Pharmacists viewed as 'trustworthy sources' of medical information

ALEXANDRIA, Va. A majority of respondents to a recent survey said they found pharmacists the most trustworthy sources of information on health and medical research issues, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

The NACDS heralded the poll, conducted in February by the nonprofit Charlton Research Co. and commissioned by Research! America and Eli Lilly  and reported in a United Press International wire story. Of the 1,000 participants in the poll, 83% rated pharmacists as “trustworthy,” compared with 82% for patient groups, 79% for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 78% for healthcare providers.

“It’s no surprise that pharmacists are viewed by consumers as the most trustworthy source when it comes to health and medical research issues,” NACDS CEO Steve Anderson said. “Pharmacists have a repuation for being highly accessible and knowledgeable. NACDS believes findings like those in this research can help make the case for the role of pharmacists in helping patients take medications properly, also known as medication adherence.”