[Interest of the use of the "MYDEFI" smartphone application to help reduce alcohol consumption in the involvement of pharmacists in the prevention of at-risk consumption: Results of a survey in the Hauts-de-France]

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the interest in the MyDéfi application as a tool to help pharmacists identify and manage excessive alcohol consumption, as well as their perception and knowledge of alcohol and their possible role in its management.

Methods: Prospective mixed qualitative and quantitative study, based on face-to-face semi-directive interviews.

Results: The 101 pharmacists interviewed in Hauts-de-France region considered that the detection of alcohol consumption was part of their mission, even if it is a difficult subject, and that they had received specific training in alcohology during their university training. Only 12% were aware of early screening and brief intervention on alcohol. Several obstacles were mentioned, such as the lack of training and confidentiality, and difficulties related to patient specificities. Forty-one percent said that the pharmacy was not suitable and almost 72% said that the MyDéfi application could be useful for screening and 91% would recommend the application as one of the best supports, easy to advise with a personalised follow-up. For 32%, the application is accessible to patients (40% think that the main drawback of the application is inaccessibility and 27% its cost).

Conclusion: Pharmacists consider that excessive alcohol use is a major problem that should mobilise them but many do not feel ready to offer brief interventions. After seeing how the MyDéfi application worked, the majority considered that it could help them in their prevention mission.

Keywords: Alcohol; Alcool; Application smartphone; Brief alcohol screening and intervention; Enquête; Pharmaciens; Pharmacists; Repérage précoce et intervention brève; Smartphone application; Survey.