Evaluation of routine practices of dispensing pattern among community pharmacists in Can Tho city, Vietnam: A cross-sectional simulated patient approach

BACKGROUND: Drugstores are preferred patients’ channels of contact when getting minor ailments. Given the hike in both the prevalence and severity of influenza and acute childhood diarrhea, the role, and performances of pharmacy staff should be examined. DESIGN AND METHODS: A team of pharmacy students was voluntarily recruited and trained to play the role of simulated customer visiting 228 chosen community pharmacies in six districts in Can Tho city. This process is conducted from 2021 to 2022. RESULTS: The study reveals detailed information about symptoms is the most common inquiry (99.2% in scenario 1). The consulting quality is poor, 85% of instances recorded to have no medical guidelines for influenza circumstances. Meanwhile, nearly four-fifths of pharmacists provide instructions on dosage intake. It is also found that length of services is statistically different between influenza and watery diarrhea (p < 0.05, CI = 95%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practices of community pharmacists, overall, are disappointing and far below expectations.