Mon Sep 09 14:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Pharmacists in the UAE Show Hesitation Towards Extended Services, Study Finds

**Abu Dhabi, UAE** – A new study conducted by researchers at Al Ain University, Jordan University of Science and Technology, and other institutions reveals that pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) exhibit low levels of attitude and willingness towards providing extended community pharmacy services (ECPS). The study, published in PLOS ONE, surveyed 409 pharmacists across the UAE, uncovering a range of factors influencing their hesitancy towards expanding their roles.

The study found that over half of the participants reported below-median scores for both attitude and willingness to provide ECPS. Notably, female pharmacists were less likely to have a positive attitude towards ECPS, potentially due to time constraints related to domestic caregiving duties.

Further analysis revealed that pharmacists who handled more prescriptions and worked in pharmacies with fewer staff were more willing to provide ECPS, suggesting a potential correlation between workload and awareness of patient needs. Pharm D graduates, who receive more extensive clinical training, also demonstrated a higher willingness to provide expanded services.

The study also identified several significant barriers to ECPS implementation, including:

* **Patients’ preoccupation:** A large majority of pharmacists reported that patients are often too busy to engage in extended services.
* **Lack of specific training:** Pharmacists expressed a need for more specialized training to effectively provide ECPS.
* **Lack of clinical problem-solving skills:** A significant number of pharmacists felt inadequate in their ability to address clinical issues during ECPS consultations.
* **Lack of a private consultation room:** Many pharmacists reported the absence of suitable private spaces within their pharmacies as a major obstacle to offering ECPS.

The study concludes by emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to improve pharmacists’ attitudes and willingness towards providing ECPS. These interventions should focus on:

* **Training and education programs:** Enhancing pharmacists’ clinical problem-solving skills and addressing the perceived gap in their current education.
* **Establishing private consultation rooms:** Providing dedicated spaces within pharmacies to facilitate private consultations with patients.

Targeted efforts should be directed towards female pharmacists, those dispensing fewer daily prescriptions, pharmacists with bachelor’s degrees in pharmacy, and those working in pharmacies with a larger staff.

The findings of this study have crucial implications for healthcare policy and practice in the UAE and similar regions. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing strategic interventions, stakeholders can work towards a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to community pharmacy services.

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