Community pharmacists’ readiness to support quality care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires ongoing care, and community pharmacists (CPs) play a key role in its management. This study assessed CPs’ knowledge, confidence, and practices related to COPD in Kosovo. A cross-sectional survey of registered CPs evaluated their knowledge and practices concerning COPD, covering general, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological aspects. Data analysis involved cross-tabulations and chi-square tests ( p < 0.05). The sample represented 9.5% of Kosovo’s CPs (mean age = 39.1 years; 63.2% female). Most participants (88.8%) lacked formal COPD training. While 84% dispensed COPD medications, only 57.6% felt confident managing the condition. Knowledge scores revealed gaps: general knowledge (mean = 3.3/8), pharmacological (1.42/5), and non-pharmacological (2.59/5). Pharmacological knowledge was weakest, with 60% scoring low. Education level correlated with general knowledge ( p = 0.011), and confidence was linked to knowledge ( p = 0.0004) and dispensing ( p = 0.0003). Substantial COPD knowledge gaps among CPs in Kosovo underscore the need for targeted education and system-level support to optimize patient care.