Community pharmacists’ counseling practices and patient experiences about topical corticosteroids – an online survey in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Community Pharmacists (CPs) play an important role in patient counseling regarding the use of topical corticosteroids (TCS). We assessed CP’s self-reported counseling practices regarding TCS and patients’ reported counseling experiences. METHODS: A previously developed questionnaire was adapted to the Malaysian context. A random sample of 364 registered CPs practicing in three states, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya were invited for an online survey. The questionnaire for CPs explored their perceived patient knowledge about topical corticosteroid (TCS) use, their counseling practices, and perceived barriers to counseling. Thirty patients were also selected from five pharmacies i.e., six consecutive patients who consulted each CP were invited to participate in the patient survey by completing a checklist about their experiences regarding the counseling received. RESULTS: A majority (> 90%) of the CPs mostly explained to the patients that the medication was TCS and the frequency and duration of application but only 10% correctly identified scenarios needing medical referral. Only about half of the CPs always explained about side effects, strength, efficacy, and storage of TCS. The two main barriers were patients’ negative perception of TCS (65.4%) and pharmacists’ lack of time for counseling (49.7%). Counseling practice score was associated with CPs’ age (aOR 0.86, 95%CI 0.78–0.94), pharmacists’ recommendation on TCS use (aOR 0.11, 95%CI 0.02–0.61), and time spent on counseling (aOR 1.42, 95%CI 1.13–1.64). Patients mentioned they were counselled on the frequency and duration of application of TCS, and potential adverse effects. Most were not counselled on action to take when an adverse event occurs and the storage and use of leftover medication. CONCLUSION: CPs counseling practices to their patient about the use of TCS requires improvement. Continuing education and hands-on training are needed for CPs regarding counseling about TCS use. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01871-z.