Australian pharmacists’ knowledge of the efficacy and safety of complementary medicines
Freya Waddington A D , Mark Naunton A , Greg Kyle B , Gabrielle O’Kane C , Gabrielle Cooper A and Jackson Thomas A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Discipline of Pharmacy, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2615, Australia.
B School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia.
C Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2615, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: freya.waddington@canberra.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 24(3) 273-279 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY17023
Submitted: 21 February 2017 Accepted: 20 November 2017 Published: 8 May 2018
Abstract
Global usage and expenditure on complementary medicines is increasing. Over 50% of consumers purchase these products from pharmacies and expect pharmacists to provide them with appropriate information regarding efficacy and safety of these products. Internationally, pharmacists have identified their lack of detailed knowledge of the efficacy and safety of these products as a barrier to recommending these products. Currently, little is known about the actual knowledge Australian pharmacists have of these products. This research seeks to determine Australian pharmacists’ knowledge of the efficacy and safety of complementary medicines. An online survey was validated and distributed by three professional pharmacy bodies in Australia and online social media to survey Australian pharmacists’ knowledge of a selection of complementary medicines that are defined as having therapeutic benefits as per the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines. In total, 535 complete surveys were returned and included in the final analysis. Surveys were predominantly completed by community pharmacists. The mean knowledge score obtained was 62%. There were no statistically significantly different results from pharmacists with a nutritional qualification. Australian pharmacists appear to have a basic knowledge of complementary medicines with a defined clinical effect. Specialised and targeted education focussing on relevant and efficacious complementary medicines with strong clinical evidence base is required.
Additional keywords: CAM, online survey.
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