Pharmacists critical in helping more consumers to practice self-care with confidence, according to a new survey

A new survey¹ of 5,000 European consumers commissioned by Kenvue*, the makers of consumer brands including NICORETTE®, ZARBEE’S®, BENYLIN® and SUDAFED®, suggests that consumers are opting to visit pharmacists for self-care and are conscious of the positive impact it can have on alleviating healthcare system pressures. 

The data show it is still common for consumers across Europe to seek advice or reassurance from a GP, particularly when symptoms last longer than usual or are worse than normal. However, almost every second consumer (49%) has chosen to visit a pharmacist rather than a doctor for advice in the last year, even though a consultation was necessary from their point of view. Around a fifth (19%) have done so multiple times.

Trusted healthcare partners 

In the UK, findings show that pharmacists are a highly valued source of healthcare advice for consumers. More than a quarter (29%) of those who had chosen to visit a pharmacist rather than a doctor in the last year said this was because they trust their local pharmacist to provide healthcare advice. Additionally, 35% say this is where they typically turn to for healthcare advice, compared to 34% who normally seek advice from their GP.

Health system pressures

The high level of trust in pharmacists is positive news for healthcare systems more broadly. Previous research shows that if self-medication were not available, around 120,000 more physicians would be required in Europe or, alternatively, each physician would have to work 2.4 hours longer per day². This was echoed in the new survey, which found that if self-care treatments were less accessible, most UK consumers would visit a doctor for a prescription instead.

Survey responses indicate that consumers in the UK recognise the positive role that pharmacists and self-care play in building sustainable healthcare systems. Close to half (48%) of UK consumers who prefer to get treatments for minor ailments from a pharmacy said they do so to save doctors’ time.

Self-care confidence

Results also suggest that consumers would benefit from a greater understanding of the services and advice pharmacists offer, particularly when they feel unsure about what to do. A quarter of UK consumers currently choose to visit a doctor for minor ailments simply for reassurance (25%) and 15% would see a doctor for guidance on product choice or dosage – both areas where pharmacists could provide advice and help consumers feel more confident about their self-care choices. 

Angeliki Kazantzidi, Head of Marketing for Kenvue in Northern Europe said: “Empowering people to take control of their health is something we strive to do every day through our brands such as NICORETTE®, ZARBEE’S®, BENYLIN® and SUDAFED®, because we know how impactful everyday care can be. It’s extremely positive to see that consumers in the UK recognise the importance of self-care and the role it can play in our healthcare system. Pharmacists have a crucial role to play as a source of expert healthcare advice and services, helping more consumers to practice self-care with confidence.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

*Kenvue (Johnson & Johnson Ltd)

ABOUT THE NEW SURVEY

In total, 5,007 people were surveyed online by Censuswide from five countries with 1,002 adults from the UK, 1,003 adults from France, 1,002 adults from Italy, 1,000 adults from Spain and 1,000 adults from Germany aged between 18-74. Survey responses were collected between 02 and 04 October 2023.

For more information about Kenvue, please visit: www.kenvue.com.

PRESS CONTACT DETAILS

Kaizo PR

0203 176 4700

kenvue@kaizo.co.uk

REFERENCES

1. Kenvue and Censuswide - Consumer Research. October 2023. Survey of 5,007 adults aged 18-74 in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
2. Association of the European Self-Care Industry (AESGP), Self-Care in Europe: Economic and Social Impact on Individuals and Society (2021)