Assessment of Japanese Pharmacists’ Perceptions towards Community Pharmacy

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to 1) describe Japanese pharmacists’ perceptions about community pharmacy on a variety of issues and 2) compare the perceptions between different groups. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of community pharmacists in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Hiroshima prefecture. Pharmacists were surveyed on various issues such as job satisfaction, the separation of prescribing and dispensing, their relationship with patients and physicians, and pharmacy education. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure responses. Results: One hundred forty-four questionnaires were completed. Eighty-four percent of respondents were female, 37.5% had more than ten years of practice experience, and 81.9% worked in Tokyo. Japanese community pharmacists are neutral or satisfied with their jobs. However, respondents were not satisfied with the current state of community pharmacy in Japan (2.81 + 0.83), did not feel respected by patients (2.74 + 0.99) and physicians (1.99 + 0.95), felt that four years of education was not enough to provide adequate patient care (1.96 + 1.01), and would like to do more clinical oriented activities (3.77 + 0.84). Significant differences were found in some responses between groups such as males versus females and pharmacists with more versus less than ten years of practice experience. Conclusions: Respondents were not satisfied with the current state of community pharmacy in Japan. Areas that could use improvement are respect from patients and physicians, involvement in clinical activities, and assistance at work. Significant differences were found in the perceptions of the groups studied.