A comprehensive analysis of community pharmacists’ practices, barriers, and strategies in patient education on Saxenda®: a qualitative study

Saxenda® side effects are mostly avoidable, and its administration is complex; therefore, patient education by pharmacists is essential to optimize its efficacy and safety. In Iraq, patient education practices remain inconsistent and barriers to effective patient education are unclear. To evaluate the extent of pharmacists’ practices in patient education regarding Saxenda®, including the adequacy and accuracy of the information conveyed, as well as the barriers encountered in delivering this education. A qualitative study was conducted using face-to-face interviews with a purposive sample of community-pharmacists in Baghdad. The interview guide was validated by a panel of experts. Data analyzed by thematic analysis. Twenty-two pharmacists participated in this study, and three main themes emerged: The first is the extent of current pharmacists’ Practice in patient education, with most pharmacists reporting proactive patient education, though only 13 were consistently proactive. Inquiries about Saxenda® mainly received from young adult women and primarily centered on its effectiveness and side effects. The second theme is pharmacists’ practice in patient education about Saxenda®, where pharmacists frequently educate their patients about the administration techniques and side effects of Saxenda ® verbally, but the information provided was often incomplete or misleading. Most participating pharmacists recognized the benefits of patient education to both patients and pharmacists. The last theme involves the barriers and challenges in patient education about Saxenda® such as patients’ low health literacy and pharmacists’ workload. Participants emphasized the need for targeted training and education to better equip pharmacists with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective patient education. Community-pharmacists in Baghdad frequently receive inquiries about Saxenda® from young women. Although they recognize the benefits of patient education, their patient education practices remain inconsistent due to barriers such as high workload and limited health literacy. Targeted training, improved resource support, and supportive policies are essential to enhance pharmacists’ skills and address existing barriers in patient education.