Pharmacists sought after for healthcare advice, especially in the UK
Pharmacists play a critical role as front-line health professionals during COVID-19, so says the area managing Director for Northern Europe at Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, Carlton Lawson. In a recent survey commissioned by multinational corporation Johnson & Johnson, more and more UK consumers are reportedly turning to community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic for healthcare advice, over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare products and more.
Specifically, 43% of UK consumers said they would rather have community pharmacists provide advice on how to treat everyday health issues including coughs and colds or skin dryness; 43% said they would seek guidance from a pharmacist about health topics they would normally see a doctor about; and 57% said they would go to community pharmacists to provide advice about OTC healthcare products.
In addition, while 29% of UK consumers have visited a pharmacy to buy healthcare products during the COVID-19 lockdown period, more UK consumers (31%) have been reported to purchase healthcare products online, and would continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
“The role of community pharmacy has never been more important,” Lawson said. “Today’s consumers are seeking informed advice on healthcare topics, and pharmacists play into this role as front-line health professionals.”
