New International Survey Shows Pharmacists Key to Improving Patients' Health

LISBON, Portugal, Aug. 30 /CNW/ - A new international survey shows that over 90% of pharmacists believe they are key to improving patients' health, and while most pharmacists surveyed see their responsibilities increasing, they voice concerns on training and pay. The survey shows that almost 3 in 4 pharmacists (73%) now provide patients with health promotion and management services. Nearly all (9 in 10) pharmacists agree that more information and advice - including on specific medications and treatments - are expected from pharmacists than ever before. However most pharmacists (78%) say that they are asked to provide additional services, such as advice, without fair and proper compensation.

"Pharmacists' roles are changing, and we find ourselves increasingly working with patients and other healthcare professionals to prevent and treat disease. This survey shows that pharmacists welcome this expanded role, as it highlights what they like doing most - helping deliver better patient outcomes - while increasing visibility of pharmacists' expertise. However, we also see an education and income gap that will need to be closed to ensure the pressure on current pharmacists isn't too great, and so that we can continue to attract the best and brightest to the profession in the future," said Ton Hoek, Chief Executive Officer of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Other results of the survey show the degree to which pharmacists are concerned about the counterfeit medicines issue.

• A solid majority (61%) say the prevalence of counterfeit medication is a serious issue in their country.
• A solid majority (63%) believe current policies and technology are insufficient to deal with counterfeit medicines
• Most (77%) believe medicine packages should have machine readable bar codes to ensure they are not counterfeit

Pfizer Inc. in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) commissioned APCO Insight to conduct an international survey to better understand the needs, concerns and attitudes of pharmacists. Interviews were held with over 2,000 community, retail and hospital pharmacists in 8 countries (Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, the UK and the U.S.) between April and June 2010.

"Clearly pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry share some similar concerns relative to patient's health. We both want to ensure that pharmacists have the right knowledge and tools to educate patients about their medicine as well as to ensure patients receive safe, effective and quality medicines, not counterfeit ones. Pfizer looks forward to continuing to support, through appropriate channels, pharmacist education programs that will ultimately translate into better outcomes for patients and healthcare systems, globally", commented Dr. Emma Andrews, Director of External Medical Affairs.

Notes to Editors

About the Survey

The survey and summary can be found here http://www.fip.org

About the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), dedicated to improving the access to and value of appropriate medicine use, and contributing to changes in science, practice and health policies worldwide. Through its 122 Member Organisations FIP represents and serves more than two million pharmacists and scientists around the world.

About Pfizer, Inc.

Pfizer Inc: Working Together for a Healthier World™ At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at http://www.pfizer.com

About APCO Insight®

APCO Insight, a global opinion research and strategic communication consultancy, works with many of the world's leading companies, associations, nonprofits and public-sector organizations on a diverse range of communication, reputation and issue management challenges.

For further information: International Pharmaceutical Federation: Ms Myriah Lesko or Mr Luc Besancon, Telephone [phone], Email: [email protected]; APCO Insight: Mr Phil Riggins, UK Mobile Telephone, [phone], Email: [email protected]