Community Pharmacy Practice In Saudi Arabia: An Overview

A survey of community pharmacists in Riyadh was conducted to determine the competence of community pharmacists in monitoring drug-drug interactions, the degree of adherence to pharmacy regulations and the extent to which community pharmacists engage in patients counseling. A random sample of 100 pharmacies was selected and a questionnaire was designed and distributed to each pharmacy to obtain information to meet the study objectives. A pharmacist, who assumed a patient role, then visited each pharmacy to further examine objectively the pharmacist’s response to the questionnaire. Only five of the total sample notified the possible drug interaction, even though most of the practitioners stated that their education prepared them to monitor drug-drug interaction and they feel confident in this role. Furthermore, 95% of pharmacists did not adhere to the profession legislation Act regarding antibiotic dispensing. A substantial percentage of practitioners had not involved in any continuing education course during the previous 24 months. Although a significant proportion of pharmacists reported actual performance of such services and is willing to do so, the involvement of community pharmacists in providing patient counseling is minimal. The report concludes with a strategy necessary for expanding and improving the quality of pharmaceutical services in community practice.