Evaluation of Patients' Willingness To Use and Pay for Pharmaceutical Care Services in Törkiye

Abstract

Pharmacists' consultancy roles, covering many essential tasks such as preventing diseases, monitoring medication, and increasing patient compliance, significantly improve healthcare. Patients' views on pharmaceutical care services should be evaluated to improve these services. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess patients' willingness to use and pay for pharmacy services provided in community pharmacies. A measurement tool was developed according to relevant literature, including 24 statements, and applied to the patients in Van, Törkiye. Obtained data (n=445) were first subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, and then the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied. Lastly, independent samples t-Test and ANOVA tests were conducted using factor scores to test the hypotheses. As a result of the EFA, a three-factor solution was obtained. The factors were labeled as advanced pharmacy services, core pharmacy services, and providing information for usage. Cronbach's Alpha values of the factors are 0.859, 0.883, and 0.691, respectively. It was determined that the participants were more willing to benefit from the services discussed under the core pharmacy services factor. These services were followed by the services in the factors of providing information for usage and advanced pharmacy services. Contrary to this situation, it is seen that the participants are more willing to pay for the services included in the advanced pharmacy services. This paper has put forth that patients were generally willing to use pharmaceutical services but not willing to pay for them. © 2024 Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ankara (FABAD). All rights reserved.