A survey of community pharmacists' training needs in the management of opioid dependent clients in Grampian, Scotland

Citation

Cameron IM, Matheson C & Bond CM (2006) A survey of community pharmacists' training needs in the management of opioid dependent clients in Grampian, Scotland. Pharmaceutical Journal, 276 (7401), pp. 601-603.

Abstract
Aims: To explore community pharmacists' training needs for the provision of services to drug misusers. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Subjects and setting: Pharmacy managers of all registered community pharmacies in NHS Grampian, Scotland (n=120). Method: Administration of a self-completed postal questionnaire based on a previously validated measure. Two reminders were sent out. Questions included previous training in drug misuse, attitudes to developing motivational interviewing skills and perceived training needs. Results: 99 pharmacists (82.5%) completed the questionnaire, 79 (80.6%) had experience of dispensing methadone. Interest in learning motivational interviewing skills was indicated by 67 pharmacists (67.7%). 53 pharmacists (53.5%) had received previous professional training on the management of drug misuse; 70 (73.7%) wanted further professional training on drug misuse. Conclusions: Pharmacists' interest in learning motivational interviewing techniques indicated that the feasibility of such training should be explored. Despite a high proportion of respondents dispensing methadone, almost half had not received professional training on the management of drug misuse. Community pharmacists are interested in receiving more training on this topic and local provision of specialist training should be considered.

Journal
Pharmaceutical Journal: Volume 276, Issue 7401