Survey of Patient Awareness on the Family Pharmacist System

Abstract

In 2016, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare introduced the family pharmacist system, which aimed to have all pharmacies function as family pharmacies by 2025 in the pharmacy vision for patients. As more than five years have passed since this system was introduced, we conducted an awareness survey of patients and examined the current status of the system, as well as potential future issues. Of the 248 respondents who agreed, 22.2% were aware of the system and 40.7% wanted to use the system. In addition, we found that those who wish to use the system are in their 60s, have undergone medical examinations at multiple medical institutions, bring a medication notebook, and choose to have a reliable pharmacist as one of the reasons to select a dispensing pharmacy. The results were higher than those of nonapplicants in consultation, health support, and medication guidance. Therefore, for the development of the system, it is important to correctly select patients who need the system, by considering the local residents, age group, number of medical institutions to be examined, etc. This will improve the centralized and continuous grasping of medication information and practice of pharmaceutical management, health, etc. It is important to build a relationship of trust with patients through appropriate communication and providing appropriate support.