Belgians Trust pharmacists for Health Advice and Seek Expanded Roles, Survey Reveals
A recent survey commissioned by the Multipharma cooperative and conducted by the iVOX research office sheds light on the evolving relationship between Belgians and thier pharmacists. The findings highlight the trust patients place in their pharmacists, their desire for expanded healthcare services, and the challenges of financial accessibility to medicines.
Trust in Pharmacists: A Pillar of local Healthcare
Nearly 74% of Belgians express ”great confidence” in the health advice provided by their pharmacists, underscoring the vital role these professionals play in local communities. Half of the respondents visit a pharmacy at least once a month, not just to purchase medications but also to seek personalized support.
Financial Accessibility: A Growing Concern
The survey reveals a troubling trend: more than one in ten Belgians sometimes forgo buying medicines due to financial constraints. This issue disproportionately affects young people (12.8%) and French speakers (17.6%), compared to 6.3% of Dutch speakers.
Pharmacists as Diabetes Prevention Champions
With one in ten Belgians suffering from diabetes and a quarter of those over 45 at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, pharmacists are increasingly seen as key players in prevention. In November, 23,059 Belgians assessed their diabetes risk using the FINDRISC test offered by Multipharma. 67% of respondents support an expanded role for pharmacists, including conducting blood tests—a measure notably popular among 35-54 year olds.
Vaccination: A Valued Service
Pharmacists’ role in administering vaccines, especially for flu and Covid-19, is highly valued by 80% of Belgians. In 2024, Multipharma pharmacies administered over 81,000 doses of these vaccines, a significant increase from the previous year. Two-thirds of respondents also advocate for extending this service to other vaccines, such as those for tetanus or pneumococci.
Beyond Medication Delivery: A Shift in Pharmacist Roles
For Multipharma, pharmacists’ responsibilities extend far beyond dispensing medications. Patients increasingly rely on them for vaccination, diabetes screening, coaching, and medication reviews. Pharmacists are now compensated for these services through fees independent of medication sales, marking a shift toward a service-based remuneration model.
Managing Expired Medicines: A Call for Awareness
the survey highlights a gap in the management of expired medicines. In 2024, less than half of Belgians returned expired medications to pharmacies, with 46% of young people yet to adopt this practice. in contrast, 73% of those over 55 reported “always” or “generally” returning expired medicines. Multipharma’s “Recupills Challenge” initiative has collected 55 tonnes of expired medications,emphasizing the need for continued awareness campaigns.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Aspect | Key Findings |
|———————————|———————————————————————————|
| Trust in Pharmacists | 74% of Belgians have great confidence in pharmacists’ health advice. |
| Financial Accessibility | Over 10% of Belgians sometimes skip buying medicines due to budget constraints. |
| Diabetes Prevention | 67% support pharmacists conducting blood tests for diabetes screening. |
| Vaccination Services | 80% value pharmacists administering flu and Covid-19 vaccines.|
| Expired Medicines Management | 73% of those over 55 return expired medicines to pharmacies. |
This survey underscores the critical role pharmacists play in Belgium’s healthcare system, from providing trusted advice to expanding preventive and vaccination services. As patient expectations evolve, pharmacists are poised to become even more integral to public health.For healthcare professionals seeking to delve deeper into these findings,Multipharma continues to lead the way in redefining the pharmacist’s role in modern healthcare.
