Increase training for pharmacists

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 78 views

Application of Pharmaceutical Services Standards at Medan City Pharmacy

Discussion Category: Undergraduate Theses, Education, Journal, Thesis, University, Student, Campus

Introduction

Pharmaceutical services are a vital component of healthcare systems, providing patients with essential information and support to manage their health effectively. Pharmacists play a crucial role in delivering these services, and their practices must adhere to established standards to ensure the quality and safety of patient care. In Indonesia, the Minister of Health Regulation No. 73 of 2016 outlines the standards for pharmaceutical services, which pharmacists must follow to provide optimal care. This study aims to evaluate the level of implementation of these standards in the field of clinical pharmacy in pharmacies in Medan City and identify the factors influencing their application.

The Importance of Pharmaceutical Services Standards

Pharmaceutical services standards are essential for ensuring the quality and safety of patient care. These standards provide a framework for pharmacists to follow, outlining the best practices for delivering services that meet the needs of patients. By adhering to these standards, pharmacists can provide patients with accurate and reliable information, support them in managing their health, and help prevent medication errors. In addition, pharmaceutical services standards can help pharmacists stay up-to-date with the latest developments in pharmacy practice, ensuring that they remain competent and confident in their roles.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive method with a cross-sectional survey research design. Data was collected from 99 pharmacists in charge of pharmacies in Medan City, Indonesia, between August and September 2018. The survey instrument consisted of a questionnaire that assessed the level of implementation of pharmaceutical services standards and the characteristics of the pharmacists, including their income, education, and experience.

Research Results

The results of the study showed that only 43.4% (43) of the pharmacists surveyed had a medium level of implementation of pharmaceutical services standards. In contrast, 42.4% (42) of the pharmacists belonged to the bad category, and only 14.1% (14) were in the good category. The average score obtained was 6.65 (± 3.23), indicating that there is still a significant gap between the expected and actual levels of implementation.

Analysis and Discussion

The low level of implementation of pharmaceutical services standards in the field of clinical pharmacy in Medan City pharmacies reflects some of the challenges faced in pharmacy practice. One of the primary challenges is the lack of adequate training or education for pharmacists on service standards. This can lead to a lack of understanding and confidence among pharmacists in delivering high-quality services. Additionally, the condition of the work environment in pharmacies can also affect the effectiveness of services, such as a lack of sufficient time to provide counseling to patients.

The study also found that pharmacist's income has a significant influence on the application of service standards. This suggests that economic welfare can be directly related to the quality of services provided. Pharmacists who receive rewards that are appropriate tend to be more motivated to carry out pharmaceutical practices well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the need for improvement in the implementation of pharmaceutical services standards in the field of clinical pharmacy in Medan City pharmacies. Efforts to increase the implementation of this standard must include increasing training for pharmacists and attention to aspects of income, so that pharmacists can be more committed to providing optimal services to patients. Increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of quality pharmaceutical services is also essential for improving the quality of life of patients.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase training for pharmacists: Pharmacists must receive adequate training and education on pharmaceutical services standards to ensure that they understand and can implement these standards effectively.
Improve work environment: Pharmacies must provide a conducive work environment that allows pharmacists to deliver high-quality services, including sufficient time to provide counseling to patients.
Address income issues: Pharmacists' income must be addressed to ensure that they are motivated to provide optimal services to patients.
Increase awareness and understanding: Awareness and understanding of the importance of quality pharmaceutical services must be increased among pharmacists, patients, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of life of patients.

By implementing these recommendations, pharmacists can provide high-quality services that meet the needs of patients, and improve the overall quality of life of patients in Medan City.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pharmaceutical Services Standards

Q: What are pharmaceutical services standards?

A: Pharmaceutical services standards are guidelines that outline the best practices for pharmacists to deliver high-quality services to patients. These standards ensure that pharmacists provide accurate and reliable information, support patients in managing their health, and help prevent medication errors.

Q: Why are pharmaceutical services standards important?

A: Pharmaceutical services standards are essential for ensuring the quality and safety of patient care. By adhering to these standards, pharmacists can provide patients with the best possible care, and help prevent medication errors and other adverse events.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing pharmaceutical services standards?

A: The benefits of implementing pharmaceutical services standards include:

Improved patient outcomes
Reduced medication errors
Increased patient satisfaction
Enhanced reputation of pharmacies
Improved working conditions for pharmacists

Q: What are the challenges of implementing pharmaceutical services standards?

A: The challenges of implementing pharmaceutical services standards include:

Lack of adequate training or education for pharmacists
Insufficient time to provide counseling to patients
Limited resources and budget
Resistance to change from pharmacists and other stakeholders

Q: How can pharmacists improve their knowledge and skills in implementing pharmaceutical services standards?

A: Pharmacists can improve their knowledge and skills in implementing pharmaceutical services standards by:

Attending training and education programs
Participating in workshops and conferences
Reading and staying up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines
Seeking feedback and guidance from colleagues and mentors

Q: What role do patients play in implementing pharmaceutical services standards?

A: Patients play a crucial role in implementing pharmaceutical services standards by:

Providing accurate and complete information about their medical history and medications
Asking questions and seeking clarification about their medications and treatment plans
Participating in decision-making about their care
Providing feedback and suggestions for improving services

Q: How can pharmacies improve their work environment to support the implementation of pharmaceutical services standards?

A: Pharmacies can improve their work environment to support the implementation of pharmaceutical services standards by:

Providing a comfortable and quiet workspace for pharmacists
Ensuring adequate staffing and resources
Encouraging open communication and feedback
Providing opportunities for professional development and growth

Q: What are the consequences of not implementing pharmaceutical services standards?

A: The consequences of not implementing pharmaceutical services standards include:

Reduced patient satisfaction and outcomes
Increased medication errors and adverse events
Damage to the reputation of pharmacies
Financial losses and penalties
Decreased morale and job satisfaction among pharmacists

Q: How can pharmacists and pharmacies measure the effectiveness of pharmaceutical services standards?

A: Pharmacists and pharmacies can measure the effectiveness of pharmaceutical services standards by:

Conducting regular audits and assessments
Collecting and analyzing data on patient outcomes and satisfaction
Conducting surveys and focus groups with patients and pharmacists
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of changes and improvements on services.