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New Zealand Pharmacists and Pharmacist‐Only Medicines
Author(s) -
Norris Pauline T
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/jppr2004344282
Subject(s) - pharmacist , remuneration , medicine , pharmacy , purchasing , family medicine , community pharmacist , community pharmacy , project commissioning , alternative medicine , nursing , publishing , marketing , business , finance , pathology , political science , law
Background: In New Zealand pharmacist‐only medicines are available over‐the‐counter and must be sold by pharmacists. This gives pharmacists an opportunity to counsel consumers and ensure that the medicine is appropriate. Aim: To assess New Zealand community pharmacists’ views about the requirements for the sale of pharmacist‐only medicines. Method: A questionnaire was sent to all community pharmacies in New Zealand. Responses to an open‐ended question about the requirements for the sale of pharmacist‐only medicines were analysed thematically. Results: Pharmacists largely agreed that it was appropriate to counsel consumers purchasing pharmacist‐only medicines. They identified a range of barriers: consumer attitudes and expectations; advertising; other pharmacists’ practice; practicalities of retail pharmacy; gender issues; and remuneration. Conclusion: There appeared to be a high level of support among pharmacists for professional involvement in the sale of pharmacist‐only medicines. J Pharm Pract Res 2004; 34: 282–4.