A multimethod UK study (surveys + qualitative interviews) explored the experiences of people with osteoarthritis (OA) engaging with community pharmacy staff and their views on an extended pharmacy role in OA management.
Across 450 survey responses and 18 interviews, patients supported an expanded pharmacy role covering medication optimization, self-care (exercise, weight management), and education about OA — but expressed uncertainty about pharmacists diagnosing OA; key facilitators were staff training, and key barriers were high workloads and limited access to medical records.
Recruitment through general practices in only two UK geographic areas limits generalizability; the study captures patient views only, not pharmacist or clinician perspectives; self-selected sample may over-represent engaged patients.
Community pharmacists could do more than dispense medication for OA patients — structured self-care support (exercise advice, weight management) and medication reviews are areas patients actively want expanded. Investing in pharmacy staff training and improving access to medical records are practical first steps.
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