Assessing the image of pharmacists and perceived public prospective on drive through pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Evaluating consumer expectations and perceptions of established services is crucial to assessing the quality of drive through pharmacy services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess public perceptions of pharmacist image and the perceived advantages and disadvantages in response to the establishment of drive through pharmacy services. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among individuals living in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in 2024. The study took place from March to July 2024. The questionnaire consisted of 5 sections and a total of 28 items. The mean age of the respondents was 58.4 years (standard deviation = 10.4; range: 20-83 years). Approximately 60% of respondents believed that pharmacists maintain an appropriate balance between patient care and the business aspects of their profession. Moreover, 55.2% agreed that prescriptions are likely to be processed more quickly at drive through pharmacies compared with traditional settings. Notably, 88.4% (n = 296) recognized drive through pharmacies as particularly beneficial for serving individuals who are ill, elderly, or physically disabled. The mean score for the public image of pharmacists was 10.9 ± 2.1 (median = 11), while the mean perceived benefit score for drive through pharmacies was 26.5 ± 4.06 (median = 28). In contrast, the mean score for perceived drawbacks was 24.1 ± 5.4 (median = 24). Overall, the current study provided a preliminary insight into people's perceptions of the role of pharmacists, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of drive through pharmacy services, which had not yet been published. A majority of respondents felt that pharmacists strike a good balance and prioritize patient health over commercial matters.