Barriers and facilitators of wound care services provided by community pharmacists in selangor, malaysia: An exploratory qualitative study

• Published in: Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Main Author: Drahman H.; Abd Wahab M.S.; Mustaffa M.F.; Suhaimi A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85202469345&doi=10.56808%2f3027-7922.2662&partnerID=40&md5=7d7d64dd5bc428eaa167afde62417b98

Introduction: Community pharmacists (CPs) are often the first point of contact for patients to obtain health-related advice, including on wound management. Wound care services have been proposed as a community pharmacy practice area to be promoted in Malaysia. Objectives: This study aims to explore the types of wound care services provided by Malaysian CPs, and the factors associated with its provision. Methods: This study utilized the qualitative method to collect in-depth information about the barriers and facilitators associated with the provision of wound care services among a sample of CPs. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Twenty-three CPs were recruited. Most of them were female (60.9%) and working at an independent pharmacy (69.6%). All CPs had provided counseling on wound care, and a minority provided wound care services in collaboration with other health-care providers, and first aid services. Barriers for the provision of wound care services among the CPs included the limited knowledge on wound, and the lack of a dedicated area. The perceived benefits of wound care services, and patients’ demand are some facilitators identified. Conclusion: Professional pharmacy bodies may utilize the findings from this study to develop strategies to further enhance wound care services by CPs. © 2023, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University. All rights reserved.