obstacles that may limit the full use of the service like shortage in number of pharmacists and the lack of required training.

Trends, Capacity Growth, and Current State of Community Pharmacies in Saudi Arabia: Findings and Implications of a 16-Year Retrospective Study

“…Furthermore, other professional activities and patient care services have been increasingly introduced in community pharmacies in recent years in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. 1,[6][7][8][9][10] These include medication reviews, minor ailment management, smoking cessation programs, vaccination and immunization services, 11,12 and point-of-care (POC) testing for chronic diseases. 13 Community pharmacists play an essential role in the healthcare system.…”