Document Actions

The Faculty of Medical Sciences Annual Research Conference 2006

An Exploration of Relationships Between Pharmacists and Persons Living With HIV and AIDS in Four (4) Caribbean Countries.

UWI HARP, c/o The Department of Community Health & Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, Kingston7 Jamaica

Objective: To improve care for persons living with HIV & AIDS, through an exploration of the relationships which exist between Pharmacists and these patients


Method: A total of 400 pharmacists , in Public and private Pharmacies were randomly selected in Jamaica , Barbados, Bahamas and St. Lucia, and were surveyed between April and May 2006. 34 Key Pharmacist informants were also interviewed and 54 PLWHA were interviewed during the same period. Quantitative data were analysed using Epidata, with a questionnaire developed by the authors. Qualitative data were analysed to explore themes such as stigma, coping, adherence and access to services.


Results: Qualitative:The results indicated that Pharmacists perceive themselves as an important link in the chain of support for PLWHA. Only those who work in special facilities offering HIV care seemed aware of the care of patients with HIV/AIDS. Training was expressed as a need by the Pharmacists interviewed. There was also a general preference for interactive training approaches


Conclusions
Pharmacists report feeling somewhat marginalized as systems stressed confidentiality for PLWHAs. Across the four countries, Pharmacists expressed the need for training on ARVs and counseling.