Int J Pharm Pract 1997:5:185-91

Pharmacy Practice Group, King's College London, Manresa Road, London, England SW3 6LX
Claire Anderson, PhD, MCPP, director of pharmacy practice research

Bourne End, Buckinghamshire
Angela Alexander, PhD, MCPP, consultant

Correspondence: Dr Anderson

Original Papers

Wiltshire pharmacy health promotion training initiative: a telephone survey

CLAIRE ANDERSON and ANGELA ALEXANDER

A telephone survey of 40 pharmacists before and after attendance on a health promotion course in Wiltshire, conducted using semi-structured questionnaires, indicated that training led to changes in knowledge and perceived changes in attitude and practice. The value of the increased knowledge was recognised by participants, in particular when talking to patients and other health professionals. The change in attitude, towards a more holistic view of health, is seen by the authors as a positive benefit of training, as it may be of value to the pharmacists. Changes in practice were evident despite recognised constraints.
Recommendations for future health promotion training schemes are: training should be ongoing; joint working with other health care professionals is needed fully to achieve training objectives; the role of the pharmacist should be promoted; and this currently unremunerated role should be recognised by Wiltshire health authority for its potential contribution towards the health care of the population, and receive appropriate funding.