Community pharmacists’ involvement in supporting young adults to self-manage atopic dermatitis: a qualitative exploration of community pharmacists’ experiences in the UK

Abstract Objectives Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a long-term skin condition impacting people of all ages from childhood to adulthood. Emerging adulthood is a period where young adults transition to AD self-management, which comes with increased healthcare responsibilities. As accessible healthcare professionals, community pharmacists (CPs) may offer help for young adults with AD in the UK. This study explores CPs’ experiences of supporting young adults with AD. Methods Fourteen interviews were conducted with CPs. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Newcastle University Ethics Committee before the study. Key findings Two themes were identified: community pharmacy as a medicine collection point and community pharmacists’ limited preparedness to manage AD. CPs perceived young adults with AD primarily used community pharmacy as a collection point for medicines. Participants did not have a distinct approach for communicating with young adults, which may reduce the likelihood of young adults with AD seeking advice. CPs felt limited in their preparedness to diagnose and prescribe treatments for AD, and managing chronic AD, which may negatively impact the interactions between CPs and young adults with AD for advice and support. Conclusions The findings illustrate that interactions between young adults with AD and CPs were centred around medicine supply. CPs’ absence of a tailored approach to young adults with AD and limited preparedness to manage AD reinforced limited interactions. Improvements are needed in enhancing CPs’ capability to recognize young adults’ needs and addressing limited preparedness through continuing professional development programmes to better support young adults’ AD management.