Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Community pharmacies
monitor and deliver health services to the community, apart
from dispensing medications. PVAS are extended services
provided to enhance pharmaceutical care. At present, digital
technology is also needed as a platform for PVAS. This study
was conducted to investigate the PVAS available in
community pharmacies, to identify the practice differences in
urban and suburban areas, and to identify the pharmacists’
readiness to use digital technology. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted face-to-face and via online.
Validated-questionnaire consisted of three-parts, was
distributed to community pharmacists (CPs) in urban and
suburban areas of Perak. Survey-link was provided either via
email or posted to social media. Paper-based survey was
given to the CPs at the premise. Sample size was calculated
using Raosoft Software. Data were analysed using SPSS
V.20 descriptively. Results and Discussion: Sixty-one
(N=61) CPs responded; female (57%), age 36-40 years-old
(29%), and Malays (44%). The most provided PVAS are
health screening (100%), supplement-TCM consultation
(79%), and diet-lifestyle counselling (77%). CPs also provide
counselling for smoking cessation (36%) and weight
management (44%). Eighty-five percent of CPs in urban
areas used digital technology as a platform for PVAS. For
readiness to use technology, only 49% of the CPs were ready.
Home delivery (51%) and mobile pharmacy (40%) were
chosen as the most appropriate PVAS. Conclusion: No
significant difference was found between PVAS provided by
urban and suburban pharmacies. Although the CPs in urban
areas prefer digital technology for certain PVAS, most of the
CPs are already prepared with knowledge and budget for new
future-PVAS
