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Evaluation of the use of pharmacy health education materials during national smile week 1997

5. Research conclusions

• The vast majority of Pharmacists see themselves ashaving a health promotion role in a very general sense. It is thought that thisrole is implemented through the distribution of leaflets, putting up posters,and giving advice.
• The primary source of support for such healthpromotion is given through materials provided by local Health PromotionDepartments.
• About 40% have experienced difficulties in usingmaterials. These difficulties most often relate to lack of shelf space, orleaflets which are too big.
• Most respondents distribute leaflets throughdispensers, with a much smaller proportion handing out leaflets to relevantpeople.
• Information about promotion packs should ideally begiven in advance through a letter, in order to allow Pharmacists to link upwith other health professionals or undertake specific activity related to sucha promotion.
• The respondents are most likely to use 1/3 A4 sizeLeaflet or Handouts. Between 60% and 66% used the Hanging Cards, Shelf Talker,Shelf Wobbler or Sticker.
• Factors most frequently associated with not usingmaterials are lack of available shelf or wall space. In addition, leafletswhich are not 1/3 A4 size are less likely to be used. If Window Stickers or shelfmaterials are provided, they must be designed in such a way so as not to blockthe view of products. Hanging Cards are most frequently used by bigger chainsas there is little space or understanding of the purpose of such cards withinsmaller shops or independents.