Assessment of Community Pharmacist’s Knowledge Attitude and Practice towards Dispensing Errors in South Bangalore: A Prospective Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dispensing Error are preventable in community settings to ensure the patient safety and provide better health services addressing dispensing error often requires a multifaceted approach that include improved communication, training and education of healthcare professionals. Aim of study is to assess the community pharmacist’s knowledge, attitude, and practice towards dispensing error in south Bangalore. Objective of the study is to determine the factors which cause dispensing error in community pharmacy and significant association between KAP with demographics. Methods: A prospective cross sectional face to face interview based study employing a self-designed questionnaire was conducted in a community pharmacy in south Bangalore. Results: A total of 369 pharmacist responded to the survey, of which men comprised 64.5%, while women made up to 35.5%. The bulk of responders (44.7%) were between the ages of 20 and 30, with those aged 51 to 65 accounting for 14.9%. The individuals' educational backgrounds revealed that the biggest percentage came from D-pharm (44.4%), B-pharm (37.1%), M-pharm (16.5%), and Pharm D (1.9%).10.8% of respondents (15-20 years) have the least work experience, while 29% of subjects (over 20 years) have the most. The bulk of working hours (71%) are greater than 7 hours, rather than less than 7. Comparisons between demographic details and knowledge shows age and educational qualification shows significant (p<0.05) in the study, and with the attitude educational qualification and working hours showed highly significant and with the practice age showed highly significant in the study. Conclusion: majority of subjects are men than women. The subjects had good knowledge and attitude towards dispensing error, but their practice was varied. Age and educational qualification were found to be highly significant factors in influencing knowledge and attitude, while age was also significant in influencing practice.