Pharmacists Continue To Rank High In Gallup Poll, USA

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 18 Dec 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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Nearly three-quarters of Americans rate pharmacists as having very high or high honesty and ethical standards, according to a December, 2007 USA TODAY/Gallup Poll. Pharmacists rank third on the nation's list of the most trustworthy professionals, after nurses and grade-school teachers, but ahead of military officers and medical doctors.

"This Gallup poll reaffirms what patients know - that pharmacists are trusted advisors and partners in helping improve medication use and advancing patient care," said John A. Gans, PharmD, CEO and Executive Vice President, American Pharmacists Association (APhA). "Every day pharmacists across the country make a difference in their patients' lives, and they have earned this position of trust."

Gallup first asked consumers the honesty and ethics question in 1976. Pharmacists led the list for the decade from 1988-1998, and have been no lower than fourth in the rankings since then. Despite such surveys showing Americans trust their pharmacists, an APhA survey conducted earlier this year showed that more than half (57 percent) of consumers are still hesitant to ask pharmacists about their health care needs. There is a connection between the consumer having a relationship with a pharmacist and how medications are used properly, and APhA encourages patients to "Know your medicines. Know your pharmacist."

APhA offers some suggestions to consumers that will help them get the most out of their relationship with their pharmacist - timely advice as we head into cold and flu season.

- Always carry an updated list of their prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products. The list should include the names and dosages of the medications, as well as what conditions the medications treat.

- When you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy, be prepared to ask your pharmacist the following questions:

1. What is the name of my medication, and what is it supposed to do?
2. When and how do I take it?
3. How long should I take it?
4. Does the medication contain anything that can cause an allergic reaction?
5. Should I avoid alcohol, and other medications, food and/or activities?
6. Should I expect any side effects?
7. Is there a generic version of the medication my doctor has prescribed?
8. What if I forget to take my medication?
9. Is it safe to become pregnant or breastfeed while taking this medication?
10. How should I store my medications?
11. How should I dispose of any unused medications?

For more information about the "Know your medicine, know your pharmacist" survey, click here.

For more details about the Dec. 2007 USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, click here.

About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 60,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the military.

American Pharmacists Association