Clinical pharmacy in Kuwait: Services provided, perceptions and barriers

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy practice has considerably evolved from a dispensing role to a patient-centered profession. Kuwait has minimal clinical pharmacy services established in its healthcare settings. Objectives The objectives of this study were to document existing clinical pharmacy services in public hospitals, identify barriers to their implementation and assess perceptions regarding pharmacists providing clinical services. Material & Method A cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaires among a total of 166 pharmacists and 284 physicians across 6 public hospitals in Kuwait was conducted. Results Over half of pharmacists (54%) provided clinical services, with the most common service being education and drug information (86%). Forty percent (40%) of the pharmacists reported that clinical services offered were of their own initiative but most of them (71%) were not sure whether they would offer additional services in the future. The majority of physicians were receptive to an expanded patient-centered role of the pharmacist (97%), believed pharmacists add to patient clinical care (92%) and considered pharmacists members of the healthcare team (96%). Major barriers reported by pharmacists to implement clinical pharmacy services included lack of policy (49%), time (36%) and clinical skills (28%), which is similar to barriers reported by physicians. Conclusion Although clinical pharmacy is in its infancy in Kuwait, it is well perceived and requested by physicians. Major barriers must be addressed and in this context, having a national framework for pharmacy practice from Ministry of Health, supported by cutting edge education and a pro-active professional association would be key assets to evolve the practice in Kuwait.