- Survey Shows High Public Trust in Community Pharmacists as Medicine Experts
IPU, Tuesday 2 December: Research conducted for the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) highlights the ongoing value the public place in community pharmacists as trusted medicine experts and a vital part of Ireland’s healthcare system. The IPU has this week launched a new campaign reinforcing pharmacists’ vital role as medicine experts and reminding people that they are available and accessible when seeking trusted healthcare advice and support.
According to the Pharmacy Index 2025 Survey, carried out by Ipsos B&A, almost all respondents, 97%, said that they trust the advice and patient care they receive from their pharmacists. The same proportion, 97%, said they value the guidance and support provided by their local pharmacy team.
These findings reaffirm the essential role pharmacists play in the delivery of accessible, expert healthcare advice to communities across Ireland.
The survey also found overwhelming public support for an expanded role for community pharmacists. Key findings include:
- 94% support pharmacist prescribing;
- 92% would use health screening services in pharmacies; and
- 95% support pharmacy-led services to help improve adherence to their medicines.
According to the survey, community pharmacists are viewed as the most accessible part of the healthcare service, with 87% of people saying community pharmacies are very accessible. The research also found that the majority of people believe pharmacists are capable of managing day-to-day healthcare issues (75%), and that pharmacists are available at a time that is convenient (79%).
These results demonstrate strong confidence in pharmacists’ clinical expertise and highlight the public’s willingness to access more healthcare services through their local pharmacy.
The IPU’s Head of Professional Services Susan O’ Dwyer said,
“We are launching this campaign to reinforce the message that pharmacists are trusted medicine experts who can support you to take your medicines in the safest most effective way. Whatever your medicines queries, consult with your pharmacist and get advice you know you can trust.”
ENDS
