An exploration of the role of community pharmacists in the supply of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in Ireland

Abstract

This thesis set out to explore community pharmacists' role in the supply of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in Ireland. The introductory chapter outlines how the research undertaken sought to address a notable gap in the literature; prior to this research, there had been no published investigations into community pharmacists' role in the supply of these medications in Ireland. Moreover, it illustrates how exploring pharmacists' role in this area was not only important in the context of developing their professional role, but also worthwhile in attempting to address longstanding issues relating to the safe and appropriate use of these medications in Ireland. Chapter two details the findings of a postal questionnaire issued to a sample of community pharmacists which explored their views and experiences regarding their role in benzodiazepine supply. The findings suggested a lack of active pharmacist involvement in roles and activities extending beyond benzodiazepine dispensing alone. This needed to be addressed because, given the frequency with which benzodiazepine prescriptions were reportedly encountered by pharmacists, they were suitably positioned to engage with patients. The potential for pharmacists to undertake extended roles in benzodiazepine supply was also explored. Notwithstanding notable challenges, pharmacists displayed willingness to extend their role and to facilitate the initiation of existing long-term patients on discontinuation programmes.