To the pharmacy not only for medicines – how do Europeans perceive pharmacists?

• Instead of clinics, pharmacies are increasingly becoming the first place patients go for help.
• This is due to long queues for doctors and limited consultation times, especially during the season of infections and colds.
• As many as 58 percent of Europeans declare their trust in pharmacists, according to this year's edition of the STADA Health Report.
• In health-related matters, only family doctors (69%), other healthcare professionals (61%) and scientists (59%) enjoy greater trust.

According to this year's STADA Health Report , 58% of Europeans say they trust pharmacists. Only family doctors (69%), other healthcare professionals (61%), and scientists (59%) enjoy greater trust in health-related matters.

Waiting for a doctor's appointment, as well as limited consultation time – especially during the season of infections and colds – increasingly means that the pharmacy, rather than the clinic, is becoming the first place patients go for help.

How has the perception of the role of pharmacists changed in recent years? What ailments most often bring these specialists to our attention? And do Poles trust pharmacists to the same extent as other Europeans?

Pharmacists have enjoyed high public trust in Poland for years. In a 2017 survey, 61% of Poles considered them to enjoy public trust.

The situation is similar now, as confirmed by the results of the STADA Health Report 2025 – 53% of us declare confidence in this professional group, which is close to the European average (58%).

Interestingly, pharmacists are most trusted in:

• Great Britain (69%),
• Ireland (69%)
• Belgium (69%).

Although most over-the-counter medications can now be ordered online, direct contact and the ability to obtain advice are among the main reasons why Europeans visit traditional pharmacies – as stated by as many as 40% of respondents. Another 40% use brick-and-mortar pharmacies because they can get the product immediately when they need it.

For 30% of Europeans (and as many as 40% of Poles), a pharmacy is a place where they can get everything they need to take care of their health, and 28% know and trust the people who work there. Only 5% (and 2% of Poles) never use brick-and-mortar pharmacies, choosing online ones instead.

"Pharmacists are highly qualified specialists who, thanks to years of education and continuous improvement of their skills, play a vital role in the patient treatment process. Their knowledge and experience are crucial in ensuring the safety of pharmacotherapy, supporting patient adherence to medication recommendations, and promoting preventive healthcare," says Marta Prechtlova , CHC Director, STADA Pharm.

He adds: "The fact that so many Europeans, including Poles, visit pharmacies despite the growing availability of online shopping demonstrates that we appreciate their roles and competences. We are also pleased that we still value the advice of a doctor, pharmacist, or other specialist much more than an answer obtained through artificial intelligence or found in an online search engine."

Consulting, filling prescriptions, education - the duties and competences of pharmacists in a pharmacy

The pharmacist profession is changing rapidly – ​​it is now a key partner in the healthcare system. This evolution is a response to the growing needs of patients and a step towards greater access to healthcare. So what are the competencies of modern pharmacists?

• Prescription Filling – In a pharmacy, the pharmacist accepts and fills prescriptions issued by doctors. They also verify the prescription's compliance with legal regulations and the doctor's recommendations. They select appropriate medications and provide patients with information on their use.
• Pharmaceutical counseling – one of the key responsibilities of a pharmacist is providing patients with expert advice on medications and their use. Pharmacists explain dosage, possible side effects, and contraindications, and also advise on dietary supplements, over-the-counter medications, and a healthy lifestyle. According to the STADA Health Report 2025, nasal congestion (42%) and sore throat (41%) are the most common complaints for which patients seek help from pharmacists.
• Medication review – an additional service during which a pharmacist can verify that the medications a patient is taking—often prescribed by different specialists—do not interact with each other or overlap. During the review, the pharmacist conducts a detailed interview about all the medications the patient is taking or intends to take, considering not only medications but also supplements, herbs, and even describing the medical devices used in the context of their health. As part of the review, the pharmacist will not change the treatment prescribed by the doctor, but if a medication problem is identified, they will provide appropriate information and recommend a consultation with a specialist.
• Pharmaceutical prescription – a pharmacist can issue a pharmaceutical prescription. It is not a substitute for a medical prescription and can only be issued in a life-threatening situation, for example, when a patient is unable to contact a doctor or clinic and obtain a new prescription. A prescription issued by a pharmacist is always fully paid, meaning it does not qualify for any discounts that might apply to a traditional prescription from a doctor.
• Vaccination services – pharmacists working in pharmacies that have signed a contract with the National Health Fund (NFZ) can also administer vaccinations. The new list of vaccinations that can be administered in pharmacies (effective August 25) includes, among others: vaccinations against COVID-19, influenza, measles, mumps, and rubella, shingles, HPV, and hepatitis A and B. The full list of vaccinations, along with a list of pharmacies that offer vaccinations, is available at: Get Vaccinated at the Pharmacy | Patient
• Diagnostic Tests – Pharmacists who have completed appropriate qualification courses also have the ability to perform various diagnostic tests. These include SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing, blood glucose testing, basic vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, and oxygen saturation), measurement of body weight, height, and waist circumference, calculation of BMI (Body Mass Index) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), as well as lipid panel testing.

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