Heliyon (Jul 2024)
Assessing pharmacists' awareness of financial indicators in community pharmacy management: A cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: Community pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system, serving as accessible healthcare providers and entrepreneurs. To effectively manage community pharmacies, pharmacists must possess financial literacy and utilize appropriate financial indicators. However, studies addressing community pharmacists' awareness of financial indicator concepts are scarce. This study assesses the awareness of community pharmacists in Jordan regarding financial indicators. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional study design, we utilized a structured and validated questionnaire to collect data from 353 community pharmacy owners across Jordan. The questionnaire assessed pharmacists' awareness and utilization of financial indicators in pharmacy management. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data, while analytical statistics examined associations between demographic factors and financial indicator awareness. Results: The study revealed varying levels of awareness among pharmacists regarding financial indicators, with younger pharmacists exhibiting higher awareness levels. Factors such as educational background and years of experience were found to influence awareness. Furthermore, pharmacists predominantly utilize profitability indicators to assess financial performance. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of enhancing pharmacists' financial literacy and integrating financial management principles into pharmacy education. Continuous professional development programs are essential to improve financial competence among pharmacists. This study provides valuable insights into the awareness of financial indicators among community pharmacists in Jordan, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts from policymakers, pharmacy faculties, and associations to enhance financial education and promote research in this critical area.
