Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Physicians and Pharmacists on Probiotics: a cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION: Probiotics have been gaining increased attention by public recently which originates concerns on its rationale use among healthcare professionals. Although there is evidence on efficacy and safety of probiotics in certain gastrointestinal disorders, it is important to identify healthcare professionals’ opinions on probiotics. This study was aimed to identify opinions of pharmacists and physicians on the use of probiotics.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study conducted between November 2017 and August 2018 among pharmacists and physicians practicing in Ankara, Turkiye. An electronic survey was designed and sent to the participants via e-mails.
RESULTS: A total of 361 pharmacists (74.5% female) and 356 physicians (42.4% female) participated in the study. About two-thirds of pharmacists and physicians indicated to be familiar with the mechanism of action and indications of probiotics. A majority of pharmacists and physicians recommended probiotics to be used in gastrointestinal system disorders (99.7% and 97.7%) and however pharmacists were more likely to suggest for genitourinary system (29.3%) but physicians for dermatological symptoms (15.1%). Considering patient advice regarding the probiotics, pharmacists (63.3%) seemed to receive more requests compared to the physicians (30.9%); and in regards to probiotic recommendation,70.7% and 38.2% of pharmacists and physicians indicated that they have no concerns, but 61% of physicians have concerns on reimbursement policy when prescribe.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pharmacists and physicians are the healthcare providers commonly being asked about probiotics by the patients. Therefore, is important to address healthcare professionals’ concerns and to increase their knowledge on the use of probiotics for different health conditions. Given the fact that probiotics products can be purchased without a prescription, healthcare professionals at primary care settings should be more vigilant for the rational use of probiotics.