Consumer perceptions of and attitudes to the advice-giving role of community pharmacists

This article describes the results of a survey designed to determine consumer perceptions of advice-giving by community pharmacists, the service they would like to receive and how current practice measured up to these demands. The survey showed that when advice was given although the information and language used were acceptable, there was a demand for the frequency with which it was given to be increased. Consumers would also like pharmacists to double-check that they had understood the advice given more often, and give more practical demonstrations of medical devices allowing 'hands-on' experience under supervision.