A Study on Assessment of Knowledge Attitude and Practice KAP Towards Good Pharmacy Practice GPP Among Working Pharmacist.

Abstract

Background: The advancement of profession of pharmacy is now based on good pharmacy practice, which might be considered the core essence of the profession. The main objective is to provide patients with the best possible care that is safe, affordable, and effective. It can be implemented with improved practice of pharmaceutical care.

Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted utilizing 850 pharmacists working in various pharmacies such as community pharmacy, pharmacies attached to private hospitals, Government medical college hospitals and government Primary Health Centers in the southern state of India. Utilizing self- administered and structured closed ended questions, observations were collected and summarized. The data were categorized and analyzed.

Results: The distribution of the pharmacists according to their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Good Pharmacy Practice was studied. It was seen that 94.9% of the pharmacists accepted that the pharmacists should practice pharmaceutical care to assure a role in the healthcare team. Majority of them (95.64%) agreed that the pharmaceutical care will enhance the confidence in pharmacist and value of pharmacy profession. It was observed that most of them did not involve in patient follow up after the dispensing of drugs.

Conclusion: Good pharmacy practice is advanced professional service for better healthcare. The pharmacists must involve in all health associated issues along with drugs for better therapeutic outcomes. It was also pointed that patient counseling is mandatory to improve patient knowledge about drugs and other related care.  This will ultimately lead to improved pharmaceutical care to the patients and also betterment of the profession of pharmacy.