A literature review reveals that the role of community pharmacists in health education is supported strongly by the profession but is in practice still relatively undeveloped. A survey of contractors was undertaken in West Glamorgan in 1994 to examine the present state of health education among pharmacists, the costs and benefits they perceived, and what factors would lead to a significant increase in this activity. Qualitative analysis was employed to reveal the complexity of the issues facing pharmacists in developing this role. It shows that payment, training and relationships with other professions are crucial issues in the present context of a profession working in a market situation.
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