Pharmacists’ clinical knowledge and practice in the safe use of contraceptives: real knowledge vs. self-perception and the implications

Abstract Background Pharmacists are often the first healthcare professionals that patients contact with their illnesses and requests for medical information, which is enhanced following recent COVID-19 pandemic. Community pharmacists expected required to possess a broad spectrum of knowledge skills. Self-assessment these competencies needed self-improvement. Purpose study To assess pharmacists’ clinical practice in safe use contraceptives, compare scores obtained by external observation self-assessment as well investigate significance preceptorship experiences. Contraceptives was chosen subject area view high rates abortions means contraception Bosnia Herzegovina. Methods A questionnaire approach used. The included following: domain contained two case scenarios (safe contraceptives), evaluated knowledge, second self-assessed resolve cases from third measured demographics (including experience preceptorship). Dispensing domain. questionnaires were distributed convenient sample 100 at Annual Meeting Herzegovina Pharmacists. results presented counts (%). groups (preceptors non-preceptors) compared using Mann-Whitney U test, paired assessments analyzed Wilcoxon signed-rank test Spearman’s correlation used between variables. Results Of invited participate, 84 completed (84 % response rate). There no agreement real (average score - 1 : 2.71, 2 3.3) 3.77, 3.91). statistically significant difference actual (experienced/non-experienced precepting), while groups. Conclusion appear overrate themselves, leads self-enhancement bias, precepting has some influence. Pharmacists’ capability performing an objective needs be carefully studied future fully benefit patients.