DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.31199505
title: Assessing community pharmacists’ understanding, attitudes, self-confidence, and obstacles in patient-centered communication

description: Enhancing communication practices among pharmacy professionals is essential for patient-centered care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of licensed pharmacists from June 2022 to January 2023. Out of 640 pharmacists, 577 participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 90.2%. Participants completed a questionnaire covering demographics and their knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers regarding PCC. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors influencing PCC-related scores. The results indicated good knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy toward PCC. Higher PCC scores were associated with older age, postgraduate education, chain pharmacy employment, leadership roles, greater experience, and international or regional education. Key barriers included workload, staff shortages, time constraints, and an unsupportive work environment. The findings, based on self-reported perceptions, suggest standard communication guidelines and awareness programs are warranted to facilitate PCC integration and enhance pharmacy professionals’ confidence and skills in patient-centered care. This study examines how well community pharmacists in the UAE understand and feel about Patient-Centered Communication (PCC), a practice that focuses on making patients’ needs central to healthcare interactions. PCC requires pharmacists to engage with patients, considering their preferences, history, and individual needs when providing care and guidance. Enhancing communication practices among pharmacy professionals is essential for patient-centered care (PPC).The results indicated good knowledge and attitudes and self-efficacy toward PCC. Higher PCC scores were associated with older age, postgraduate education, chain pharmacy employment, leadership roles, greater experience, and international or regional education.Although the respondents showed good knowledge of PCC, their levels of confidence in applying some of the skills were low. For instance, they appeared to struggle with practices like building trustful relationships, identifying the emotions of the patient, and engaging the patient in care decision-making.Key barriers included workload, staff shortages, time constraints, and an unsupportive work environmentThere is a need for standard communication guidelines as well as programs aimed at raising pharmacy professionals’ awareness of the importance of PCC.There is a need to implement structural changes, e.g., lessening the workload and having more staff, as this will give pharmacists the necessary resources and time to integrate PCC into their practices Enhancing communication practices among pharmacy professionals is essential for patient-centered care (PPC). The results indicated good knowledge and attitudes and self-efficacy toward PCC. Higher PCC scores were associated with older age, postgraduate education, chain pharmacy employment, leadership roles, greater experience, and international or regional education. Although the respondents showed good knowledge of PCC, their levels of confidence in applying some of the skills were low. For instance, they appeared to struggle with practices like building trustful relationships, identifying the emotions of the patient, and engaging the patient in care decision-making. Key barriers included workload, staff shortages, time constraints, and an unsupportive work environment There is a need for standard communication guidelines as well as programs aimed at raising pharmacy professionals’ awareness of the importance of PCC. There is a need to implement structural changes, e.g., lessening the workload and having more staff, as this will give pharmacists the necessary resources and time to integrate PCC into their practices <b>Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Attitudes:</b> Most pharmacists demonstrated good knowledge and a positive attitude toward PCC. They generally understood the importance of effective communication and involving patients in decisions about their health.<b>Self-Confidence Challenges:</b> Although pharmacists showed good understanding and attitudes, their self-confidence (self-efficacy) in applying PCC was lower. Many pharmacists felt uncertain about aspects like building a treatment plan with patients or addressing disagreements professionally.<b>Factors Linked to Better PCC Skills:</b> Higher PCC knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy scores were seen in pharmacists who were older, had postgraduate education, worked in chain pharmacies, held senior roles (e.g., chief pharmacist), and had more experience. Pharmacists educated at international or regional universities also tended to score higher.<b>Barriers to PCC:</b> Major obstacles to effective PCC included high workloads, staffing shortages, lack of time, and an unsupportive work environment. These factors limited pharmacists’ ability to engage in patient-centered practices.<b>Conclusion:</b> Pharmacists in the UAE understand PCC’s importance but often lack confidence in fully implementing it. To support PCC integration in community pharmacies, the study highlights the need for clear communication guidelines and training programs that build pharmacists’ confidence in using PCC. <b>Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Attitudes:</b> Most pharmacists demonstrated good knowledge and a positive attitude toward PCC. They generally understood the importance of effective communication and involving patients in decisions about their health. <b>Self-Confidence Challenges:</b> Although pharmacists showed good understanding and attitudes, their self-confidence (self-efficacy) in applying PCC was lower. Many pharmacists felt uncertain about aspects like building a treatment plan with patients or addressing disagreements professionally. <b>Factors Linked to Better PCC Skills:</b> Higher PCC knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy scores were seen in pharmacists who were older, had postgraduate education, worked in chain pharmacies, held senior roles (e.g., chief pharmacist), and had more experience. Pharmacists educated at international or regional universities also tended to score higher. <b>Barriers to PCC:</b> Major obstacles to effective PCC included high workloads, staffing shortages, lack of time, and an unsupportive work environment. These factors limited pharmacists’ ability to engage in patient-centered practices. <b>Conclusion:</b> Pharmacists in the UAE understand PCC’s importance but often lack confidence in fully implementing it. To support PCC integration in community pharmacies, the study highlights the need for clear communication guidelines and training programs that build pharmacists’ confidence in using PCC.