Men uncomfortable in accessing pharmacy services
December 2009
Generally men do not prefer to discuss personal topics over the counter in pharmacies (Mark Thomas/ Science Photo Library).
A new report suggests that men do trust pharmacists when it comes to the use of medicines but would rather see a doctor for health advice.
Men’s views on pharmacies and pharmacists were examined from a report “Racks of make-up and no spanners” by the Men’s Health Forum.
The men taking part in the study did not know about the range of other services pharmacists could offer. However, pharmacists were highly trusted and regarded on the use of medicines and medicines management. Most of the participants believed that a sustained national campaign to advertise pharmacy services was needed.
Pharmacies are too feminine with regard to the layout and the products stocked, and they feel uncomfortable being surrounded by feminine products.
According to men, design of pharmacies, where queries are discussed over the counter, was more geared to the way female customers like to discuss health issues, which the report states may trigger deeper worries for men about patient confidentiality.
Men also stated that they did not see the purpose of consulting rooms; and that they did not want to wait around with nothing to do while waiting for a prescription, leading them to favour the use of large multiples or supermarket pharmacies the most, and small independents the least.
Factors including parking, loyalty cards, time, buying lunch and shopping commitments — influence which pharmacies men access.
The men were concerned they would either be charged for the service or required to buy products when they did see services such as cholesterol testing. When services are free it should be clearly stated, said those participating in the study.
Some men believed that counter staff particularly those in supermarket pharmacies have no training.
President of the MHF Ian Banks said: “Pharmacists need to communicate with men about their services and let men know that they can see the pharmacist for health advice.”
Michelle Williams from Artemis Solutions Group who specialise in recruiting for Medical and Pharmaceutical industry comments “if Pharmacists can get this right and could then have great potential as venues for the new NHS Health Checks.”
