Patients' perceptions of the role of community pharmacists in the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases: a qualitative investigation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. Community pharmacists can improve the impact of cardiovascular diseases by early identification of risk factors and provision of health promotion. However, patients' perceptions of community pharmacists are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To understand how patients perceive the involvement of community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 (n = 10) cardiovascular disease patients who utilise community pharmacy services in Maseru and Berea districts. Convenience sampling method was used to select participants. The questionnaire comprised questions to uncover patients' experiences, utilisation, and expectations of community pharmacists' services. Thematic analysis was employed. RESULTS: Four themes were identified, namely 1) perceived role of a community pharmacist, 2) patient healthcare-seeking behaviour, 3) perceived community pharmacist care outcomes, and 4) future expectations. Generally, cardiovascular disease patients visited community pharmacists every month for medication refills and were less aware of other services. Overall, patients were appreciative of and were willing to support future community pharmacists' services. The patients expect community pharmacists to lead initiatives that educate people about cardiovascular diseases and standardise services across all pharmacy outlets. CONCLUSIONS: Patients had limited awareness of other services provided by community pharmacists beyond dispensing medication, such as disease detection and health promotion. However, they valued the services provided by community pharmacists and were willing to utilise expanded services. This presents an opportunity for community pharmacists to raise awareness of their current scope of work and expansion of care.