There are a limited number of studies conducted in nearby Arab countries to evaluate patients experiences and satisfaction with community pharmacy services provided. In the UAE, this remains unexamined. Therefore, this study assessed patients experiences and satisfactions with community pharmacy services in the UAE, which can be used as an indicator to improve services. An online questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms to customers accessing community pharmacies and are living in the UAE. The study showed that patient satisfaction, regarding the two areas which includes items on communication quality and other aspect of service delivery quality was more than the average of Likert scale (cut point=3). However, items on satisfaction with consultations quality is a little less than the mentioned cut point. The worst experience with lowest level of satisfaction was associated with Non Arabic or English speakers and participants over 60 years. The community pharmacy services provided in the UAE are seen to be traditional or product-focused with minimal or negligible pharmaceutical care provided. Therefore, unique structure strategies and health system reforms are needed to be introduced to follow the trend of extending community pharmacists roles and to meet the growing needs of patients.
Key words: Patient satisfaction, patient experience, community pharmacy services, United Arab Emirates.
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