Green pharmacy practice : a cross-sectional study to evaluate awareness and application within community pharmacy

Abstract

Background:

The increase in environmental awareness highlights the need to implement green measures to address the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical processes. Green measures can be implemented within the community pharmacy settings to mitigate the environmental impact of related activities. Awareness and perception of community pharmacists about green measures are important since they are strategically placed to educate patients, consumers and healthcare professionals.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness of Maltese pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants, about green practices and the application of green pharmacy within the community pharmacy setting.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted through the distribution of a validated questionnaire to evaluate the awareness of community pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants, about green pharmacy. The data was analysed for descriptive statistics and chi square test was used for correlation analysis.

Key findings:

A total of 105 participants answered the questionnaire. Fifty-two percent (n = 55) of participants were familiar with the term green pharmacy. The majority of participants (98%, n = 103) showed interest in learning more about the topic. Green measures, such as rotating stock when receiving new products and enforcing recycling measures, are being implemented within the community pharmacy setting.

Conclusion:

Green measures are being implemented within the community pharmacy setting, however more awareness is required to drive the shift towards the implementation of environmentally friendly practices.