"Pharmacy Utilisation" Survey Affirms Status of Pharmacists
Public Opinion Spurs Chinese University and Watsons to Extend Free Medication History Review Plan

Hong Kong (23 Mar 2005)

Michael Yim, Senior Pharmacist - Drug Information, Watsons, announced the findings of “Pharmacy Usage" Survey.	Mrs. Lisa Fong measured her weight and see if it meets the standard of 31.5 inch for females	Mrs. Lisa Fong conducted the blood glucose test and took the HbA1c test which is the first time provided by community pharmacy.	Mrs. Lisa Fong introduced cuisines that are suitable for diabetes patients.

Watsons commissioned A C Nielsen and an independent survey interviewing 605 people in total to understand the public's preference in primary health care and their utilisation of pharmacy resources. The survey gauges their perception of public and private health service, demand on pharmacists and pharmacies and the reasons for pharmacy visitation. Results indicated that over 90% people accept pharmacist counseling as a close alternative to doctor consultation. The opinion spurs the Chinese University School of Pharmacy (SOP) and Watsons to extend the "medical history review plan" to all 50 Watsons pharmacies. The target is to offer at least 40,000 sessions in the rest of the year to give the public and long term and reliable channel in primary health care.

A C Nielsen successfully interviewed 500 males and females aged 15 to 65 in February, to understand the pattern and frequency in visiting pharmacies. Results indicate that average visitation per person per month is 2.03, with women on average 2.43 times, greater than men's average of 1.58. People who exceed average visitation include those aged 35 to 44 frequenting 2.26 times, secondary education or below visiting 2.41 times, higher monthly income families (over $27,000) 2.34 times, "decision makers"2.4times and households with more than 5 members 2.32 times. The most frequent visitors are housewives, nearing 3 times per month.

Michael Yim, Senior Pharmacist at Watsons, finds the figures logical and reasons that monthly income and lifestyle are factors influencing people's utilization of pharmacies. Yim, who also handles Watsons' Pharmacist Hotline, explains, "Women tend to be more health conscious than men, as reflected also in the hotline statistics. Pharmacists not only answers health questions, but often receive enquiries on skincare, family health and lifestyle needs like dieting. Therefore it is logical that women and housewives have more to ask. Also, housewives have more time to visit pharmacies for consultation while they do their normal shopping for family and personal care needs." Higher income families certainly have the flexibility in self-medication or health supplements for prevention.

To further understand the public's expectation in pharmacists for tailoring solutions in primary health care, Watsons interviewed another 105 people aged 15 to 68 who have the habit of visiting pharmacies. 83% of them choose to see the doctor when ill, while 56% will visit pharmacies for self-medication or pharmacist consultation. Only 30% will use public hospitals mainly because they do not like long queues. 92% will make use of the medical history review plan if necessary and available, and 79% and 59% respectively expect pharmacists to help them in treating or preventing minor ailments and providing drug counseling or health knowledge in addition to just dispensing medicine. The results reflect that the public hopes ot have a channel to ask about drugs further to doctor visits. 68% of them believe drug counseling with pharmacists should be at least 15 to 30 minutes, a session much longer than doctors can offer. Another 88% hope to have a trustworthy "family pharmacist" for longterm review, analogous to the concept of family doctors.

"People in Hong Kong should learn from proven examples overseas to fully utilise community pharmacists' professional service in disease prevention. This will help alleviate medical cost significantly," advised Dr. Vivian Lee, Associate Professor, CUSOP, who has practised abroad.

Last year, the Hospital Authority began to refer patients to private pharmacies for further counselling. The Chinese University (CU) and Watsons also piloted a free Medication History Review Plan in 3 Watsons stores. In the survey, 80% people will accept public hospital's referral to community pharmacies for follow up. This indicates the majority receives the concept and reinforces the model of the government.

Professor Kenneth Lee of CUSOP indicates, "The public already know the convenience in finding a pharmacist in the community. Free professional service and flexibility in consultation hours encourage people to prefer consulting a community pharmacist."

The public opinion gives confidence for CUSOP and Watsons to expand the "medical history review plan" to all 50 Watsons pharmacies. From tomorrow (March 24), 100 pharmacists will take turn to offer drug counselling and disease prevention education. There is a monthly disease focus, with the first being "diabetes" because the disease affects over 600,000 people in Hong Kong. The Plan targets to complete at least 10,000 30-minute sessions and free blood glucose tests in the next 2 months to help patients in risk assessment, self monitoring and healthy living.

The Plan also offers unprecedented health services in the community:

Other exclusive services for diabetics:
1. Blood glucose monitoring
2. Waist measurement and assessment
3. Target log sheets for self-monitoring at home

Non-diabetics and those who seek prevention are also entitled to the following free service:
1. Diabetes tick test for risk assessment
2. Free blood pressure, weight and fat monitoring
3. 10 versions of education leaflets on diabetes and healthy lifestyle

Dr Matthew Lo, Vice President of Hong Kong Specialist Medical Association and Endocrinologist concludes, "Diabetes threatens over 600,000 people in Hong Kong, of which only half of them are diagnosed and being treated. The medical cost as estimated by a CU study in 2004 is $2.4 billion (7.6% of total HA budget 2004). To alleviate this heavy burden, we should begin with education and self-monitoring. "

Appointment with any Watsons pharmacy is required before medical history review. Public can reach Watsons' Pharmacist Hotline at 3169 3333 for enquiries.

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For details, please contact Watsons Your Personal Store: