Evaluation of rational antibiotic dispensing in the community pharmacy setting: a simulated patient study

In the present study, it is aimed to evaluate rational antibiotic dispensing without prescription in the community pharmacy setting by using a simulated patient method. This study was conducted over a total of 70 pharmacies in Malatya, located in the east part of Turkey. The person, who acts the husband of a patient with acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis, visited the pharmacies to conduct the simulated patient scenario. Of the total community pharmacies that were visited 55.7% of them were run by female pharmacists. Thirty-two (45.7%) pharmacists recommended various medication regimens, including antibiotics. Of them, 67.1% referred the simulated patient to a physician. In conclusion, it was observed that dispensing antibiotics without prescription was still high, pharmacists did not take comprehensive medical or medication history from patients, and pharmacists provided insufficient medication information to the patient regarding suggested medications at community pharmacy setting.