Multistate survey of primary care physician and midlevel provider attitudes toward community pharmacists

Objectives To assess and compare the attitudes of primary care physicians and midlevel providers toward community pharmacists by surveying the frequency and perceived helpfulness of practitioner-pharmacist interactions, as well as attitudes toward traditional and expanded functions. Methods A sample of primary care physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners (n = 3,851) in eight western states was mailed a survey. The survey used 5-point Likert-type scales to assess the frequency and helpfulness of interactions with community pharmacists, as well as level of agreement with specific statements relating to pharmacists' current and possible expanded roles. Responses ranged from +2 (very frequently/very helpful/strongly agree) to −2 (very infrequently/not helpful at all/strongly disagree). Results 799 analyzable questionnaires were received. On average, midlevel providers interacted with pharmacists more frequently (median −0.23 and −0.51 for midlevels and physicians, respectively, P P P Conclusion Most primary care physicians and midlevel providers support the current role of community pharmacists. Midlevel providers appeared to interact more frequently with pharmacists and indicated higher average helpfulness ratings for pharmacists. For pharmaceutical care to be realized in the community setting, a concerted effort by the pharmacy profession will be necessary to further demonstrate its benefits and feasibility. Midlevel providers may be helpful in facilitating this process.