Attitudes of individuals with schizophrenia toward pharmacists

Abstract

Objectives: To explore attitudes of people with schizophrenia toward pharmacists and identify ways in which pharmacists can enhance patient communication.

Methods: A questionnaire and semistructured interview were conducted in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and/or schizoaffective disorder. Study measures assessed knowledge, expectations, communication, the pharmacy environment, and other providers. Interview transcripts were coded by theme and counted as participants replying to each question.

Results: Participants (n = 28) perceived pharmacists as knowledgeable about medications and mental illnesses and considered pharmacists' medication knowledge to be greater than their mental illness knowledge. They expected pharmacists to dispense medications, act professionally, and provide medication information. Participants reported being comfortable discussing medications with pharmacists but preferred talking with nonpharmacist providers. Participants indicated that pharmacists could improve communication by expressing interest in their well-being.

Conclusion: People with schizophrenia view pharmacists as knowledgeable but perceive them primarily as dispensers of medication. For nondispensing pharmacists, describing their roles could be beneficial.