Positive Health Online

Abstract

CHANG and colleagues, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Richmond, VA 23298, USA evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of pharmacists with regard to herbal medicines .

Background

Use and sales of herbal medicines have increased dramatically over the last few years, and pharmacists are in an ideal position to educate patients about herbal medicines.

Methodology

217 survey forms were distributed to pharmacists, of which 164 returned met criteria for further evaluation. The survey evaluated demographic data, attitudinal scales, and a 15-item herbal medicine knowledge test.

Results

Of the pharmacists surveyed, 68% practised in a community pharmacy, 45% had previous continuing education on herbal medications, and 74% sold herbal medications in their practice settings. The average score on the herbal medicines knowledge test was 6.3 out of a possible maximum of 15 . The 5 of the 15 questions that pharmacists were most likely to answer correctly assessed the uses of herbal medications . Pharmacists with previous continuing education scored significantly higher than those without. Pharmacists were more likely to answer correctly about the uses of herbal medications than about drug interactions, adverse drug effects, and precautions of herbal medications.

Conclusion

Pharmacists with previous continuing education on herbal medications were more knowledgeable about such products. With the increasing use of herbal medicines, there is a greater need for pharmacy training programs in this area.

References

Chang ZG et al. Pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward herbal medicine. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 34 (6): 710-5. Jun 2000.