The SMART Survey on OTC Medicines Training has revealed that one of the most important factors in product recommendation is training. The results of the survey were presented by Richard Thomas, editor of Pharmacy Magazine, at last month’s SMART conference, and have provided valuable insight into how pharmacy team members respond to training.

63 per cent of respondents said that confidence in medicines as a result of training is the most important factor in influencing product recommendation, with 76 per cent of those who had taken part in manufacturer-sponsored training saying it had influenced their recommendations to customers.

The findings also showed that pharmacy support staff gave advice on OTC products or common conditions to the majority of customers asking for it (60 per cent), with medicines counter assistants (MCAs) being asked for advice on average 16 times a day.

The survey shows that pharmacy staff are keen to participate in training on products and common conditions, and that creating successful training is vital in protecting and growing a brand.

CIG Healthcare Partnership is a division of the leading healthcare communications company, Communications International Group, with an outstanding track record for developing and delivering effective, bespoke pharmacy training materials. To learn more about what we do and to discuss the training options available to you, please contact Michelle Lapperton on 0207 434 1530 or michelle.lapperton@1530.com.