Honors Theses
Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Pharmacy Administration
First Advisor
Erin Holmes
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that has garnered more attention in the profession of pharmacy in recent years as a result of being more commonly diagnosed in both adult and pediatric populations. With new medications available, pharmacists need to be knowledgeable about how these products may affect patients, especially children. It is crucial to understand pharmacists' perceptions and knowledge of ADHD and its treatments to optimize their provision of treatment for these patients. Due to the lack of literature dedicated to pharmacists' knowledge, familiarity, confidence, and perceptions as it relates the condition of ADHD and its treatments, the objectives of this study are to measure community pharmacists' knowledge of, familiarity with, confidence in counseling for, and perceptions of, ADHD and associated treatments for children. The study objectives were met by employing a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Responses were generated using a self-administered survey that was distributed electronically to Mississippi pharmacists using Qualtrics Survey Software. The results of this study demonstrate that Mississippi pharmacists are generally knowledgeable and comfortable in their role as dispensers of ADHD medications for children and also in counseling patients and families about those medications. However, there still appears to be some need for supplemental education in the form of continuing education or enhanced pharmacy school education to reinforce pharmacists' knowledge about pharmacological treatments. Pharmacists were less knowledgeable and familiar with diagnosis of ADHD and non-pharmacological treatments, which is expected given their practice area. The question to be asked is whether education for pharmacists in these latter areas is necessary, especially if they are not specialists in ADHD. It can be argued that pharmacists would benefit from training in ADHD outside of pharmacological treatments. As the most accessible healthcare professional, pharmacists are likely to be called on by families of patients with ADHD for guidance. Additionally, a collaborative healthcare team approach should be taken between doctor, pharmacist, and therapist to ensure the patient's ADHD is not only being handled through medication therapy, but through a holistic approach.
Recommended Citation
Crider, Anna, "Mississippi Pharmacists' Knowledge and Perceptions of ADHD in Children" (2017). Honors Theses. 76.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/76
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