General public's views on pharmacy public health services: current situation and opportunities in the future.
OBJECTIVES
To explore the experience of and willingness to use seven pharmacy public health services related to cardiovascular risk among the general public in England.


STUDY DESIGN
Mixed-methods study.


METHODS
A mixed-methods study, involving a cross-sectional survey using multiple distribution methods followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) with a sample of survey respondents.


RESULTS
From 3596 approachable individuals, 908 questionnaires were completed (response rate 25.3%). Few respondents (2.1-12.7%) had experienced any of the seven pharmacy public health services. About 40% stated they would be willing to use health check services, fewer (9.3-26.3%) were willing to use advisory services. More females, frequent pharmacy users and those in good health were willing to use services in general (P < 0.05). Smokers, overweight individuals and those with alcohol-related problems were most willing to use specific advisory services supporting their problems (P < 0.05). FGD identified barriers to service use; for example, frequent staff changes, seeing pharmacist as medicines suppliers and concerns about competence for these services.


CONCLUSION
The general public are receptive to pharmacy public health services. Pharmacists must consider barriers if uptake of services is to increase.
['Saramunee|K|K|', 'Krska|J|J|', 'Mackridge|A|A|', 'Richards|J|J|', 'Suttajit|S|S|', 'Phillips-Howard|P|P|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D004739:England D005260:Female D017144:Focus Groups D005544:Forecasting D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care D010594:Pharmacies D011639:Public Opinion D012307:Risk Factors D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014481:United States D055815:Young Adult
General public Pharmacy public health services Cardiovascular Mixed-methods