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Pharmaceutical care for people with depression: Belgian pharmacists’ attitudes and perceived barriers

  • Research Article
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International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background In the past three decades, the role of pharmacists has evolved toward working with other health professionals and the public in a patient-centered model of practice, which is called pharmaceutical care. This model has been implemented for most physical illnesses but in relation to mental health, pharmacists’ role is still evolving. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate pharmacists’ attitudes, current practice, perceived barriers and training needs concerning pharmaceutical care for people with depression. Setting All pharmacists attending obligatory regional meetings of the Surplus Network (a Flemish community pharmacy chain) during April and May 2009. Method Written survey consisting of questions on (1) pharmacists’ attitude and current practice in depression care and pharmaceutical care for people with other illnesses; (2) potential barriers in providing pharmaceutical care for people with depression; and (3) training needs. Paired samples T tests and Wilcoxon-tests were used to analyze the data. Main outcome measure Attitude and current practice in depression care versus care for other illnesses. Results Although the results show no difference in the attitude of pharmacists toward providing care for people with depression versus other illnesses (p = 0.315), pharmacists report to provide significantly less care to people with depression compared to people with other illnesses (p < 0.05). Perceived barriers toward providing depression care were the lack of information about the person and their treatment, the fact that depression is a difficult condition, the lack of education in mental health and the lack of time and privacy in the pharmacy. These, and the reported training needs, may limit the self-efficacy of pharmacists and hence influence current practice. Conclusion In spite of pharmacists’ positive attitude toward depression care, current practice displays actionable flaws. Barriers and training needs should be addressed in order to improve pharmaceutical care for people with depression.

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Notes

  1. Unpublished data obtained from the Pharmaceutical Chamber in October 2010.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Marijn Wouters (PharmD) and Chantal Leirs (PharmD) for sampling of the data, Piet Van Maercke (PharmD) of the Pharmaceutical Chamber for providing data on the population of Flemish pharmacists, and pharmacists of the Surplus network for participating in the study. The input from Dr. Gert Scheerder and Prof. Dr. Chantal Van Audenhove in constructing the survey instrument, from Dr. Franciska Desplenter in comparing data from the study population with those of the total population of Flemish pharmacists, and from the Scientific Information Center of Escapo C.V. in running the study, was greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Centre for Pharmaceutical Care and Pharmaco-economics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Bus 521, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Sophie Liekens, Gert Laekeman & Veerle Foulon

  2. Centre for Media Culture and Communication Technology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Louvain, Belgium

    Tim Smits

  3. Marketing Management, Lessius University College, Korte Nieuwstraat 33, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium

    Tim Smits

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  1. Sophie Liekens
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  2. Tim Smits
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  4. Veerle Foulon
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Correspondence to Sophie Liekens.

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Liekens, S., Smits, T., Laekeman, G. et al. Pharmaceutical care for people with depression: Belgian pharmacists’ attitudes and perceived barriers. Int J Clin Pharm 34, 452–459 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-012-9628-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-012-9628-0

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