Effect of attitudes and perceptions of independent community pharmacy owners/managers on the comprehensiveness of strategic planning.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the attitudes and perceptions of independent community pharmacy owners/managers about the comprehensiveness of strategic planning conducted for their pharmacies.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
United States.


METHODS
Nationwide random sample of 1,250 owners/managers of independent community pharmacies.


METHODS
Mailed survey.


METHODS
Comprehensiveness of strategic planning conducted; components used in the strategic planning process. Attitudes and perceptions of owners/managers of independent community pharmacies toward strategic planning.


RESULTS
A total of 527 (42.1%) usable questionnaires were returned. Of the 141 (26.8%) respondents who indicated that they conduct strategic planning, most components of the process were used. However, only 78 (55.3%) of those respondents conducted a review of pharmacy systems, and only 60 (42.6%) periodically evaluated implemented strategies. Approximately 88% of the variance in comprehensiveness was accounted for by 12 variables identified as significantly associated with the comprehensiveness of strategic planning conducted by owners/managers of independent community pharmacies. These included factors such as favorable cost-benefit relationship, impact of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, and remaining competitive in the pharmacy marketplace.


CONCLUSIONS
While a minority of the survey population, respondents who reported conducting strategic planning used a reasonably comprehensive process. Further, several variables were identified as significant factors associated with comprehensiveness of strategic planning conducted.
Harrison
Donald L
DL
College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City 73190, USA. donald-harrison@ouhsc.edu
D001290:Attitude; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D010595:Pharmacists; D010934:Planning Techniques; D014481:United States