Hospital Pharmacy Professionals and Cardiovascular Care: A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

In Saudi Arabia, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) establish a significant health challenge, with a high prevalence and substantial impact on mortality and disability burden. Evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of hospital pharmacy professionals towards CVDs prevention and management is crucial for effective healthcare strategies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted using a self-administered survey targeting hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the Madinah region of Saudi Arabia. The survey assessed their KAPs towards CVDs prevention and management, incorporating demographic variables and perceived barriers.

RESULTS

Out of 177 contacted pharmacy professionals, 159 (89.8%) completed the survey. The study results revealed inadequate knowledge levels with an average score of 3.87 out of 7, indicating significant gaps in comprehending drug interactions, managing lipid levels, and addressing resistant hypertension. Attitudes were generally positive towards CVDs prevention. Practices in CVDs prevention were satisfactory but varied, with notable gaps in providing educational materials and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Major barriers included time constraints, lack of private counseling areas, and low patient expectations regarding pharmacy professionals' roles.

CONCLUSION

The study has uncovered notable deficiencies in cardiovascular care, especially within the realm of hospital pharmacy professionals in Saudi Arabia's Madinah region. This finding underscores the importance of implementing specialized educational initiatives and ongoing professional development programs for these healthcare workers. By focusing on these areas and overcoming the challenges identified, we can significantly improve the contribution of hospital pharmacy professionals in Saudi Arabia toward the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.