Abstract

Ozlem Nazan Erdogan* and Safiye Kaya

The aim of this research was to understand the precautionary measures of pharmacies in terms of safety issues of service. There are 322 community pharmacies in Kocaeli. Cluster sampling was used to select the community pharmacies included into the study. Four of eight regions were selected to this end. Throughout December 2005, face-to-face questionnaires were administered in 156 of 247 community pharmacists in four regions. Two thirds of community pharmacists (33.3%) have described the service area as unsafe. Eighty-eight (88) pharmacists who had inadequate safety measures in their pharmacy indicated 122 reasons. Cost accounted for 64% of these reasons, lack of necessary regulations for 31%, lack of managerial direction for 21%. Pharmacists who had not experienced any threat to security of life and property (n = 47, 40.2%) used a higher ratio of new technology methods (safety measures alarm systems to inform the police and private security firms, sensors on windows and doors, digital video recording systems). Traditional safety measures taken by pharmacists were cameras, window-guards, guns and other objects used as weapons (such as metal bars) and never being alone on night duty. 64% of pharmacists explained their safety measures against earthquake as fixing shelves to the wall. It is understood that in 56% of community pharmacies, there was no provision made for drugs which need to be kept cold during power outages. Thus, In-services needs have to be made and provided for pharmacist regarding safety issues.