| Summary: | Background: The role of community pharmacists is very
important due to their access to primary care patients and
expertise. For this reason, the interaction level between
pharmacists and patients should be optimized to ensure
enhanced delivery of pharmacy services.
Objective: To gauge perceptions and expectations of the
public on the role of community pharmacists in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods: Twenty five individuals were invited to
participate in 4 separate focus group discussions.
Individuals came from different racial groups and socioeconomic
backgrounds. Interviews were audio-recorded
and transcribed. Using thematic analysis, two reviewers
coded all transcripts to identify emerging themes.
Appropriate measures were taken to ensure study rigor
and validity.
Results: All facilitators and barriers that were identified
were grouped into 5 distinct themes. The pharmacist as a
healthcare professional in the public mind was the most
prominent theme that was discussed in all 4 focus groups.
Other themes identified were, in decreasing order of
prevalence, psychological perceptions towards
pharmacists, important determinants of a pharmacist, the
pharmacy as a unique healthcare provider, and control
over pharmacies by health authorities.
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