Pharmacist readiness for greater involvement in OTC product selection: Implications for education

The purpose of this study was to measure and explain pharmacist readiness t o adopt a new standard of practice involving OTC products. The focus was on pharmacist self-efficacy - perceptions of the ability to perform potential ly new behaviors related to assessing consumer product choices for appropri ate use. The Transtheoretical Model of Change and self-efficacy theory guid ed the research. Questionnaires were mailed to 500 randomly selected commun ity pharmacists in one Canadian province. Data were collected to determine: (i) pharmacist readiness to engage in a new standard of practice, and (ii) pharmacists' self-efficacy in their capabilities to do so. A response rate of 70.6 percent was realized. The majority was not ready to adopt the prop osed new standard. Pharmacists less ready for change felt less qualified to assess consumer product selections. Those respondents feeling unprepared a ppeared to have more difficulty with the counseling process than with any d rug- or condition-related issue that might arise during an encounter. Educa tional endeavors are needed to assist pharmacists with how to confidently a nd skillfully deal with some of the non-therapeutic issues of OTC counselin g.