Exploring the Community Pharmacist's Knowledge of Celiac Disease

To evaluate pharmacists' knowledge of celiac disease, and identify potential areas where additional continuing education may be needed. A survey was sent to community pharmacists practicing in a national chain pharmacy in one region of New Jersey and New York. There were 418 pharmacists who responded to the survey with a response rate of 38%. Only 27% of all respondents who reported their understanding of celiac disease to be basic or advanced correctly defined celiac disease as both an autoimmune and a chronic lifelong disease. The majority (60%) of respondents correctly stated there are no federal regulations requiring manufacturers to designate medications as gluten-free. Twenty percent of respondents said they often recommended a change in diet to people suspected to have celiac disease before a confirmed diagnosis. Community pharmacists possess some knowledge of the disease and would benefit from and desire additional education about this disorder.