Sālmand (Jun 2017)
Assessing Shiraz Pharmacies According to Senior-Friendly Criteria
Abstract
Objectives With regard to the changes in the Iranian population structure, especially the rise of the elderly population, and the increase in pharmacy clients, this study aimed to evaluate the senior-friendly pharmacies of Shiraz. Methods & Materials This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016. The study population comprised all 33 hospital pharmacies in Shiraz. Data were collected by a researcher-made checklist with the aim of evaluating the potential of the pharmacy to transform into a senior-friendly one. Reliability (r=0.85) and validity of the checklist were confirmed. Data were analyzed by χ2, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests through SPSS23. Results The average score of pharmacies’ potential was 50.52, which indicated a moderate ability of the pharmacies to transform into senior-friendly ones. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test did not show any significant relationship with pharmacy type and ownership. Conclusion Increase in the number of aging population, average level of senior-friendly pharmacies throughout Shiraz City, and the potential of hospital pharmacies to provide geriatric services can be considered as challenging issues. However, these new challenges can be managed through appropriate planning and policy making.
