Evaluation of Questions Received by Community Pharmacists

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the role of the community pharmacist in providing medication and health information. The number and types of questions received, the references used in answering clinical questions, and the appropriateness of those responses were determined. A total of 1,133 questions was recorded. From observational data, it was determined that 78% of the questions were administrative and 22% were clinical. Product recommendation questions were the most common clinical questions followed by dosage, indication, and interaction questions. Although references were not used frequently, manufacturer's information was the most common type used. Pharmacists' responses to clinical questions were evaluated by an expert panel on three components of appropriateness with mean scores of 2.7 for accuracy, 2.5 for completeness, and 2.7 for utility (3 = maximum score). Possible reasons for underutilization of the pharmacist as an information source to patients and health professionals are discussed along with recommendations for improvements.