Inspection Practices for Regulating Prescription Handling and Antibiotics Control in Ilala Community Pharmacies of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Qualitative Assessment

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to explore inspection practices of prescription handling and antibiotics control in the context of Tanzania’s community pharmacies.

Design: Qualitative exploratory study.

Methods: This qualitative study held 14 in-depth interviews with pharmacists (three), pharmaceutical technicians (seven), and pharmacy council representatives (four) to collect data on the inspection processes for regulating prescription handling and antibiotic control in community-based pharmacies. The data was then subjected to content analysis with the help of NVivo12.

Results: The study found that even though routine inspections were conducted to regulate prescription handling and antibiotic control in community pharmacies, there were inconsistencies in prescription retention, inadequate documentation in the inventory system, and improper antibiotic storage, with less attention paid to inspecting antibiotic sales practices. Implicitly, the efficiency and effectiveness of such inspections were open to question. Moreover, many clients frequented these visits to community pharmacies without prescriptions, yet they were dispensed with non-over-the-counter antibiotics. Furthermore, there were generally disparities between regulatory expectations and practical implementation in community pharmacies.

Conclusion: More emphasis is necessary on antibiotic prescriptions and retention in community pharmacies coupled with standardized inspection protocol to help enhance inspection regulation activities and promote better dispensing practices for prolonged medicine life, improved efficacy, and health outcomes.