Australian community pharmacists' practice in complementary medicines: a structural equation modeling approach

Objective

This survey tested a model of factors influencing pharmacists’ practice in relation to complementary medicines (CMs).

Methods

Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 212 community pharmacists in New South Wales. Structural equation modeling with AMOS version 6.0, was used to model two practices in relation to CMs: an evaluation of appropriateness of CM use and the decision to sell.

Results

Pharmacists’ perceptions of their responsibilities in ensuring the safe use of CMs predicted the comprehensiveness of an evaluation for appropriateness of CM use (P = 0.002). When level of comprehensiveness of evaluation increased, pharmacists were less likely to sell CMs in situations where the use of the products was not considered appropriate (P = 0.021). Pharmacists’ confidence in their CM knowledge, attitudes towards CMs, concern about pharmacy income and pharmacists’ characteristics did not significantly affect their practice.

Conclusion

Pharmacists’ acceptance of their counseling responsibility with respect to CMs was the strongest predictor of both comprehensiveness of an evaluation and the decision to sell a CM.

Practice implications

Pharmacists must be encouraged to recognise and accept their responsibility in ensuring the safe and effective use of CMs.