Desarrollo de un Manual de Atención Farmacéutica, basado en el análisis de conocimientos y practicas del personal farmacéutico, para la Educación Sanitaria del Paciente en Farmacias Comunitarias de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This research aimed to develop a Pharmaceutical Care Manual focused on patient health education through the analysis of the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of community pharmacists in Cuenca, Ecuador. The primary objective was to promote the rational use of medicines. A mixed-methods approach was adopted using a descriptive-propositional, non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Data were collected through a structured survey based on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) model and semi-structured interviews conducted with community pharmacists, complemented by documentary review and analysis of scientific literature. The findings revealed a positive attitude toward pharmaceutical care and patient health education; however, important limitations were identified, including insufficient pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, inadequate documentation of pharmaceutical interventions, the absence of standardized protocols, and limited time available during the dispensing process. These findings supported the development of a practical manual incorporating active dispensing protocols, patient health education strategies, and pharmacotherapeutic follow-up forms, providing a practical tool to strengthen pharmaceutical care practice and enhance patient safety.