Mok Shien Loong, Chuah Jing Ying, Lee Kun Jin, Lim Yee Dom, Appalasamy Jamuna Rani, Saw Pui San, Selvaraj Amutha
School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Building 2, Level 5 Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia.
Community Ment Health J. 2025 Jan;61(1):158-166. doi: 10.1007/s10597-024-01337-9. Epub 2024 Aug 12.
Community pharmacists (CPs) are vital as primary healthcare providers, particularly in the screening and management of mental health issues. This study aimed to explore CPs' views on mental health support for patients and the potential challenges in delivering mental health services. Malaysian CPs were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling. Semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was thematically analyzed using NVivo 12 management software. Twenty CPs from Peninsular Malaysia were interviewed. Participants emphasized the importance of high-quality resources, comprehensive training and standardized tools to effectively provide mental healthcare services. Challenges identified were lack of knowledge and skills, absence of screening tools and social stigma and conservatism, particularly among older individuals. This study underscores the willingness of CPs taking a primary role in mental health services. However, collaboration with relevant stakeholders is crucial, aligning with national strategic plans for the program to be successful.
社区药剂师作为基层医疗服务提供者至关重要，尤其是在心理健康问题的筛查和管理方面。本研究旨在探讨社区药剂师对患者心理健康支持的看法以及提供心理健康服务时可能面临的挑战。通过目的抽样和滚雪球抽样招募了马来西亚的社区药剂师。对半结构化访谈进行了录音，并逐字转录。使用NVivo 12管理软件对数据进行了主题分析。对来自马来西亚半岛的20名社区药剂师进行了访谈。参与者强调了高质量资源、全面培训和标准化工具对有效提供心理保健服务的重要性。发现的挑战包括知识和技能不足、缺乏筛查工具以及社会耻辱感和保守观念，特别是在老年人中。本研究强调了社区药剂师在心理健康服务中发挥主要作用的意愿。然而，与相关利益攸关方的合作至关重要，这与国家战略计划保持一致才能使该项目取得成功。
