Toward enhanced nutritional interventions in community pharmacies: personal attitude construct analysis

Abstract Background A limited number of community pharmacies provide nutritional counseling. Furthermore, despite the increasing number of community pharmacies with registered dietitians on staff, the professional capacities of registered dietitians are not fully utilized. This study aimed to find ways to enhance nutritional interventions in community pharmacies. Methods Between May and June 2022, an interview survey was conducted with pharmacists and registered dietitians to determine the knowledge and skills that both professionals believe are necessary for community pharmacies and the required improvements. Fifteen respondents—five pharmacists who had completed training related to health support pharmacies (PhHSs), five pharmacists working with a registered dietitian (PhRDs), and five registered dietitians employed in community pharmacies (RdCPs)—were interviewed. The interviews were conducted using the Personal Attitude Construct analysis technique, and the text data obtained were labeled to generate themes. Results The following five themes emerged from the intervention points for patients with malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases: image of the patient in need of intervention, information needed for assessment, correction of patient perceptions, suggestions for feasible ways, and points to consider during the intervention. The following four themes emerged regarding challenges in improving nutritional interventions: establishing a nutritional intervention flow, educating healthcare providers, publicizing to patients, and implementing institutional reforms. Conclusion Establishing a structured intervention framework, improving training for healthcare providers, raising patient awareness, and implementing institutional reforms are essential aspects. In addition, optimizing the role of pharmacists and registered dietitians by clarifying the required knowledge and skills can contribute to effective nutritional counseling and enhanced patient outcomes.