COI on behalf of
Department of Health
Community Pharmacy Use
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Market Research Report
Prepared for:
Mags Visscher & Annerie Hughes
COI
Hercules Rd
London
SE1 7DU
On behalf of the Department of Health
Prepared by:
Continental Research (Agency Contacts: Tanya Parkinson and Dave Chilvers)
132-140 Goswell Road
London EC1V 7DY
t: 020 7490 5944
f: 020 7490 1174
Solutions Research (Agency Contacts: Michelle Lloyd and Rob Ellis)
United House
North Road
London
Dave
N7 9DP
T: 020 7700 5500
Month of Job: January 2008
Job Number: 9134
COI Job Number: 284805
Community Pharmacy Use
Table of Contents
This report combines a piece of quantitative research exploring Community Pharmacy
usage conducted by Continental Research, and a piece of qualitative research
designed to add detail to the quantitative findings conducted by Solutions Research.
Pages 1 – 16 and the appendices relate to the quantitative study and pages 18-21
relate to the qualitative study.
1.
Background.................................................................................................................1
2.
Research Objectives ..................................................................................................2
3.
Research Method........................................................................................................3
4.
Summary .....................................................................................................................4
5.
Main Findings .............................................................................................................5
5.1.
Frequency of visiting pharmacies .................................................................................5
5.1.1. Demographic differences in frequency of visiting pharmacies .....................................7
5.1.2. Regional differences in frequency of visiting pharmacies...........................................12
5.2.
What pharmacies are used for ...................................................................................12
5.3.
Using the same pharmacy versus using a variety of pharmacies ..............................14
5.4.
Type of pharmacy.......................................................................................................16
5.5.
Location of main pharmacy ........................................................................................16
6.
Qualitative Research Management Summary............................................................18
Appendix A: Sample profile (quantitative)
Appendix B: Questionnaire (quantitative)
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
1.
Background
» The Medicines Pharmacy and Industry Group in the Department of Health
commissioned this research about community pharmacy use to support policy
development for the pharmacy White Paper.
» Community pharmacies include both high street pharmacies like Boots and Super
Drug as well as family run chemists. All community pharmacies must be able to
dispense/fulfil prescriptions.
» There are around 10,000 community pharmacies in England.
» Previous research was conducted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great
Britain in 1996.
1
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
2.
Research Objectives
» Research was required to provide up to date data on how pharmacies are used and
by whom to aid policy development. More specifically the research investigates:
ƒ
Frequency of use
ƒ
Purpose of visit
ƒ
Types of pharmacies used
ƒ
Differences in frequency of use and type of pharmacy used amongst various
demographic groups
2
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
3.
3
Research Method
The survey was conducted in England via the TNS CAPI (Computer Assisted
Personal Interviewing) Omnibus. Interviews were conducted face to face in
respondents’ homes.
Interviewing was conducted from 28 November – 02 December 2007.
A representative sample of 1645 adults were interviewed in approximately 120
locations throughout England. The sample was selected using a random location
method.
Quotas were set by sex (male, female housewife, female non housewife); within
female housewife, presence of children and working status, and within men, working
status, to ensure a balanced sample of adults within effective contacted addresses.
To ensure that each client’s question set received the full attention of respondents the
average interview length for the full Omnibus survey was restricted to 30 minutes.
The sample has been weighted to represent the adult population of England aged
16+.
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
4.
4
Summary
» The majority of adults use pharmacies with 84% of adults visiting a pharmacy at least
once a year and 78% visiting a pharmacy for health related reasons at least once a
year.
» Adults in England visit pharmacies on average 14 times per year and on average of
11 visits per year specifically for health related reasons.
» Frequent users of pharmacies include females, those aged over 35 and those with a
long term health condition or disability (LTC). Those working full time visit pharmacies
less frequently than other groups.
» If gender and age are considered together, the highest frequency pharmacy users are
females aged 35-74 and males aged over 55. Males aged 16-24 use pharmacies the
least.
» Gender, age, speaking English as a main language and having a long term condition
or disability are all key drivers of pharmacy usage, in that order.
» Pharmacies are mainly used to get medication that has been prescribed by a doctor
and to purchase supplies of over the counter medication, either for a regular condition
or for a one off condition.
» Around one in ten people get health advice from their pharmacy but very few use their
pharmacy to obtain urgent advice.
» There is very low use of other health related services offered by some pharmacies
such as regular monitoring of current health conditions and health screening for
conditions such as diabetes and cholesterol.
» The majority of people visit the same pharmacy all of the time with around a third of
people using a variety of pharmacies but one most often. Those with long term health
conditions or disabilities and those who live in rural areas are more likely to visit the
same pharmacy.
» The main types of pharmacy used are sole traders/small businesses and national
chains.
» Most people visit pharmacies in the area near where they live.
5
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
5.
Main Findings
5.1.
Frequency of visiting pharmacies
Respondents were asked how often they visit community pharmacies for any reason
and for health related reasons. Community pharmacies were defined for respondents
as:
“Community pharmacies range from high street pharmacies like big companies or
family run chemists.”
The table below summarises the frequency of people visiting community pharmacies.
Frequency of visiting community pharmacies
Any
reason
Sample size
Health
related
reasons
1645
1645
Once a day (365)
1%
0%
Every two or three days (183)
1%
1%
About once a week (52)
6%
4%
About once a fortnight (26)
8%
6%
About once a month (12)
33%
30%
About once every three months (4)
18%
16%
About once every six months (2)
11%
12%
About once a year (1)
7%
8%
Less than once a year (0)
5%
7%
10%*
14%
Never (0)
On average people visit community pharmacies 14 times per year for any reason and
11 times per year for health related reasons. Please note that these averages are
calculated using the frequency figures shown in brackets in the table above, including
those who never visit pharmacies. Of those who visit pharmacies, on average they
visit community pharmacies 16 times per year for any reason and 13 times per year
for health related reasons.
6
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
The majority of people are pharmacy users with 84% of people visiting pharmacies for
any reason and 78% visiting pharmacies for health related reasons at least once a
year.
The estimated total number of visits to pharmacies in England per day, week and year
are shown in the table below (with calculations based on the population of England
aged 16 and over - ONS mid 2006 population: 41,089,000):
Estimated total number of pharmacy visits in England
Any reason
(million)
Health related
reasons
(million)
Per day
1.6
1.2
Per week
11.4
8.6
Per year
594.8
440.8
Respondents were also asked when they last visited a pharmacy for health related
reasons. As shown in the chart on the following page, 75 percent of people claim to
have visited a pharmacy for health related reasons within the last six months.
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
When last visited a pharmacy for health related
reasons
In the last week
In the last two
weeks
19%
12%
In the last month
23%
In the last three
months
In the last six
months
Not in the last six
months
Never
In the last 75%
6 months
15%
7%
14%
10%
Q3. Which of the following best describes when you last visited a pharmacy for health related reasons?
Unweighted Base : Total (1645)
5.1.1. Demographic differences in frequency of visiting pharmacies
Females, those aged over 35 and those with a long term health condition or disability
use pharmacies more frequently than other groups (as shown in the table on the
following page). Those working full time tend to visit pharmacies less frequently.
7
8
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
Frequency of visiting pharmacies for any reason:
Key significant differences (higher)
Base
Once a
Once a
Users
week
month
(once a
or
or
year or
more
more
more)
Males
755
6%
40%
79%
Females
890
9%*
56%*
88%*
16-24
211
6%
32%
75%
25-34
257
6%
38%
83%*
35-44
281
8%
44%*
84%*
45-54
226
8%
51%*
82%
55-64
264
7%
58%*
89%*
65-74
226
11%*
67%*
90%*
75+
180
10%
57%*
83%
No long term condition
1162
7%
41%
82%
Long term condition but not limiting
194
7%
63%*
93%*
Limiting long term condition
289
12%*
72%*
85%
English main language
1511
8%
49%
85%*
English 2nd language
134
8%
40%
73%
Full time
538
5%
38%
81%
Part time
200
8%
55%*
84%
Retired
501
10%*
59%*
86%*
Other not working
406
9%*
50%*
85%
* Significant difference (higher)
9
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
Similar trends are seen when looking at frequencies of visiting pharmacies for health
related reasons (see table below).
Frequency of visiting pharmacies for health related reasons:
Key significant differences (higher)
Base
Once a
Once a
Users
week
month
(once a
or
or
year or
more
more
more)
Males
755
4%
35%
73%
Females
890
6%
47%*
82%*
16-24
211
5%
23%
67%
25-34
257
4%
29%
77%*
35-44
281
4%
38%*
79%*
45-54
226
6%
44%*
75%
55-64
264
4%
52%*
83%*
65-74
226
7%
63%*
84%*
75+
180
8%
54%*
81%
No long term condition
1162
4%
33%
75%
Long term condition but not limiting
194
5%
58%*
89%*
Limiting long term condition
289
10%*
69%*
82%*
English main language
1511
5%
42%
79%*
English 2nd language
134
5%
34%
70%
Full time
538
4%
31%
74%
Part time
200
4%
43%*
80%
Retired
501
7%*
56%*
83%*
Other not working
406
6%
41%*
78%
* Significant difference (higher)
10
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
If gender and age are considered together, the highest frequency pharmacy users are
females aged 35-74 and males aged over 55. The group that uses pharmacies the
least is males aged 16-24, with only around two thirds (66%) of this group using
pharmacies at least once a year (see table below). Furthermore, males under the age
of 55 are less likely to use pharmacies at least once a month.
Frequency of visiting pharmacies for any reason:
By age and gender
Base
Once a
Once a
Users
week
month
(once a
or
or
year or
more
more
more)
MALES
16-24
102
8%
33%
66%
25-34
119
4%
30%
78%*
35-44
110
5%
31%
79%*
45-54
97
4%
43%
71%
55-64
139
5%
50%*
87%*
65-74
106
9%
67%*
92%*
75+
82
11%
60%*
88%*
16-24
109
4%
44%
83%*
25-34
138
8%
55%*
88%*
35-44
171
10%*
65%*
89%*
45-54
129
11%*
68%*
91%*
55-64
125
10%
69%*
92%*
65-74
120
13%*
67%*
87%*
75+
98
8%
53%*
79%*
FEMALES
* Significant difference (higher)
11
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
Key Drivers of Pharmacy Usage
Key Driver Analysis reveals that gender, age, speaking English as a main language
and having a long term condition or disability are all key drivers of pharmacy usage, in
that order.
The CHAID (chi-squared automatic interaction detector) analysis shown in the
decision tree below confirms that gender is the key driver. For males, those under 54
with no long term condition or disability are significantly lower frequency users (based
on those who use pharmacies at least once a year).
CHAID Analysis of Demographic Differences
Users of pharmacies (at least once per year)
TOTAL SAMPLE
85%
Male
81%
<=54 years
74%
No LTC
72%
Female
89%
55+ years
89%
LTC
91%
<=74
90%
English main lang.
91%
75+ years
79%
English 2nd lang.
80%
12
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
5.1.2. Regional differences in frequency of visiting pharmacies
Those living in the North East visit pharmacies less frequently than those living in other
areas. Those living in London tend to visit pharmacies more frequently than those living in
other areas. This is probably a lifestyle/affluence effect.
Base
Once a
Once a
Users
week
month
(once a
or
or
year or
more
more
more)
North East
86
3%
37%
73%
North West
222
8%
49%
86%*
Yorkshire and Humber
175
8%
49%
84%*
East Midlands
141
6%
52%*
84%
West Midlands
186
7%
43%
80%
South West
174
8%
49%
81%
East of England
144
8%
51%*
83%
London
246
11%*
54%*
87%*
South East
271
7%
46%
86%*
* Significant difference (higher)
5.2.
What pharmacies are used for
The main uses of pharmacies are to obtain medication supplied by a doctor (86%)
and to a lesser extent to get usual supplies of over the counter medicines (27%), to
get special supplies of over the counter medicines for a one off condition (14%) and to
get health advice (12%).
Despite being prompted with a list of other health services that may be offered by
pharmacies very few people mentioned any of the following: getting urgent advice,
regular monitoring of a current health condition, health screening, using particular
services such as stop smoking, needle exchange or supervised consumption of
medicines.
13
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
Around one in five (20%) purchase toiletries and/or beauty products from pharmacies
and a minority claim to purchase sunscreen (6%). Very few claim to purchase food
and drink (2%).
What pharmacies are used for
Any
Main
pharmacy
pharmacy
Sample size (all who visit pharmacies)
1506
1506
Medication supplied by a doctor
86%
81%
27%
22%
14%
11%
12%
9%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
Health screening e.g. diabetes, cholesterol
1%
1%
Using particular services e.g. stop smoking
0%
0%
Needle exchange
0%
0%
Supervised consumption of medicines
0%
0%
Toiletries/beauty products
20%
16%
Sunscreen
6%
5%
Food & drink
2%
1%
Usual supplies of over the counter
medicines
Special supply of over the counter
medicines for a one off condition
Getting health advice
Getting urgent advice in normal working
hours
Getting urgent advice outside normal
working hours
Regular monitoring of a current health
condition
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
14
Key significant differences for each of the following pharmacy uses are shown below,
with significantly higher usage amongst the following groups:
»
Medication prescribed by a doctor: Females, those aged 65+ (vs. 16-34),
those who are retired, those with a long term condition and those who speak
English as their main language
»
Usual supplies of over the counter medicines: Females and those aged 25-44
(vs. 75+)
»
Special supply of over the counter medications for a one off condition:
Females and those aged 35-44 (vs. 16-24 and 55-64)
»
Getting health advice: Females and those aged 25-44 (vs. 75+)
»
Getting urgent advice in normal working hours: Those with a limiting long term
condition and those who speak English as their main language
»
Heath screening e.g. diabetes, cholesterol: Those who speak English as a
second language
»
Toiletries/beauty products: Females, those aged 65 and over (vs. 16-34),
those who speak English as their main language, full time workers and those
who are retired
5.3.
»
Sunscreen: Those aged 25-64 (vs. 75+) and full time workers
»
Food and drink: Those aged 25-44 (vs. 65-74) and full time workers
Using the same pharmacy versus using a variety of pharmacies
There is loyalty shown in the pharmacies people use with the majority of people (60%)
visiting the same pharmacy all of the time. Around a third of people (27%) visit a
variety of pharmacies but one pharmacy most often. Just one in ten (11%) visit a
variety of pharmacies and none more frequently than any other.
Those with a long term condition or disability, particularly a limiting long term
condition, tend to be more loyal to the same pharmacy (see chart on the following
page). This may be due to their condition limiting their ability to travel to different
pharmacies or perhaps because they prefer to deal with the same pharmacist or other
staff members who are familiar with the background of their condition.
15
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
Using the same pharmacy or a variety of pharmacies
Visit the same pharmacy all of the time
Visit a variety of pharmacies but one most often
0
Visit a variety of pharmacies and none more frequently than any other
20
40
60
80
Total
60%
No LTCs
27%
55%
LTC but not limiting
11%
29%
14%
69%
Limiting LTC
100
25%
78%
5%
17%
4%
Q6. Which of the following best describes you?
Unweighted Base : Total who visit pharmacies (1506), No LTCs (1061), LTC but not limiting (185),
Limiting LTC (260)
Those living in rural areas are also more loyal to particular pharmacies and those
living in the inner city are the least loyal, no doubt reflecting the choice of pharmacy
available in each type of area (see chart below).
Using the same pharmacy or a variety of pharmacies
Visit the same pharmacy all of the time
Visit a variety of pharmacies but one most often
0
Total
Visit a variety of pharmacies and none more frequently than any other
20
40
60
80
60%
Rural
Small town
Suburb
Inner city
27%
68%
58%
55%
11%
23%
62%
100
27%
28%
29%
Q6. Which of the following best describes you?
Unweighted Base : Total who visit pharmacies (1506), Rural (249), Small town (466), Suburb (532),
Inner city (242)
6%
10%
13%
14%
16
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
5.4.
Type of pharmacy
Around half of people (49%) visit sole retailer/small business pharmacies regularly
and just under half (44%) visit national chain pharmacies regularly. Around one in ten
(10%) visit supermarket based pharmacies regularly. These proportions are fairly
similar for the main pharmacy used as shown in the table below:
Type of pharmacy
5.5.
Any
Main
pharmacy
pharmacy
Sample size (all who visit pharmacies)
1506
1506
Sole retailer/small business
49%
45%
National chain
44%
41%
Supermarket based
10%
8%
Location of main pharmacy
For most people (72%) the main pharmacy they visit is located near where they live.
For around one in five people (19%) their main pharmacy is located near their GP.
Just over one in ten people (13%) state that their main pharmacy is located near
where they regularly shop and just under one in ten (7%) state that it is located near
where they work.
The main pharmacy used tends to be in the type of area people live with those living
in the inner city visiting a pharmacy in the inner city, those living in small towns visiting
pharmacies in small towns etc (see chart on the following page). As expected, those
living in rural areas are most likely to visit a pharmacy in a type of area outside of their
own (in this case small towns) no doubt because some simply may not have a
pharmacy in their rural area or because they travel outside of the area for other
reasons e.g. to work.
17
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
Where main pharmacy is located
- Where people live
Village/rural area
0
Total
13%
Live: Village/rural
Live: Small town 1%
Live: Suburban area
1%
1%
of city or large town
Live: Inner city/ large
1%
1%
town
Small town
20
Suburban area of a city or large town
40
60
33%
Inner city/large town
80
100
34%
18%
18%
71%
96%
91%
97%
Q8. Which of the following best describes where the pharmacy that you use most often is located?
Base : All who visit pharmacies (1506), Village/rural (249), Small town (466), Suburb (532), Inner city/large
town (242)
7%2%
1%
2%
4%
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
18
Pharmacist Qualitative Research
Management Summary
Background and Methodology
This document summarises a qualitative research project undertaken in January
2008, on behalf of the Department of Health. This research followed on from a
quantitative survey that looked at levels of use of pharmacies among the general
population. That study uncovered a decrease in the numbers using pharmacies since
the last study in 1996, and highlighted the lower levels of use of pharmacies among
specific groups such as men, younger people and those not speaking English as a
first language.
This qualitative project was intended to throw more light on pharmacy usage patterns
(or non use), on how pharmacies are understood, what services are expected or
would be welcomed, and to test some specific ideas for extension of pharmacy
services.
It comprised 6 focus groups among non and light users of pharmacies (using similar
criteria to those in the quantitative research), one group among Polish speakers (all
recent immigrants to the UK) and depth/paired depth interviews amongst medium
and heavy users of pharmacies. In addition we carried out 4 depth interviews
amongst pharmacists. The study was conducted across the UK, with a mix of rural
through to inner city locations and a wide demographic mix. The reason for including
Polish respondents was because of evidence that they might have particular issues
with the UK medical service, and because of their significant size in the UK
population. In total, the sample comprised 72 respondents.
Key Findings
The first finding was that it proved much more difficult to find non users of
pharmacies than the quantitative data might suggest, with some groups such as
younger women almost always having some relationship with a pharmacy (e.g.
through usage of contraception etc.). During recruitment we interviewed 155 young
women aged 15 – 24 and found only 3 non users, suggesting a lower level of non
use than the other survey showed.
We did find that usage of ‘pharmacies’ had declined overall, as many people across
age groups reported purchasing toiletries and minor medicines from supermarkets,
convenience stores and garages, more than previously, for reasons of location or
cost saving. However, most had some experience of using pharmacists, and the
presence of pharmacies in supermarkets may have made them more accessible for
some respondents.
The pharmacist is a well-understood term, and there are no linguistic confusions;
many interchange chemist (the person or the shop) and pharmacy / pharmacist, and
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
19
all understood both descriptors. The pharmacy is seen as a place where prescription
medicines can be dispensed, along with other OTC medicines and toiletries, and the
pharmacist is the person who dispenses them. Thus both the prescription medicines
and the pharmacist are seen as key to a place being described as a pharmacy.
Pharmacies can be segmented into big chains (predominantly Boots), smaller chains
and independents, and supermarket pharmacies (which in some senses take on the
value of smaller specialised outlets, although they are part of a much larger store).
Drivers to choice of outlet are mainly location and convenience, and the availability of
other items. Most tended to use two different ‘pharmacies’ or similar outlet – typically
one for dispensing and one for purchasing other healthcare products. There was
some evidence of the attitude that ‘any pharmacy will do’ on the basis that the drugs
supplied and the expertise available are on a par, so that access issues might often
be the driver. There was a belief that they can take their prescription to any
pharmacy, although in reality they often had a bias to one particular pharmacy on the
basis of personal relationship or loyalty as well as convenience and proximity to the
doctor or home. This also tended to be the pharmacy they would seek advice from.
The pharmacy was generally seen as a place where advice could be sought, and it
tended to be mentioned after the doctor and NHS Direct as a likely source of
information. NHS Direct comprised both the phone line (widely used and respected)
and the web site; the latter was also seen as reliable, while a minority used other web
sites and generally reported they took information from them with some caution.
Typically pharmacists were seen as a source of accessible advice for minor problems
with seriousness of problem and practicality (e.g. can I get a doctor’s appointment?)
being key factors taken into consideration before usage.
The use of the pharmacist for advice was driven by either experience (more often
among older users and mothers), and communication (with a number of younger
users playing back ‘ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice’ from DH ads). The
expectation was that information provided by the pharmacist would be reliable and of
good quality, and they would be quick to refer onto a doctor if they were not sure of
their facts.
There was however some uncertainty about how well trained a pharmacist was and
exactly what they were trained in which affected current usage, and also attitudes to
proposed services such as pharmacists being able to prescribe. Some placed them
on a par with nurses, or below, and many placed them between doctors and nurses.
There was some association of pharmacists with specific drug expertise, but most
were not sure about how well qualified they were to diagnose medical problems. It
was clear that there was a correlation between respect for pharmacists’ expertise
and willingness to ask their advice, so there may be a case for communication of the
depth of their training.
Privacy was also an issue raised, with many feeling uncomfortable talking about
private medical problems in a public environment incase they were overheard. Some
even felt unwilling to discuss very personal issues with their regular pharmacist due
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
20
to embarrassment, with evidence suggesting that in these situations, people might
then go to an alternative unknown pharmacist.
In terms of services expected, most thought that dispensing medicines, advice on
minor ailments, provision of medicines and toiletries, and advice on the safe use of
medicines were seen as part of today’s provision set. Almost all expected emergency
contraception and smoking cessation provision as well, while some hoped for a
measure of repeat prescription provision.
However, most did not expect (but would welcome) testing services such as blood
pressure or diabetes testing, and healthy living advice. These were seen as valuable
extensions of the current pharmacist provision, and as services that would make life
easier for the consumer and take pressure off the doctor.
Specific ideas such as being able to prescribe drugs for minor ailments, provide
emergency contraception, and the Medicine Usage Review service were also widely
supported, with most seeing them as a more convenient and accessible way of
managing their health, and an opportunity to overcome the difficulties created by
doctors appointment systems and opening hours.
There was less support for more serious tests, such as those for stroke or kidney
problems. The dividing line regarding how appropriate tests were, seemed to be
between a serious and life threatening illness that required a hospital, and a minor or
manageable illness that would require long term coping with. Many also felt
uncomfortable with tests that involved intimate matters or invaded privacy; the
pharmacist is seen as a less private place than the surgery, and most felt that a
private room would be required for both advice and tests in any case.
Provision of services for drug users was also contentious; there was a tension
between encouraging more use of the pharmacy by ‘normal people’ and more use by
‘addicts’ and it was frequently felt that the latter should be catered for in dedicated
areas.
Overall, the freedom of the pharmacist to issue prescription drugs for minor
conditions, to provide certain tests and to dispense repeat prescriptions on his own
account within limits, was felt desirable but it raised the difficult issue of access to
medical records. The key condition for many, in particular with prescriptions, was
that the pharmacist should have access to medical records so that such prescriptions
could be safely administered and recorded, and there would be information transfer
between the doctor and the pharmacist. This was seen as a lesser evil than the risk
of medicines being given and doctors not knowing about them, or contra-indications
not being picked up. However others in the sample were concerned about private
information such as your medical records being accessible to anyone other than the
doctor e.g. Saturday assistants and even pharmacists.
Although there is interest in the pharmacist offering more services and a sense that
the general public are being encouraged to use the pharmacist more, this does raise
Market Research Report: Community Pharmacy Use
21
concerns that pharmacists may become overloaded and thus easy access to help will
be lost. Some concerns are raised about training and specialisms, particularly in
small pharmacies.
The pharmacists largely echoed the consumer sample’s views, although some had
concerns about the impact on their relationship with local GP’s, which had in some
instances been difficult. Our very small sample welcomed the idea of providing more
advice, tests, and minor medicines and agreed there was consumer demand for
these moves.
Overall, there was a sense that raising the profile of and knowledge about
pharmacists is important particularly so that there is wider understanding of what
pharmacists are trained and able to do. Schemes such as the Minor Ailment
Scheme felt important in helping to do this. The availability of information in the
pharmacy, the doctors’ surgery and in the local paper emerged as ways of reaching
the general public.
Overall, the consumer sample was very consistent in its views; unusually for
qualitative research we found a similar theme emerging among all groups and
individuals, across ages, regions and sexes. Only some older men were less
accepting of the idea of getting help from the pharmacist and they were the group
most likely to see visiting the doctor as their right.
The Polish respondents interviewed displayed attitudes in line with the general
consensus. It seems clear that the pharmacist experience of our small sample is
positive and they were supportive of more services being offered by pharmacists. As
with the main sample there was a belief that this might actually improve the service
available from GPs when really needed. There was some surprise that more of
these services were not being more widely offered already.
Appendix A - Sample Profile
Unweighted
Weighted
Base
base
Males
755
835
48%
Females
890
893
52%
16-24
211
238
14%
25-34
257
303
18%
35-44
281
329
19%
45-54
226
245
14%
55-64
264
279
16%
65-74
226
186
11%
75+
180
149
8%
No long term condition
1162
1271
74%
Long term condition but not limiting
194
194
11%
Limiting long term condition
289
264
15%
White
194
1522
88%
Minority ethnicity
289
207
12%
English main language
1511
1592
92%
English 2nd language
134
136
8%
Working full time
538
656
38%
Working part time
200
213
12%
Retired
501
439
25%
Other not working
406
421
24%
TOTAL
1645
1729
100%
%
Sample Profile continued
Unweighted
Weighted
Base
base
North East
86
90
5%
North West
222
239
14%
Yorks and Humber
175
190
11%
East Midlands
141
154
9%
West Midlands
186
200
12%
South West
174
169
10%
East of England
144
157
9%
London
246
257
15%
South East
271
273
16%
Deprivation – yes*
220
232
13%
Deprivation – no*
1425
1497
87%
TOTAL
1645
1729
100%
*Based on BERR deprivation post codes
%
Appendix B - Questionnaire
Community Pharmacy Research - Omnibus
Continental Research
SHOW SCREEN
Q.1 Community pharmacies range from high street pharmacies like big companies to family
run chemists. All must be able to dispense/fulfil prescriptions. How often do you visit a
community pharmacy for any reason?
01: Once a day
02: Every two or three days
03: About once a week
04: About once a fortnight
05: About once a month
06: About once every three months
07: About once every six months
08: About once a year
09: Less than once a year
10: Never
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN
Q.2 And how often do you visit a pharmacy specifically for health related purposes e.g.
getting medication, getting health advice?
01: Once a day
02: Every two or three days
03: About once a week
04: About once a fortnight
05: About once a month
06: About once every three months
07: About once every six months
08: About once a year
09: Less than once a year
10: Never
(DK)
(route: if coded 10 at Q.1 AND Q.2 go to Q.D1; others go to Q.3)
SHOW SCREEN
Q.3 Which of the following best describes when you last visited a pharmacy for health related
reasons?
01: In the last week
02: In the last two weeks
03: In the last month
04: In the last three months
05: In the last six months
06: Not in the last six months
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN – MULTICHOICE
Q.4 Which of the following do you use pharmacies for?
01: Getting medication that has been prescribed by a doctor
02: Getting usual supplies of over the counter medicines (i.e. that don’t require a prescription
e.g. head ache pills)
03: Getting a special supply of over the counter medicines for a one off condition (e.g. cough,
head lice)
06: Getting health advice
07: Getting urgent advice in normal working hours
08: Getting urgent advice outside of normal working hours
09: Using particular services such as stop smoking
10: Regular monitoring of a current health condition e.g. blood pressure testing
11: Health screening e.g. diabetes, cholesterol
12: Needle exchange
13: Supervised consumption of medicines
04: Buying sunscreen \ sun-tan lotion
05: Buying toiletries \ beauty products
14: Food and drink
15: Other (please specify)
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN – MULTICHOICE
Q.5 And thinking about the pharmacy that you use most often, which of the following do you
use it for?
01: Getting medication that has been prescribed by a doctor
02: Getting usual supplies of over the counter medicines (i.e. that don’t require a prescription
e.g. head ache pills)
03: Getting a special supply of over the counter medicines for a one off condition (e.g. cough,
head lice)
06: Getting health advice
07: Getting urgent advice in normal working hours
08: Getting urgent advice outside of normal working hours
09: Using particular services such as stop smoking
10: Regular monitoring of a current health condition e.g. blood pressure testing
11: Health screening e.g. diabetes, cholesterol
12: Needle exchange
13: Supervised consumption of medicines
04: Buying sunscreen \ sun-tan lotion
05: Buying toiletries \ beauty products
14: Food and drink
15: Other (please specify)
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN
Q.6 Which of the following best describes you?
01: I visit the same pharmacy all of the time
02: I visit a variety of different pharmacies but visit one most often
03: I visit a variety of different pharmacies and none more frequently than any other
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN
Q.7 Which of the following best describes where you live?
01: Village \ rural area
02: Small town
03: Suburban area of a city or large town
04: Inner city \ large town
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN
Q.8 And which of the following best describes where the pharmacy you use most often is
located?
01: Village \ rural area
02: Small town
03: Suburban area of a city or large town
04: Inner city \ large town
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN – MULTICHOICE
Q.9 Where is the pharmacy that you use most often located? Please select all that apply.
01: Near where I live
02: Near where I work
03: Near where I regularly shop
04: Near my GP
05: None of these
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN - MULTICHOICE
Q.10 Which of the following types of pharmacy do you visit regularly?
01: Sole retailer \ small business
02: A national chain
03: Supermarket based
04: Other (please specify)
(DK)
SHOW SCREEN
Q.11 And which of the following types of pharmacy would best describe the pharmacy that
you visit most frequently?
01: Sole retailer \ small business
02: A national chain
03: Supermarket based
04: Other (please specify)
(DK)
And now just a few questions to help us analyse this information…
SHOW SCREEN
Q.D1 What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?
01: Trade apprenticeship
02: 1 or more O Level \ GCSE's (at grades a-c)
03: 1 or more A Levels
04: ONC \ OND \ City & Guilds
05: HNC \ HND
06: University First Degree (e.g. BA, BSc)
07: Postgraduate Degree (e.g. MA, MSc, PHD)
08: Postgraduate Qualification (e.g. chartership)
09: None of the above
Q.D2 Is English the main language that you speak?
01: Yes
02: No
Q.D3 Do you have any long term health condition or disability?
01: Yes
02: No
(route: if coded 01 at Q.D3 ask Q.D4; others close)
Q.D4 Does your long-term health condition or disability limit your activities in any way?
01: Yes
02: No
Standard demographic questions included in the Omnibus:
CODE BELOW
Q
Male
1
Female
2
SHOW SCREEN
Which of the following age groups do you fall into?
SINGLE CODE
16-24
1
25-34
2
35-44
3
45-54
4
55-59
5
60-64
6
65-74
7
75+
8
Q. SHOW SCREEN
Which of these best describes your ethnic group?
(IF NECESSARY: By this I mean your cultural background)
White British
1
White Irish
2
Any other white background
3
White & Black Caribbean
4
White & Black African
5
White & Asian
6
Any other mixed background
7
Indian
8
Pakistani
9
Bangladeshi
10
Any other Asian background
11
Caribbean
12
African
13
Any other Black background
14
Chinese
15
Any other
16
Q. Which member of your household, related to you, would you say is the Chief Income
Earner, that is the person with the largest income whether from employment, pension, state
benefits, investments, or any other source?
WRITE IN:
_______________________________________________________
What is that person's occupation?
REFER TO MANUAL. PROBE FULLY
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
A ............................................................................................................................1
B .............................................................................................................................2
C1 ...........................................................................................................................3
C2 ...........................................................................................................................4
D .............................................................................................................................5
E .............................................................................................................................6
Working status ?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
FULL-TIME PAID WORK (30+ HOURS PER WEEK)
PART-TIME PAID WORK (8-29 HOURS PER WEEK)
PART-TIME PAID WORK (UNDER 8 HOURS PER WEEK)
RETIRED
STILL AT SCHOOL
IN FULL TIME HIGHER EDUCATION
UNEMPLOYED (SEEKING WORK)
NOT IN PAID EMPLOYMENT (NOT SEEKING WORK)